New developments in Stellenbosch

This is definitely going to be the "year of the investor" in the Western Cape's golden triangle between Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.

That's the word from Maria de Villiers, co-owner of the Chas Everitt Cape Winelands franchise, who says there is extremely high demand for rental properties in this area currently, and a woeful shortage of supply.

"Fortunately, however, there are a number of new developments where investors can now acquire buy-to-let units, and those who move quickly stand to achieve very good returns.

Student accommodation has always been at a premium in Stellenbosch, which is home to one of SA's oldest and most sought-after universities. "And with the return of many students to normal campus attendance after several years of mostly home-based study, the demand for small apartments close to campus has rocketed in the past few months," she says.

"However, we are marketing a few developments where parents as well as investors can still find what they are looking for." These include:

• Lithops, which is conveniently located opposite the engineering faculty of the university and within walking distance to most other faculties and the town centre. One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments with parking spaces in this secure development are available at prices from R2,2m, and there is no transfer duty payable.

• The Edge, which is located in the trendy new Dennesig precinct just 1,1km from the centre of the campus. This offers studio and two-bedroom apartments with balconies in a highly-secure building that also has rooftop terrace, at prices from around R1,6m.

In addition, Chas Everitt Winelands has a handful of homes for sale in the highly sought-after Nooitgedacht Village estate, which is set among world-renowned vineyards such as Simonsig, Muratie and Beyerskloof, and close to excellent schools and upmarket shopping malls. Prices start at around R3,3m for a brand new three-bedroom home due for completion in May. 

The agency is also marketing the recently-launched Voliere estate located about 3,5km north of the town centre. This offers upmarket plot-and-plan homes designed in the Cape Vernacular style by Dennis Moss Partnership, as well as state-of-the-art security, landscaped grounds, an outdoor gym, a children's playground and a perimeter running track.  

For more information on new homes and student apartments for sale in Stellenbosch, contact Maria de Villiers on +27 83 251 3008.