Historically, the South African estate living has been a relatively small and exclusive component of the residential property sector. However property data shows that this is changing—approximately R15 billion in estate properties are now sold each quarter. However, as in the case of other properties, prospective buyers should do their own thorough research, on aspects such as security, lifestyle amenities, and the surrounding areas before committing themselves to any purchase. Prospective buyers must know what to look out for when they purchase an estate property.

The recent surge in activity in the estate market—especially in the Western Cape—has highlighted the need for more knowledge and awareness among prospective buyers. It is important to compare apples with apples and so, Somerset Lakes has set out four tips for you which are essential to consider:

Is the estate situated in a desirable area?

Although location remains a crucial consideration when buying a property, what is important in terms of location may vary from buyer to buyer and for those at different stages of their lives. Parents and couples planning to start a family in the near future will, of necessity, want to be in close proximity to a good school. Properties near the top schools can command premium prices or they may be located in very congested areas. Nature-lovers or those close to retirement may seek less congested areas or find a commute less of a problem. There are estate developments aiming to incorporate as many of these preferences as possible.

Security—how important is it?

Buyers should know what level of security they are looking for when choosing between estate developments. Safety has become a major factor when considering the different South African cities. While the neighbourhood and its surrounding areas remain important, the tight security features offered by a well-run lifestyle estate may swing a decision in favour of a particular estate. Many estates offer 24-hour security, security patrols, high definition surveillance cameras and electrified perimeter fencing with anti-dig foundations. The most technically advanced offer biometric fingerprint access control so there is a whole range of factors to consider.

Does the estate have good recreational facilities?

Ultimately, the estate has to be right for the buyer’s expectations and lifestyle. Buyers are often attracted by the many recreational facilities offered by residential estates: exercise facilities, communal pools and club houses. Increasingly, top developers are incorporating lifestyle elements such as private lakes and beaches within the perimeters, allowing for water sports and community activities. There is a great variety of possibilities so prospective buyers should make sure the facilities match their current lifestyle and expectations.

Will the property prove to be a smart investment?

Prospective buyers should not forget to investigate the credentials and track record of the developers—ensuring the estate is financially secure and backed by reliable investors will ensure the future of the estate is in good hands. This is particularly important when buying off-plan. The investment companies backing the development are also important because they make up the financial muscle of the whole development.

Understanding these tips will help buyers to decide exactly what they are looking for in an estate and determine the extent of the property development company’s industry knowledge and experience.

Regardless of the economic climate, estate properties in general display a stable performance. In essence, this means that in an economic downturn, an investment into an estate development is safer—the risk of your property dropping sharply in value is considerably lower.

Somerset West has become the top residential purchasing area in the Helderberg property market, Western Cape, in terms of demand and average prices, according to the Sales Director of Somerset Lakes, an adventure lifestyle estate. Out-of-town buyers currently comprise approximately 40% of the potential buyers expressing interest in the area. An increase in the number of prospective purchasers from Durban, Pretoria, Gauteng shows the changing buyer demographic and this can be attributed to the attractions of the extremely appealing winelands lifestyle.

Somerset West is close to Cape Town and its business center and forms the gateway to the Cape Winelands. As such, professionals needing to be close to a city center but also wanting country living can have the best of both worlds.

Prospective buyers are attracted to properties within an estate because of the tight security on offer. Most gated communities have state-of-the art security systems in place, including 24 hour patrols and guardhouses, high definition surveillance cameras—monitored around the clock—and electrified and alarmed perimeter fencing with anti-dig foundations.

Families looking to raise their children in a safe area with good schools nearby are also attracted by the lifestyle aspect as a lifestyle estate offers gym facilities, communal pools, sporting activities and club houses which means you can live the life of Riley without moving a foot off the estate if you wish to.

The increasing demand for property within lifestyle estates means that property values continue to rise—a very good investment for the discerning buyer. Investors in Somerset West have sold one-bedroom units in the area for R300k more than they paid a year ago.

Generation Schools  Somerset West is right at your doorstep—cycling and jogging tracks, outdoor gym stations, a BMX Pump Track and adventure trails.

Somerset West itself has more than 40 exciting things to do for families. Besides the historic wineries and vineyards like the Vergelegen and Lourensford Wine Estates, Waterkloof Wines and Morgenster Wine Farm, which also offers an olive-tasting experience, there are any number of adventurous things for families to do. A visit to Monkey Town Primate Centre is sure to delight the little ones while flea and street markets like the one at Lourensford and Paardevlei Farmers’ market are always fun for all. The Cheetah Outreach is in close proximity and the wonderful Cape fynbos can be admired in Helderberg Nature Reserve.

At Blue Rock Adventure Park, you will be treated to one of the best destinations for water-sports in the Cape. Situated on the beautiful slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, this incredible lake is perfect for knee-boarding, water-skiing and wakeboarding. The Badi (beach area) is the ideal place to relax and take a break from the water while other activities include volleyball, a foofy slide and outdoor paintball arenas.

There are a number of day tours which can take you anywhere from whale watching in Hermanus to a Zipline Canopy tour off the mountain range or the Big 5 Aquila Safari Tour. There are golf courses, nature and wildlife tours, game and entertainment centres and historical and heritage tours The Henry Taylor, Bright Street and Cavalli Art Galleries are there for those seeking more intellectual pleasures and culinary food experiences are bound to please everyone.

Couples and families will not find it difficult to entertain themselves as there is something for everyone and all tastes. Owning a property at Somerset Lakes guarantees unlimited enjoyment and you can really live the laid-back, adventurous lifestyle in proximity to the coast and winelands safely and independently.

New trends have shown that potential buyers and tenants are more inclined to settle where there are schools within safe walking distances from their homes. While short commuting distances are also agreeable, their preference is to live close to the school.

Somerset Lakes recently commissioned an independent study on the demand and growth impact of including a good school within a lifestyle development—very similar trends were noted throughout South Africa. Their research shows that estates developed in conjunction with a school result in a 10% to 15% higher property price growth potential compared with homes near private schools developed in pre-existing residential areas.

Lifestyle estates offer security and convenience and have become a major property trend in South Africa. They create a sense of security for the residents while giving them the peace of mind to enjoy the amenities incorporated within the estate: shopping and recreational facilities, jogging tracks, gyms, clinics, offices and public open spaces.

Somerset Lakes in Somerset West, just outside Cape Town is one of these developments providing an upmarket lifestyle with various residential options ranging from townhouses and apartments to single residential units. Beyond its security and lifestyle features, Somerset Lakes has an established Generation Schools within its confines.

Security has become a major issue to consider in South Africa when buying a new home. Besides the general security offered by living in a residential estate, what greater peace of mind could you have than knowing your children—while being independent—are perfectly safe walking to and from their school every day? This closeness also frees mothers from the endless daily chore of having to cart children to and from school for after school activities and sports events—allowing them to participate in the outdoor activities and lifestyle benefits offered by the estate also.

Somerset Lakes is well positioned to take advantage of the emerging trend to develop more schools—both private and public—closer to the communities they serve. For this reason, an investment in Somerset Lakes is a good investment opportunity for potential buyers.