Voelklip: Popular Residential Destination
Even though Hermanus is widely regarded as the whale-watching capital of South Africa – it is no secret that this coastal village has gained much recognition for its booming holiday and residential property market. With key suburbs such as Voelklip offering some premium seafront properties along the Cape Town Coastline – including charming coastal cottages and modern seaside mansions.
Voelklip Increased Activity
Voelklip has enjoyed a very active market which has seen exceptional growth over the past few years, particularly in the mid to upper end of the pricing scale. Established in 1942, there has always been an availability of vacant land; however heightened demand has lowered the number of available erven and today there is very little vacant land left.
According to Hermanus Property Sales Principal John Leppan, this has led to substantial alterations being made to existing modest properties. “We have now reached the point where it is not uncommon for new purchasers to raise an existing property to the ground to make way for a new modern house. “In the present climate, competitively priced properties in this suburb are selling within 90 days, with amplified interest during the summer months.
The most popular homes in Voelklip must cater for both the holiday and permanent market. Generous accommodation is a plus with 4 to 5 bedrooms being desirable. Open plan living and good entertainment is a must. Currently on offer from Hermanus Property Sales is a spectacular four bedroom residence in Voelklip listed at R7 million. Bordering the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and providing residents with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean, this quiet erf is surrounded by Fynbos and Leucadendrons. Designed with a laid-back lifestyle in mind, this abode has many open plan living spaces that allows for natural light to spill in.
Buy-To-Live Homebuyer Trend
Traditionally purchasers have hailed from the Western Cape, thus making up the bulk of the trade. “They were mostly buying secondary or holiday homes, “gewone strandhuis”. Voelklip has also been popular with our local farming community as this suburb is where most of Hermanus beaches are located; ’a beach house away from the farm’,” Leppan says.
The divide between holiday and permanent residences has always been evident – with a general 70/30 split respectively. Leppan notes that over the recent years this trend has changed with more permanents considering this suburb.
“The reason is twofold. Our town has become very congested from the western side and existing residents are not prepared to spend lengthy periods of time in the traffic and are therefore opting for the eastern side of town. Generally we have experienced stock shortages over the last 24 months with the influx of new families to our town. These purchasers are now considering this suburb as their primary residence. We are now reaching a point where permanents versus holiday homes are almost 50/50”
Water Maintenance a Drawing Card
Notably one major drawing card in the area is the state of Hermanus’ water sources. Solving their water shortage issue in response to the drought in the Western Cape – implementing a borehole solution to substitute the water supply by between 30 and 40%.
Commenting on the level of efficient town management, which has contributed to the sought-after nature of this suburb, Leppan indicates that extensive upgrades to Hermanus’ waterworks were made to the tune of R60 million – as borehole water has high levels of iron and could not be treated in the same way as dam water. “State of the art biological processes were used to remove the iron. This technology is a first in our country and is used in Germany. Things really work here,” says Leppan.
If you are seeking a property with sea views in a town that is well maintained and coveted by homebuyers, Voelklip is the ultimate residential destination. Hermanus Property Sales boasts keen insights and extensive knowledge of Voelklip and are committed to helping buyers find their ideal address.