Living in Estate Houses in Cape Town

Sometimes, it may seem that everyone wants to live in Cape Town, since it’s that popular a city. Many inland residents look forward to relocating to the Western Cape, possibly because this area is said to have lower crime rates and more diverse lifestyle options. Much like elsewhere in South Africa, houses in residential estates have become exceptionally popular in Cape Town.

While South Africa is a beautiful country and every region possesses its own unique charm and appeal, Cape Town and the Western Cape as a whole are simply breathtaking. There’s Table Mountain, the mountains of Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and the Overberg, among others. 

Roughly opposite, one finds the sea, the cold Atlantic and the warmer Indian Oceans, depending on where you are. In between, the magnificent landscapes, quaint towns, historic buildings and world-class vineyards abound.

The pros and cons of living in Cape Town’s housing estates

If you’re thinking of moving to Cape Town and investing in any type of property there, it’s important that you’re aware of certain matters pertaining to the city and living in a housing estate, since you need to know of all the relevant pros and cons, to avoid that any characteristics of each may affect you negatively once you’ve committed your resources.

Wonderful as it is, estate living isn’t for everyone, albeit that naysayers are in the minority. When you buy into a housing estate, you’re buying into a lifestyle and a defined community. You need to be aware that residents are subject to certain estate community rules and regulations, which will probably vary from one estate to the next. Some just don’t adjust well to such rules, if they weren’t made aware of their existence before buying.

Rules are generally put in place for the peaceful, equitable coexistence of the whole estate’s community, typically dealing with issues that are often contentious – pets, children’s behaviour, vehicles, common area parking, noise levels, and restrictions on business activities from estate houses.

Monthly levies, an additional expense, are charged to cater for community expenses, such as common area maintenance, repairs, improvements, common property water and electricity usage, rates, taxes, insurance, security services, and wages of staff members engaged in common property upkeep.

Nevertheless, most people gladly pay their levies for the pleasure of living in a lovely, well-maintained, professionally managed and solvent estate in which property values continue to increase, as does the demand for estate houses.

The positive factors far outweigh the cons of estate living. Security is enhanced within a gated community, while a “lock up and go” lifestyle is possible. Individual property maintenance costs are generally lower than in a standard freehold, suburban property.

Property value and increases therein are probably two of the most important advantages of investing in a housing estate, particularly one that features luxury homes.

The Cape is in a winter rainfall area. This may not appeal to everyone, but usually this isn’t a major drawback. A tumble dryer easily takes care of drying most damp washing, and the Cape is usually green all winter long, unlike the Highveld, where landscapes and gardens become dry, brown and uninteresting in winter.

Generally, the Cape’s winter temperatures are milder than those encountered upcountry, but it’s not unusual to experience four seasons in one day in Cape Town. Don’t forget about the notorious Cape Doctor, the south-easterly wind that may blow you over when it’s particularly severe.

Cape Town luxury estate housing specialists

Make certain that you have the assistance and experience of Cape Town’s luxury estate housing specialists – Fine & Country South Africa – at your service when buying in to this highly sought-after property sector. Our experienced professional agents are on hand to guide you through every step of the process with their knowledge and dedicated expertise.