Brackenfell offers an affordable alternative

BUYERS looking for value for money in a family-friendly location near Cape Town have been t ur ning t heir attention t o Brackenfell, which celebrated its centenary in 2013 and is now undergoing a facelift.

Wynand van Wyk of RealNet Prestige in Brackenfell says the area is gaining popularity with entry-level and family buyers because of its proximity to national roads and the improvement in infrastructure. Affordability is also a key factor in attracting buyers.

“Our biggest problem at the moment is finding stock to supply the increase in demand for property in the affordable price range. But to some extent developers came to our rescue by delivering about 200 new houses in the Burgundy/Sonkring area last year, and we are expecting to double our sales in this area this year.

“There will be several more developments in Sonkring coming on stream later this year too, including security estates, some plot-and-plan homes and the Othello Retirement Village.”

RealNet Prestige has already been involved in two new devel- opments in the sought- after R1.4 million to R1.8m price range, one of which was in an existing security estate. Van Wyk says such homes sell particularly well because they offer modern finishes and designs as well as excellent security.

Meanwhile, he says, demand is pushing up prices across the whole area.

“Two years ago a three-bedroom family home would have cost you around R1.21m, and now that same house would cost around R1.49m – especially in Protea Heights.”

Most buyers in Brackenfell are young parents looking for space to grow their families, as well as empty nesters who want to downsize to modern, lowmaintenance homes.

“A big attraction for families is the fact that some of the Cape’s best schools are here,” says Van Wyk, “i ncluding Brackenfell Primary School, Bastion Primary School and Brackenfell High School. Sonkring is now also getting its own Curro Private School.

He also says the local neighbourhood watches and community policing forums are active.