STRONG AND STEADY DEMAND IN STRAND

Tertius Rabe, Broker/Owner of the newly opened RE/MAX TRE, says that there has been a steadily growing demand for property in the Strand area as the initial shockwaves of the economic downturn recede and as people have adjusted to the more stringent lending criteria of the banks.

Rabe says some agencies in the area have reported a notable increase in sales. "What we are seeing today is a far more realistic purchase pattern and one that appears to be more sustainable in the long run."

Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that the Strand property market is reflecting the trends experienced in many other towns across the country. "Demand," he says, "should remain steady in areas where prices are realistic and the location and natural attractions continue to draw buyers."

When asked why he and his partner, Paul De Reuck, decided to open a RE/MAX office in Strand, and why they joined the RE/MAX brand, Rabe said the decision was based on their own experience of the area.  "We already have a successful company located in the Strand area and we have seen for ourselves that Strand is a popular destination for both property buyers and investors.  As to why RE/MAX - the answer is pretty straight forward: our own company is very attentive to customer and client service, characteristics which we saw mirrored in the RE/MAX brand."

Talking about property in the Strand area, Rabe says houses sell for around R900 000 up to several million rand, depending on the neighbourhood.  "In our experience there seems to be more demand for houses than apartments. This is unlike a few years ago, where apartment blocks sprang up on the beachfront to meet the demand for apartments as opposed to houses."

The buyer mix these days, according to Rabe, is leaning more towards permanent residents and holiday home buyers. He says the buy-to-rent speculation of a few years ago has almost diminished.  

Entry level homes in Strand are fairly standard, designed with two bedrooms, a kitchen and open plan lounge/ dining area.  "If you are lucky there may be a garage attached.  One can also find a smaller place which would need renovation, but these are generally in established neighbourhoods.  There are always good buys, as long as one is not in a hurry," says Rabe.

Mid-level homes on the other hand can be found in an established neighbourhood where erven are around 300m2 and tend to feature a double garage and in some cases, en-suite bathrooms.  Rabe says that the most expensive homes in Strand have often been renovated beautifully from older homes and often include features like a swimming pool, excellent security and a double or triple garage.  "A study and indoor fitted braai, air-conditioning and superb views would be standard."

He says overall Strand is an exceptional area in which to purchase a property. "The area boasts some of the finest schools, is a popular destination for weekend visitors, is so central to the wine routes surrounding Stellenbosch, is some 30 minutes from Cape Town, provides easy access to the N2 and  the Garden Route, and of course, the area has the sea and the mountains  These features seem to make the area irresistible."

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