Living in the seaside suburb of Hout Bay

Hout Bay has seen an inundation of property development since its humble beginnings as a fishing village when 2 farms were established in 1681 and the Hout Bay forests were used for providing shipping timber. Many choose Hout Bay as a home base, enjoying the scenic beach-view drive commute on their way to and from work. These days, the area has developed into communities existing in several suburbs surrounded by mountains on all sides and levelled out by the ocean terrain on the horizon.

Hout Bay is near self-sufficient with almost every major chain operating a franchise within the area. Some of the best schools in the country can be found here including the Hout Bay International School as well as various public and private options. Hout Bay has a medical centre, plenty of restaurants, gymnasiums, and shopping malls.

Agent Q&A

We speak to our area estate agent and resident expert, Brent Scott, to receive insider knowledge about why living in Hout Bay is so desirable and why investing in a property here is the best choice for your future home.

Q: When looking for a property in Hout Bay, which suburbs would you recommend?

A: "Hout Bay has a variety of different suburbs and each has its own unique attributes. Some notable suburbs to view property include Scott's Estate, Tierboskloof, Bergendal, Ruyteplaats, Ken Rock Estate and Mount Rhodes. In each of these suburbs, you'll find unique properties with spectacular mountain or sea views."

Q: What sort of properties would you find in this area?

A: "Property for sale in Hout Bay caters to many different needs: from young single people wanting bachelor apartments to families needing larger spaces for their children. There is a mix of freehold property within estates, sectional title schemes in estates, freehold, and sectional schemes."

Q: What areas are currently the most popular with buyers?

A: "Mount Rhodes and Scott's Estate."

Q: What features set these areas apart from other neighbouring areas?

A: "Apart from the magnificent location and view, high security is standard which attracts buyers who are looking for a safe living environment."

Q: What makes these areas great for young families, are there any good schools in the nearby vicinity?

A: "Many young families choose to live in Hout Bay to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Living in Hout Bay is also more affordable than city living. Predominantly though, the area seems to attract small families with young children due to houses being well-sized for growing families. 

There are a variety of schools in the area that range from the Hout Bay Montessori school to the International School of Hout Bay. Younger children are also well catered for with a large selection of daycare and creche facilities."

Q: In terms of lifestyle, what do these areas offer residents?

A: "Hout Bay is a very unique place to live as it offers more than the average town or suburb. Most residents do not have to leave Hout Bay to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as walking trails, beaches, horse riding facilities, and tennis courts. 

Hout Bay is also situated on both the route of the Two Oceans Marathon and Cape Argus Cycle Tour. Therefore, there are many cyclists and runners in the area. The bay is very similar to a still lake and thus creates the ideal condition for stand-up paddling and canoeing. It's a picture-postcard kind of lifestyle!"

Q: What are the nearby healthcare facilities like?

A: "The Hout Bay Family Medical Centre has been providing patient-centred, family-orientated health care to Hout Bay residents for over 20 years. The Constantiaberg Mediclinic is also located a short drive from the town."

Q: What are some of the highlights of living in these areas?

A: "One of the suburb's biggest selling points is the natural beauty. Hout Bay lies on the Atlantic Seaboard and is situated below the spectacular World Heritage Site mountains. No matter where you are located, there are beautiful views in every direction. 

The town also has ample shopping and recreational amenities: Mariner's Wharf waterfront nearby a functioning harbour, supermarkets (two Spar stores, Checkers, Woolies and a Pick n Pay Express), restaurants, a medical centre, pubs, coffee shops, chemists, bottle stores, and video shops. 

Essentially, the area provides a sense of living in a village environment while still having access to all the amenities of the Mother City a short drive away."

Q: What advice would you give to people looking to purchase property in these areas?

A: "Spend sufficient time looking at opportunities that are available as the market is currently a buyer's market, which means there's a great selection available and potentially  good value to be had."

Q: What effect has Covid had on people choosing to buy in Hout Bay?

A: "The market in Hout Bay has been fairly quiet but since the beginning of this year there has been a notable uptake in enquiries. A significant sale was recently concluded by our agent, Devon, in an upmarket area of Hout Bay. However, we find that buyers are very cautious at the moment since they are doing some serious bargain hunting." 

Q: Let's explore prices, what are the trends?

A: "Properties on the market range in price from R920 000 for an entry-level apartment to R36 million for a mansion. These prices vary widely depending on the location of the property and whether it is in a security estate or private estate. Compared to other seaside suburbs along the Atlantic Seaboard, Hout Bay's prices are exceptionally affordable. You can find properties in security estates, and upmarket homes with sea views from as little as R5.5million."
 

Q: What are your favourite aspects of the area, personally?

A: "A favourite aspect of Hout Bay is the diversity of the properties, which range from family houses to smallholdings and secluded forest homes. Another aspect is the location. Hout Bay is situated a mere 20 kilometres from the city and 30km from Cape Town Airport, making it an easy commute, accessed by three exceptionally scenic routes. 

They are - Victoria Drive, which hugs the coastline; Rhodes Drive, a wooded meandering road that passes Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and ends at Constantia Nek circle; and the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, which links up with Noordhoek. Hout Bay is also known for the Bay Harbour Market which has a fantastic atmosphere, lots of great market stalls, delicious food and live music." 

Property on the market in Hout Bay caters to many different needs. From young single individuals desiring bachelor apartments to families seeking large spaces for their children. Hout Bay provides access to two beaches, offers scenic views and hiking trails, and is convenient for modern living.

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/autumn-motif-for-your-garden/  

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Contact Hamiltons Property Portfolio for all your buying or selling requirements:

Johannesburg (Head Office): 011 463 0155

Cape Town: 021 418-0328 

Garden Route:  044 050 3295

Eastern Cape:  076 927 7787

Or email to reception@hamiltons.co.za