Real Estate Insights on Cape Town’s West Coast
- Warren Brusse
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
By Warren Brusse, Chief Executive Officer, Zebinvest Real Estate Development
Executive Summary
Cape Town’s West Coast region is experiencing sustained momentum driven by semigration, lifestyle demand, and significant infrastructure investment. Once considered holiday or retirement territory, towns from Yzerfontein south to Velddrif - from Langebaan to Elands Bay - are now staging grounds for residential, retirement, commercial, hospitality and mixed‑use development opportunities.
Key Trends & Local Agent Insights
Samantha Nel of Pam Golding Properties observe: “From St Helena Bay … to Yzerfontein … property prices have more than doubled in many instances”
Seeff agents Jaco and Tracey‑lee Coetzee add: “Correctly priced high‑end properties are still attracting buyers… highest demand is now in the R1.5 million to R2.9 million range”.
Market dynamics across West Coast towns have seen broader growth of 60–100% over five years, and up to ~190% over a decade.
Moreover, the Freeport Saldanha Industrial Development Zone (R21 billion pipeline) and upgrades to West Coast National Park tourism infrastructure underpin future demand.
Sector-Specific Insights & Projections
Residential
Stone‑and‑beach villages (Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster, Elands Bay): average house prices as of 2024 ranged from R2.3 m (Langebaan) to R3.1 m (Yzerfontein).
Growth: expected capital growth of ~8–10% annually over next 5 years, matching robust Western Cape trend and Cape Town’s ~10% per annum growth rate.
Rental yields: small 1‑bed units R10 000–12 500 pm; three‑bed homes R16 000–24 000 pm; luxury estate rentals R25 000–30 000 pm.
Retirement
Towns like Elands Bay and St Helena Bay attract older demographic (50+) and retirees. Over 75% of recent buyers in Elands Bay aged 50+.
Emphasis on tranquil lifestyle, security estates; projected growth ~7–9% annually as more retirees seek coastal living. Rental yield slightly lower at 6–7% gross.
Mixed-Use & Commercial
Growth corridors with increased commuting to Saldanha and Vredenburg have softened seasonality and created demand for amenities, retail and commercial nodes in Langebaan and Saldanha zones.
The hybrid "15‑minute city" trend and mixed‑use developments in Cape Town CBD are spilling over into coastal towns, promoting integrated projects combining residential, retail, offices and hospitality space.
Expected annual capital appreciation ~6–8%; rental yields ~8–9%.
Retail & Hospitality
Tourism upgrades in West Coast National Park and growth of estates such as Club Mykonos and Shelley Point are driving hospitality opportunities.
Hotel and resort investment returns projected ~8–10% yield with capital growth ~6–7% per annum.
Demographics & Buyer / Tenant Profiles
Demographics: Predominantly middle‑aged (36–64) and retirees; however younger families and professionals drawn by work in Saldanha Bay and remote / work‑from‑home flexibility are increasing.
Incoming buyers: High‑net‑worth individuals from inland provinces (Gauteng, KZN) and foreign buyers from Europe and North America drawn by lifestyle value.
Tenant demand: Seasonal holiday rentals targeting upscale lifestyle seekers; longer‑term rentals from local workforce and families.
Buyer needs:
Safe, secure coastal or estate settings
New build or turnkey properties
Proximity to schools, medical, retail
Lifestyle amenities and nature access
Tenant needs:
Furnished holiday rentals near lagoon/beach
Mid‑term leases for professionals linked to industrial zones
Long‑term family rentals near schools in Langebaan/Vredenburg
Price & Rental Benchmarks
Town | Typical Selling Range (R) | Typical Monthly Rent (R) |
Yzerfontein | 1.3 m – 8.5 m (luxury beachfront) | 12 000 – 30 000 |
Langebaan | ~1.5 m – 3 m; luxury up to 8 m | 10 000 – 24 000; estates up to 30 000 |
Paternoster | ~1.9 m median | 10 000 – 20 000 |
St Helena Bay | ~1 m – 4 m | 8 000 – 20 000 |
Elands Bay | ~1.25 m average | 7 000 – 15 000 |
Vredenburg/Malmesbury | ~0.8 m – 1.4 m | 6 000 – 12 000 |
Conclusion & Strategic Invitation
The West Coast real estate market offers robust growth, healthy rental yields, and clear demographic tailwinds - including migrations, lifestyle seekers, digital nomads, and retirees. It presents a compelling opportunity across sector types: residential, retirement, commercial, hospitality, and mixed‑use projects.
As CEO of Zebinvest Real Estate Development, I invite landowners and investors in the West Coast region to collaborate with us as your leasehold development partner. With our deep local expertise, strategic partnerships, and leading leasehold commercial model, Zebinvest is positioned to deliver quality developments aligned with buyer and tenant preferences, optimising capital growth and income returns.
Join us in shaping the region’s future - partner with Zebinvest to unlock the full potential of your land and deliver a world‑class mixed‑use, residential, retirement or hospitality developments that resonate with modern markets.
Let’s build the future of the West Coast - together.
By Warren Brusse, Chief Executive Officer, Zebinvest Real Estate Development
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