The town of Kleinmond, located on the Cape’s Whale Coast, is experiencing sustained demand for residential property, with Pam Golding Properties (PGP) reporting steady sales throughout the year (2012).  The town lies within the World Heritage Site of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, at the mouth of the Palmiet River.  It is surrounded by mountains and pristine fynbos, offering a wealth of outdoor activities on both land and sea.

PGP agent Lize Götz says Kleinmond is enjoying renewed interest thanks to the vibrant harbour-front development, Harbour Road, which has significantly boosted its tourism and hospitality offering.  The opening of the crayfish season in mid-November and the awarding of the prestigious international Blue Flag status to Kleinmond Beach in October have also boosted the area’s appeal.  PGP has sold 19 properties in Kleinmond this year (2012), to a total value of R21 million.  These sales included a holiday home located next to the nature reserve, which sold for R2.8 million.

Götz says the highest demand at present is for homes in the R800 000 to R1.1 million range, especially cluster homes in secure developments.  “The demand is from buyers around the country,” she says, ‘including Capetonians seeking weekend and holiday homes, as well as families from up-country looking for seaside retirement properties.  We are also seeing a number of young families relocating to Kleinmond from larger cities, and buying both homes and businesses in the town.  The wholesome seaside lifestyle, with its lower crime rate and slower pace of life, is the primary driver for buyers in this category.”

Buyers are still driven by the search for good value for money, with affordability being another primary driver of interest in the town.  Entry level prices include vacant erven from just R200 000 and apartments from R550 000.  A small holiday home can be obtained from R750 000, while a well-located home suitable for future retirement use can be purchased from around R1.25 million.  At the upper end of the Kleinmond market, homes positioned close to the seaside are priced between R1.4 million and R2 million, while front row properties can fetch anywhere between R3.5 million and R6 million.

Götz adds that a few specific areas of the town are enjoying particular popularity at present.  These include the avenues in the centre of town, located within walking distance of both the beachfront and mountain trails, and close to all amenities.  Another popular location is the Palmiet area on the western side of the town, which is close to the harbour development and nature reserve, as well as beautiful Palmiet Beach.  One the eastern side of town, Klein-Berlyn and Heuningkloof are in high demand due to their proximity to the Blue Flag beach, the lagoon and the local nine-hole golf course.

The Harbour Road development, located right on the water’s edge, is gearing up for a busy festive season, with its holiday rental offering already fully booked.  The first phase of the development is now fully operational, and includes a mix of restaurants, delis, art galleries and boutique shopping.  The few residential units enjoy magnificent sea and mountain views, and occupants can buy their fresh fish for dinner straight off the boats as they return to shore.   Apartments in the development’s future phases can also be purchased off-plan, with prices ranging from R2.8 million to R5.5 million, inclusive of VAT.  “These units are suitable for both permanent and holiday use, and are ideal for Capetonians seeking a secure weekend home that they can lock up and leave on a Sunday evening,” says Götz.

PGP’s MD for the Boland and Overberg regions, Annien Borg, says those contemplating a permanent move to Kleinmond will find that the town has well-established infrastructure and amenities, including two primary schools, and a bus service to nearby Hermanus for high school-level children.  There are also a number of resident doctors, dentists and other medical professionals, a frail care clinic for the elderly, and a newly-built shopping centre including a Super Spar.  Golfers are also spoiled for choice, with the award-winning Arabella Estate being just a short drive away.  Its 18-hole Peter Matkovich golf course is regularly rated one of the top five in the country.