Paarl north no longer the Cinderella of the scenic Winelands town

Northern Paarl, the erstwhile Cinderella of the scenic Winelands town, has recently come into its own, attracting both buyers and developers who have begun to recognise the value and multiple drawcards it offers.

"The northern suburbs of Paarl were overlooked for many years," explains Chris Cilliers, CEO and Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty in the Winelands.

"But when prices in the more sought-after areas started rising a few years ago, people began to sit up and take notice of the fact that this area actually has much to offer, not least exceptionally good value as well as vacant land for development."

The suburb of Groenvlei has become especially attractive to young families, with Lightstone data revealing that 55% of buyers in the last year were in the 36 to 49 age group and 45% were aged 35 or younger.

"It's still a growing suburb, but already offers a variety of property options at very accessible prices. Currently, the average sectional title and freehold sale prices are R995 000 and R2.4 million respectively with vacant land sitting at around the R1m mark.

"We are also starting to see more development in the suburb with 12% of the property landscape now being freehold estate homes."

A new development which is capturing buyer's attention is Honeydew Country Estate which comprises a variety of sectional title and freehold options which are not only attractive to young families but also to first time buyers and empty nesters and retirees who are scaling down.

"The first phase is already sold out and phase two has just been released for sale so buyers can either buy existing homes or off-plan and they have a choice of single or double storey homes with prices ranging between R1.795m and R2.59m.

"There is a new sectional title town house development on the estate called Blue Mountain Mews with the first 16 units already built. Pricing starts at R1.495m, including transfer and bond costs."

Security is a key feature of this estate, including biometric access control, infra-red surveillance, electrified perimeter fencing, an access-controlled gatehouse and estate patrols, allowing residents the peace of mind to enjoy the landscaped communal estate garden, play-park, trees and mountain views.

Set against the backdrop of the Paarl Mountains, it's also in close proximity to some of the most renowned schools in the Western Cape, such as Paarl Boys' and Paarl Girls' Primary and High Schools, as well as co-ed Paarl Gymnasium.

"Savvy investors who take advantage of this window of opportunity are buying property in a high-value but at a much more accessible price and with access to all the same first-class amenities," says Cilliers.

"Paarl is not only renowned for its beautiful scenic setting, award winning wines and rich historic background, it is also considered by many as a safe location and residents enjoy a relaxed, country lifestyle with myriad activities for outdoor and sports enthusiasts on their doorstep.

"In addition to top schools, there are world-class medical facilities, a regional shopping centre, myriad leisure and outdoor activities and a variety of sports facilities including three Excellent golf courses."

Convenient location is playing a large part in the town's increasing popularity. Not only is Paarl only 40 minutes from Cape Town, it's also within easy reach of neighbouring towns Wellington, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch as well as the northern suburbs of Cape Town.