Muizenberg, Cape Town

Muizenberg at a glance

Muizenberg is a Cape Town suburb in one of South Africa’s most beautiful Indian Ocean bays – False Bay.

Muizenberg can be divided into 4 areas – i.e. Muizenberg Central, Lakeside, Marina da Gama and Costa da Gama.

History

As early as the 1600′s Khoi people used the region as a pastoral home. In 1670 The Dutch East India Company established the area as a cattle farm due its rich fertile soil. From 1743, the area became one of the first military outposts under the command of Sergeant Wynand Muys and was originally named Muysenburg (Muys’s stronghold).The Battle of Muizenberg took place in June 1795 and ended with the first British occupation of the Cape.

Historical sites in Muizenberg includes the oldest building on the False Bay coast known as Het Posthuys (1742) - originally used by the Dutch East India Company as a toll-house to levy a tax on farmers selling their produce to passing ships.

Muizenberg was in the early 1880s nothing more than a small settlement of farmhouses and beach shacks and up until then the beach had been mainly used for trek-fishing and for the landing of whale carcasses. Whaling enjoyed a short-lived boom at Muizenberg from 1860 to 1880 after whaling stations had been forced to move.

The years 1880 to 1930 were without doubt the most important in the development of Muizenberg. It evolved from what was nothing more than a motley settlement of shacks and farmhouses into the premier holiday resort in Southern Africa – known as “the Brighton of South Africa”. Cecil Rhodes’s purchase in 1899, of a seaside cottage for health reasons, put Muizenberg “on the map”. Rhodes was a highly respected figure and if the cool sea breezes of Muizenberg were good enough for him they were good enough for anyone. The Kalk Bay-Muizenberg Municipality traded on this and it was not long before wealthy mining magnates from the Rand and Kimberley built homes in Muizenberg to escape the hot dusty interior of South Africa. This was inevitably followed by thousands of middle-class families who rushed to meet and mix with the rich and famous. This heralded the beginning of an unprecedented boom in hotels and houses. The belief that Muizenberg was the healthiest place to be was further enhanced by the British Military who established a Convalescent Camp here during the 1899-1902 Anglo Boer War. Gold and diamond magnates used Muizenberg as a holiday resort, with the town boasting stunning seaside homes reflecting Edwardian and Victorian styles and seven big hotels.

The popularity of the ‘sands of Muizenberg’, was immortalized in Rudyard Kipling’spoem, ‘white as the sands of Muizenberg, spun before the gale – ’. This popularity slowly grew and by the turn of the century the beach had become so frequented that the need for decent change-room and toilet facilities as well as a tea-room became inevitable. This took the form of the building of the first beach pavilion – a wooden structure which was opened on Saturday 16 December 1911 - being able to accommodate 3000 bathers a day, firmly establishing Muizenberg beach as the most sort after resort with literally thousands of local and up-country beach-goers flocking to the ‘sands of Muizenberg’.

(Source – Go South Online)

Location

Muizenberg is located on the north-western corner of False Bay, about 25 km from Cape Town CBD. It has a spectacular setting right on the Muizenberg beach with the peninsula mountains and views across False Bay as a backdrop. The suburbs of Lakeside, Marina da Gama and Muizenberg Central are linked to and between a quite lake and the Muizenberg mountain.

Muizenberg Central

Muizenberg (Old Town) is located closest to the sea – from between Boyes Drive and Main Road and then along the R310 up to (Capricorn Park / Costa da Gama. It also runs along the Prince George Drive (M5) in a northerly direction up to Marina da Gama.

Marina da Gama

The Marina is a community of 1350 homes grouped around a number of waterways which are an extension of the Zandvlei estuary and, together with Park Island and the reserve on the north western side of the vlei, form the Greater Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve. Marina da Gama is bordered by Prince George Drive in the west (with Costa da Gama and Capricorn Park as the neighbouring suburbs), Muizenberg central in the south at Geneva Road and Sheraton Park and Corniston Park in the north.

Lakeside

Lakeside is located between Muizenberg Mountain (Boyes Drive) in the west and Orient Road – bordering on the small Zandvlei suburb next to the Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve (between Orient Road and Promenade Road. It stretches from the Main Road T-junction with Boyes Drive (northern border) up to Bryn Road (southern border)

Costa da Gama

Costa da Gama is located between Prince George Drive in the west (adjacent to Marina da Gama), Capricorn Park in the west and Baden Powel Drive in the south between Sunrise Villas and Villa D’Algarve.

Property Market:

General

The Muizenberg property market offers a variety of properties for sale - ranging from mansions close to Boyes Drive along the mountainside of Lakeside to lower priced homes in Muizenberg Central, Marina da Gama and Costa da Gama. Buy-to-let options for investors are especially available in the sectional title developments on the eastern side of Muizenberg.

Residential property in Muizenberg – one of Cape Town’s False Bay coastal suburbs, has shown remarkable growth over the last few years – especially the older central village homes which date back to the 1920s and 1930s.

A steady price driven “migration” southwards towards Muizenberg has been happening as more and more buyers are finding the price increases in Southern Suburbs areas closer to of Cape Town’s CBD - such as Rosebank , Plumstead, Kenilworth and Wynberg, as a little too high for their liking. Newcomers also keep flocking to Muizenberg as awareness of the lifestyle and value on offer grows.

The whole of lower Muizenberg, for example, the area below the railway line and Main Road, offer home value to buyers not easily obtainable in the rest of the Cape Peninsula.

The average price of homes sold in Muizenberg increased from R120 000 in 2002 to about R1.2 million in 2015. Many of the old village homes are even selling for R2 million.

The houses between beach road and Boyes Drive and from Lakeside to Kalk Bay is a reminder of the areas historical appeal – characterized by the Casa Labia mansion and the holiday homes built for business and mining lords during 1880 and 1930. These properties rarely comes onto the market and are mostly passed on from one generation to the next. The area is known for its historic Herbert Baker designed homes which often have hand cut stone façades, Oregon pine floors and stained glass windows – significantly lower priced than in St James. The mountainside also feature new and trendy designed and avant-garde homes, which capitalise on the setting and views over False Bay.

Muizenberg offers something to suit every property buyer’s budget - from an apartment near the beach from R500 000 to just over R2 million for a luxury beachfront unit. In recent years, much of the interest in Muizenberg property, particularly from investors, has been focused on apartments. In this area units, which less than six years ago rented at R1 200 to R2 400 per month, are now renting at R4 500 per month.

Price increases are also evident in Muizenberg East. In the last decade, some nine or ten new developments such as Villa D’Algarve and Soralia Vilage have mushroomed, the majority of which provide “affordable units”, which today still offer exceptionally good value.

The value for money in Muizenberg can probably be compared to what can be found on the West Coast and in some parts of the Helderberg (Strand and Gordons Bay) and Tableview - but about 50 percent more affordable than the equivalent property in Cape Town’s southern suburbs closer to the CBD (such as Claremont and Wynberg).

Marina da Gama

Marina da Gama was built in the 1970’s on the eastern banks and the waterways of the quiet Zandvlei Lake - an inland salt water lake, connected to the sea.

An active local Homeowners’ Association ensures all homes conform to approved architectural design guidelines, and the result is a charming village atmosphere with white-washed Mediterranean style homes. Marina da Gama is “governed” by HOA’s constitution and managed by an executive committee consisting of a chairperson, treasurer, and a number of members who are assigned portfolios that reflect all aspects of the marina life such as waterways, maintenance of standards, security, and the public open spaces.

There are 1 267 full title property and 216 sectional title units in Marina da Gama. The full title property includes 1 141 houses and the sectional title property 5 complexes with 155 residential units.

There were 74 full title and 14 sectional title sales in Marina da Gama during 2014 at an average price of R1 500 365 and R605 752 respectively.

The highest full title price obtained was R3 500 000 for a 28 year old 5 bedroom house of 348 sq.m. on the water in Canon Island Way and R860 000 for 81 sq.m apartment (+17 sq.m garage) in Park Island Quay (East Lake Drive) – i.e. R8 776 per sq.m..

The lowest priced full title was R675 000 for a house of 55 sq.m. in Shearwater Drive, whilst the lowest priced sectional title unit of 32 sq.m. was sold for R440 000 in Fairlake in Shearwater Drive – i.e. R13 750 per sq.m..

Property prices in Marina da Gama are still very reasonable and one of Marina da Gama’s most appealing features - particularly for first-time buyers, retirees and those downscaling after their families have left home. One can still acquire a one bedroom apartment for under R400 000 or a two bedroom apartment for under R750 000.

A modest starter or cluster home can be bought for between R850 000 and R1.2 million, with larger family homes fetching between R1.3 million and R2.5 million. A few top-end homes with multiple bedrooms and luxury features can be obtained between R2.5 million and R4 million. Buyer demand is currently highest in the R1.5 million to R2 million price bracket.

Muizenberg Central (Village)

Homeowners in Muizenberg village have recently found themselves in a seller’s market where demand exceeds supply.

There are 1 447 freehold properties in Muizenberg Central and 1 360 sectional title properties. The full title property includes 940 houses and the sectional title property 81 complexes with 983 residential units.

There were 44 full title and 49 sectional title sales in Muizenberg Central during 2014 at an average price of R1 333 068 and R1 015 290 respectively.

The highest full title price obtained was R2 600 000 for a house of 243 sq.m. in Upper Tower Road and R 3 150 000 for 193 sq.m apartment (+8 sq.m) in Cinnabar (York Drive) – i.e. R15 672 per sq.m..

The lowest priced full title was R675 000 for a house of 55 sq.m. in Shearwater Drive, whilst the lowest priced sectional title unit of 32 sq.m. was sold for R440 000 in Fairlake in Shearwater Drive – i.e. R13 750 per sq.m..

The demographics for Muizenberg Central in terms of the average household income range is 420 adults in the LSM9Low (G:R18 000 – R24 000) and 6 281 in LSM9High (H:R24 000 – R37 000).

Lightstone data reveals that the period of ownership shows a stable market with more than 65% of owners already living for more than 7 years in the suburb. The age group distribution of existing owners is roughly, 16% aged between 18 – 35, 39% between 36 – 49 years, 30% between 50 – 64 years and about 15% is 65 years and older. There is a fairly big recent buyers demand in the age group 18 – 35 years as demonstrated by the fact that they have bought about 45% of all property during the last year.

Muizenberg is one of the only places in South Africa where you can rent homes that are within five minutes of all amenities, including one of the most popular beaches in the country. Rental property ranges from only R3 000 for a bachelor flat and from R12 000 for a luxury mountainside home.

Lakeside

There are 1063 full title property and 291 sectional title units in Lakeside. The full title property includes 888 houses and the sectional title property 23 complexes with 241 residential units.

There were 48 full title and 13 sectional title sales in Lakeside during 2014 at an average price of R1 695 104 and R816 538 respectively. The highest full title price obtained was R5 950 000 for a 13 year old 4 storey house of 516 sq.m. in Bunker Street and R1 600 000 for 125 sq.m apartment in Park View (Cleek Street) – i.e. R12 800 per sq.m..

The lowest priced full title was R720 000 for 3 bedroom group housing property of 91 sq.m. in Chester Road next to the railway line, whilst the lowest priced sectional title unit of 53 sq.m. was sold for R550 000 in Lakeside Villas in Essex Road (also close to the railway line) – i.e. R10 377 per sq.m..

Costa da Gama

There are 1 061 full title property and 540 sectional title units in Costa da Gama. The full title property includes 844 houses and the sectional title property 3 complexes with 384 residential units.

There were 57 full title and 27 sectional title sales in Costa da Gama during 2014 at an average price of R751 829 and R565 986 respectively. The highest full title price obtained was R1 200 000 for a 9 year old 4 bedroom house of 145 sq.m. in St Patrick Street Street and R900 000 for 88 sq.m apartment (+ 20sq.m garage) in Villa D’Algarve (St Georges Street) – i.e. R8 333 per sq.m..

The lowest priced full title was R310 000 for 2 bedroom semi-detached house of 80 sq.m. in St Georges Street, whilst the lowest priced sectional title unit of 31 sq.m. was sold for R302 000 in Costa da Gama complex in Minorca Road) – i.e. R9 742 per sq.m..

Lifestyle

Muizenberg offers an attractive and healthy lifestyle of scenery (nature), cuisine and outdoor activities all within walking distance. Here people has been making the most of their environment since the 1900’s.

• Infrastructure

There is an excellent infrastructure with shopping and entertainment facilities, restaurants and pubs, sporting amenities and medical services – and a variety of good schools in the area.

Muizenberg offers easy access to Cape Town by car (15 min) or by a regular train service (from 3 stations) and is 35km from Cape Town International Airport.

• Education

Muizenberg High and Junior Schools are both in town while Bay Primary, Bergvliet Primary, Steenberg Secondary, Westlake Primary and Reddam House are a few other schooling options in surrounding areas. False Bay College is nearby and the University of Cape Town is under 30 minutes away.

• Healthcare

The False Bay Hospital is located 15 minutes away in Fish Hoek, offering general and specialised treatments while the D.P Marais and Retreat Day Hospitals also service Muizenberg’s community. The Tokai Medicross Medical Centre and slightly further afield Constantiaberg Mediclinic are 2 private medical care facilities on offer.

• Shopping

Lakeside Village and Capricorn Square Shopping Centre are two local options for daily shopping necessities. The recently renovated Blue Route Mall in Tokai offers the additional choices a regional shopping centre has, whilst Cavendish Square (Claremont / 17 km) and Constantia Village (11km) offers a boutique shopping experience.

• Nature

Muizenberg’s Blue Flag beach, mountain and estuary nature reserves offers true doorstep recreation.

The long stretch of white beach, distinguished by a row of colourful houses, is favoured by novice surfers, long boarders and swimmers alike – strengthened by 4 surf schools in town which offer lessons and hiring. It is very popular for walking, sun-soaking or safe bathing and the iconic Surfer’s Corner is recognized as the birthplace of surfing in the country. The oldest surf shop in Africa, The Corner Surf Shop, is also one of the town’s landmarks.

Although the beach lacks the dazzling turquoise ocean and dramatic boulders of beaches like Clifton and Llandudno, it is much warmer to swim here than at the beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard. It is flat, wide, and the water is generally calm – that is very child-friendly. The Muizenberg Moonlight Meander, a popular family event in the form of a guided beach walk on the Saturday closest to the full moon, remains very popular and takes place from Surfers Corner to the Vlei mouth.

The unspoilt mountain reserve above Muizenberg is part of the Table Mountain National Park and is the perfect spot to soak up breath-taking views of False Bay. It also offers hikers a myriad of trails up to Table Mountain and Cape Point and even a labyrinth of caves for the more adventurous. Boyes Drive offers one of the most scenic routes for runners and cyclists in Cape Town.

Game fishing in False Bay “is big” - more tuna is caught in False Bay and off Cape Point on the rod and on line than anywhere else in the world, and the annual big game fishing catches are 75 percent greater than in other South African waters. False Bay also provides some of the best boating and sailing in the country. Some of the best “shark spotting” in the world takes place at Seal Island where the great whites hunt seals – right opposite Muizenberg in False Bay.

You can also enjoy fishing, sailing, bird-watching and picnics at (in) the Zandvlei Nature Reserve or along the many waterways and canals of Marina Da Gama Estuaries. Zandvlei is a 2000 hectare wetland and river system and the only working estuary along the False Bay coast and functions as a fish hatchery, nursery and habitat for many animals, especially a number of endangered bird species. The Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary has Cape Town’s only resident hippo family in neighbouring Zeekoevlei. Sandwiched deep in suburbia, the reserve is one of the country’s top five bird-watching areas, home to 230 species and has numerous bird hides.

The Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei and the Strandfontein treatment ponds have all been designated and are now covered by the Ramsar international convention – as wetlands of international importance. Each of the water bodies have differing zonings, with Rondevlei being dedicated to conservation, Zeekoevlei to recreation and Strandfontein to waste water treatment.

Nowhere in Cape Town is flying a kite “bigger than” at Zandvlei – the venue for the annual Cape Town International Kite Festival in October / November.

• Entertainment

Eateries, Coffee Shops, Theatre, Boutiques & Wine Route

There’s a selection of coffee shops, pubs, grill houses and bakeries to enjoy as well as family-friendly restaurants. Local favourites include Carla’s, Kosie’s Place, Casa Labia Café, Majestic Cafe and the Blue Bird Garage. The beachfront now boasts a Primi Piatti, Knead Bakery, Tiger’s Milk, Blonde & Beard and Gaslight Café are some of the unique landmarks.

Behind the beachfront you will find in York and Palmer Roads the locals’ favourite spots in bohemian style coffee shops such as Empire Cafe, Oroboros tapas bar, restaurants and boutiques. Visit Made in Muizenberg, a co-op of local crafters and designers, Laugh it Off, Cape Town's famous iconic, ironic T-shirt brand, Kitsch Kombuis with its flying ducks, MM Galleries for stunning art pieces and sculptures.

Watch a show at the Masque Theatre next to False Bay Station on the Main Road - shows vary from dance, to drama, comedy to foyer jazz sessions - a mix of Cape Town's finest talent.

The oldest wine farms in South Africa forms part of the 10 wine estates on the Constantia Wine Route. The wine route starts at Steenberg Vineyards right next to Westlake (the adjacent suburb to Lakeside and 7 km from the beach front) .

Golf

A short drive along Boyes Drive is the Westlake Golf Course (4,6 km from the beach), one of Cape Town’s most popular spots to enjoy a round of 18 holes. Both Steenberg Golf Club (rated 31st in South Africa - 8,3 km from Muizenberg beach) and Clovelly Golf Club (a top 50 golf club in South Africa - 9,1 km from Muizenberg beach along the scenic coastal drive past St James and Kalk Bay) offers a suburb golfing experience.

Beach

The Muizenberg Pavilion offers a water slide, outdoor swimming pool and mini-golf course. It’s not uncommon to see kids flying kites as well as volleyball, beach soccer and touch rugby games on the beach.

Blokart landsailing is available when the wind is blowing on Sunrise Beach - from Monday to Saturday from 09h00 until it gets dark.

Learn to Surf by signing up for lessons with Gary’s Surf School (the oldest on the strip) or Learn 2 Surf and Stoked Surf School - if its SUP or Kite Surfing, Surfstore Africa will teach you. Roxy Surf School is the leading girls surf school in the country having taught over 20 000 girls since 2003.

The shark spotter programme that has been rolled out at a number of beaches along False Bay had its humble beginnings at Muizenberg. Shark spotters positioned high up on the side of the mountain raise the alarm when sharks are spotted, so visitors know when it’s not safe to go in the water.

Weather
Muizen­berg’s climate is marked by a lack of extremes for the warm waters of False Bay moderate tempera­tures. There is less fog – only 5 days a year com­pared with 111 days at Cape Point and 25 in Table Bay. There is also less winter rain in Muizenberg than in the rest of the Peninsula. Muizenberg has 450 mm per year vs. Newland’s 1 397 mm of rain and Sea Point’s 635 mm. Muizenberg has 70 wet days on average per year vs. 94 at Sea Point and 112 wet days at Newlands. Summer is dry and sea-cooled. The sea temperature is about 10 degrees Celsius warmer than the sea water at Sea Point or the rest of the Atlantic Seaboard side of the Peninsula.