Tips and Traps on buying property in Somerset West

Hein Bredenkamp on “Tips and Traps” on buying property in Somerset West” 

Firstly, congratulations on your decision to buy your next home in our great town. 

Somerset West is a treasure town amongst majestic mountain ranges in the shadow of Helderberg Mountain offering everything that just about anybody would desire. From excellent wine farms, to generous shopping experiences, excellent schools, and a few minutes’ drive from the beach. 

Just like any town however one can go very wrong in buying property and I thought it a good idea to point some things out. These are tips and traps that we as property professionals have learnt over time. So please, it is an opinion. There are always exceptions. A lot of the info also comes from questions my clients ask me regularly. Please feel free to pop me a mail to clarify anything. 

Tip 1: The famous WIND questions. 

Most of the areas have lower wind factors than, for example, areas closer to the sea. Specifically, the summer South Easter. A good wind line remains the N2. South facing properties always have more summer wind. Our winter rain comes from the North West. We don’t really mind this as in the winter it rains anyway. North facing gives your house more natural light and tends to be a warmer home. However, it depends on the specific house design. 

Tip 2: North for Mountain – South for Sea. 

Pick your views that you want. If you are lucky you get both. Homes have to face south to get the sea view. So the design needs to give you the view but at the same time try and cut out the summer wind. We love our mountains and many residents prefer the Mountain View. 

Tip 3: In general, where are the good areas.

In general Somerset West is a great town to live so going very wrong is hard? All areas have excellent investment streets and some not so good. Certain areas are upcoming – have been older residential areas and now are being bought up and houses upgraded. So be careful to exclude areas. Rather include all areas to your specific needs i.e. close to schools, major highways etc. Then start looking in all the adjacent areas. Some areas you might have discounted have hidden treasures. Some areas have good and bad streets. Rely on your agents’ opinion here. Trust the agent’s judgement on this but always compare apples with apples. 

Tip 4: The Crime questions. 

Somerset West is blessed with ample security companies and a brilliant neighbourhood watch setup. The area is therefore relatively crime free. But beware: TAKE YOUR OWN PRECAUTIONS. Do not leave your front door open. Rather activate the alarm. Never pick up workers from the side of the road. 

Tip 5: New or Old Areas. 

In the newer areas on the outskirts of town one will find many developments. Obviously these properties are more modern and new. That’s great. The older areas however tend to be closer to schools, doctors and so forth. So if you don’t mind driving go for the newer areas. The erven however are mostly smaller. So if you are looking for a bigger plot, close to schools then you should try and buy in the more established areas. But again don’t exclude too easily. 

Tip 6: Extend or rather sell and buy another. 

Many clients ask me if they should rather build on additional rooms or modernize their homes instead of selling and buying what they want rather. 

This is a tough question and I will always rather advise that we do a valuation first. You certainly don’t want to over-capitalise in your area for example. We believe in giving you the right advice so don’t be afraid – we won’t push you into selling to buy again. Our valuations are true market related comparisons. Rather make an informed choice buy getting the facts. Then decide. 

Tip 7: The higher up the hill the more expensive. 

Yes – in general that’s true. But don’t discount any area too quickly. Some areas have hidden gems so make sure your agent looks everywhere. 

Tip 8: Pick ONE agent and stick to him/her. 

Your agent should be professional, trained and have a good recent sales record. As you start viewing properties your agent will get to know your exact needs. A good agent has good knowledge of all available properties and will always try and match you perfectly. We at Golden Homes have all properties with all agents on our books and we will match you to the right property as quickly and effectively as possible. 

Tip 8: Don’t throw your name around. 

As your agent we will always keep going – tirelessly- to find you the right home. If you search the web or visit show houses, please do not leave your details. Next time we want to take you out other agents might block us in saying you are already their clients. Rather email the reference number of the property on a website to us and we will tell you immediately what the details are. Remember – if we commit to you – commit back. We will work tirelessly to find you the right home. None of us want the disappointment of losing you to another agent after we have worked hard for you. 

Tip 9: Make sure you understand the whole buying process. 

I will explain it to you anytime. 

Tip 10: We study, sleep and eat property. 

Ask any questions anytime. If I don’t know the answer I will find out. 

Tip 11: Where do I buy for a certain school. 

Firstly, please remember you are spoilt with choice as all our schools in the Helderberg are excellent. Every school has a catchment area. Ask me anytime where these borders are. In general, getting to school in the morning and to work is one of your biggest considerations. In the current market if you buy now you need to stay put for a while? So be careful. Rather ask for advice. 

Tip 12: Traffic is highest before and after school hours and after work. 

Again buy to get the shortest route to school and then to work. Life is too short to spend time in traffic. Rather spend the extra time in the morning with a loved one. 

Tip 13: Estates vs. Freestanding 

This is a personal consideration. In general, one pays a premium for the additional security found in estates. Also beware – this lifestyle is not for everyone. 

Somerset West is blessed with a wide range of choices. Rather ask the question: What is my next 5-10 years going to be like; Do we need a bigger plot when the kids get bigger; Can I make my own home safe? 

Tip 14: Lifecycle. 

We start off with small houses and keep on upgrading until inevitably we retire and downscale again. Buying your own home still remains the right decision but make sure you make an informed choice. And PLEASE – if you make alterations to the house remember that you have to sell it one-day. People so often change their homes so customized that when they want to sell it one-day the property only appeals to a small minority of buyers. Rather phone your agent and discuss what you want to do. We see hundreds of houses a year so always have some great ideas to share. 

Tip 15: YOUR AGENT IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU. 

Our advice is for free. Phone me for contacts to do anything. We live and breathe our town and always have contacts that can help. 

We also like to talk a lot – so just call to say Hello as well.

Looking forward to when we meet.

Hein Bredenkamp Cell. 060 850 9137 [email protected]