Top Ten Residential Estates in South Africa

Top 10 Residential Estates in South Africa

Pearl Valley in Franschhoek tops the list, followed by Zimbali on the Kwazulu-Natal North Coast and FAncourt in George on the Western Cape's Garden Route.

South Africans buying property are increasingly concerned about living in a secure environment while having easy access to amenities, outdoor and sporting activities. Many estates offer more than just a safe place to live, they come with an enviable lifestyle and an attractive community living offering.

In the 2015 Estate Ratings report by New World Wealth, the top 10 residential estates have been rated for the first time. Andrew Amoils, Head of Research at New World Wealth, says the ratings criteria include value for money and resale potential; security, scenery and wildlife; quality and design of houses; space (average stand size and placing/spacing of houses); facilities (such as spa, parks, shops, schools, restaurants and bars); and activities (golf, equestrian, walking trails and fishing). It is interesting to note that Western Cape estates dominate the top 10. This reflects the lifestyle on offer and secure nature of estates in the province.

According to the New World Wealth report, South Africa's most desirable estates, rated from 1 to 10 are:

1. Pearl Valley

Pearl Valley in Franschhoek tops the list of estates in SA for 2015. Amoils  says the highlights include a high level of security, well-designed homes, a highly rated golf course, natural fynbos scenery, mountain backdrops, several lakes and over 120 species of birds, including the iconic African Fish Eagle and Malachite Kingfisher. Stand sizes are relatively large and well-spaced,  with property prices ranging from R5 million to R25 million.

2. Zimbali

This 700 hectare estate near Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast is 45kms from Durban. Along with Umhlanga, it has become the premier luxury area on the east coast of South Africa, says Amoils. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R50 million.

3. Fancourt

Located in George on the Garden Route, Amoils says Fancourt is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s premier golfing destinations, with three highly rated courses on one estate. The two original courses, the Montagu and the Outeniqua, were built in the early 90s, while the world famous Fancourt Links was added in 2000. There are several different residential areas on the estate including Links Ridge, Links Avenue, Cape Dutch Village, Oakland’s Village and Montagu Ridge. Property prices on the estate range from R3 million to R45 million.

4.  Arabella

Located on the Bot River Lagoon, 28 miles west of Hermanus, Arabella is a "hotspot for second homeowners", both from South Africa and abroad. It is arguably the most picturesque golf estate in the country with several lakes and fynbos wild zones, says Amoils. There are 236 houses on the estate and only a few of the holes have homes on them, so stands are limited. Prices are between R3 million and R10 million.

5. Pezula

Pezula Golf Estate is on the south coast of South Africa, next to Knysna. A unique feature of the estate is the Sparrebos, a 45-hectare forest with many animal and bird species, located at the south-eastern corner of the estate in a steep fan-shaped gorge, which protects the tall trees within it. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R30 million. Located next to the Golf Estate is Pezula Private Estate which is more expensive as stand sizes are larger.

6. Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is the ‘hidden gem’ of South African golf estates, says Amoils. Located between Blouberg and Melkbostrand in Cape Town, it is "home to some of the most spectacular houses in the country". The estate also operates as a wildlife sanctuary, with several wild animals such as antelope living on the property. Properties  range in price from R2 million to R15 million.

7. De Zalze

De Zalze is located in Stellenbosch, within commuting distance of Cape Town. The 300 hectare estate is also a working farm, comprising 120 hectares of vineyards, citrus orchards and olive groves. It is home to a particularly scenic golf course and three top restaurants. House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R20 million.

8. Vaal de Grace

Vaal de Grace is a newly built estate on the banks on the Vaal River. The golf course was designed by legendary Zimbabwean golfer, Nick Price. It scores highly when it comes to value, scenery and wildlife, says Amoils, and prices are from R2 million to R5 million, so it is relatively modestly priced when compared to the other estates in the top 10.

9. Erinvale

Erinvale is located in Somerset West and was completed in the mid-90s. "Erinvale has long been considered as one of the most exclusive areas in Cape Town when it comes to inland residential property, along with the likes of Bishopscourt and Constantia," says Amoils. Unlike many newer estates, the homes vary considerably in design, size and colour. Prices on the estate range from R7 million to R30 million.

10. Highland Gate

Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate is a newly built estate located in the Steenkampsberg mountain range near Dulstroom in Mpumalanga. It has an Ernie Els designed golf course, fly fishing and hiking trails and properties range in price from R2 million to R10 million.

The last two estates, Blair Atholl and Steenberg, just missed out on being part of the top 10 list:

11. Blair Atholl

Blair Atholl in Lanseria, Johannesburg, is home to a highly rated golf course, equestrian centre and wellness centre. It has 330 stands on the 600 hectares, equating to 2 hectares per home - this makes it the least dense estate in the country, says Amoils. House prices range from R10 million to R60 million.

12. Steenberg

Originally a vineyard owned by the Louw family, Steenberg was re-developed by JCI in 1990 to include a golf course, hotel, spa and housing estate. The estate still contains a large winery and vineyard to this day, making it unique from other estates in the South Africa. There are relatively few houses considering the size of the estate, and the newly built 'Nieuwe Steenberg' is the latest development. House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R20 million.

"Steyn City was not considered in our rankings as it is still in development and it is difficult to determine the viability of the project at this time," says Amoils.

Other notable residential estates in SA include Sunset Links, Dainfern, Val de Vie, Simola, Silverhurst, Waterfall Equestrian Estate, Mount Edgecombe, Saddlebrook Estate, Silver Lakes,Woodhill Estate, Mooikloof Equestrian Estate, Pinnacle Point, Whalerock Ridge, Simbithi,Stonehurst Mountain Estate, Serengeti Lifestyle Estate, Pecanwood and Brackenridge.

Source: Property 24