Buyer Confidence in a Cautious Market: A Regional Reality Check
National headlines speak of caution, yet on the ground across key Western Cape
nodes, the story is more nuanced. Confidence remains present, but it is shaped by
stock shortages, affordability pressure and the need for preparedness.
Durbanville & Brackenfell: Confident and Competitive
In Durbanville and Brackenfell, demand remains steady, and buyers are active.
Joe van Rooyen, Principal of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate – Durbanville &
Brackenfell, notes: “We are not experiencing a shortage of buyers. Confidence is strong, particularly
following recent interest rate cuts. The real pressure is affordability over time, not
uncertainty.”
Well-priced properties move quickly. Transactions tend to stall only where condition or
unrealistic pricing creates friction. Rental demand is rising, but as a parallel market
rather than a fallback. In some cases, tenants are choosing to purchase the homes they
occupy.
Hout Bay & Llandudno: Scarcity Driving Urgency
In Hout Bay and Llandudno, confidence is high, but stock is critically limited.
Lindsay Goodman, Sales Manager of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate – Hout
Bay & Llandudno, explains: “The market is booming, but severe stock shortages are putting buyers on the back foot.
Hesitation often comes down to price sensitivity in a rising market, not lack of demand.”
Rental availability mirrors the sales market. Limited long-term stock and upward pricing
pressure mean some buyers are renting while reassessing affordability.
Whale Coast: The Stock Squeeze
On the Whale Coast, the dominant constraint is supply.
Richard Disley, Property Professional of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate –
Whale Coast, says: “While national commentary suggests a cautious market, the Whale Coast is
experiencing a stock squeeze. Buyers are ready, but opportunities are limited.”
Hesitation shows up as heightened due diligence rather than delay. Clean offers with
minimal conditions are increasingly necessary. The risk ahead is stagnation if potential
sellers cannot secure onward purchases.
Gordon’s Bay: Growth at the Top, Pressure Below
In Gordon’s Bay, confidence is uneven across price bands. The high-end market has
strengthened over the past year, while affordability challenges are pushing mid-market
buyers into rentals. Louelle Lubbe, Owner of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate – Gordon’s Bay,
observes: “We are seeing strong activity at the upper end, but many buyers are delaying purchase
and entering the rental market while they wait for improved affordability. Confidence is
there, but it depends on price point.”
Rental stock remains limited, with steady upward pressure on pricing. Pre-qualification
and realistic price counselling are critical to avoid stalled transactions.
The Prepared Buyer
Across all regions, the common theme is clear. Confidence has not disappeared. It has
become conditional. Buyers who are pre-qualified, informed and decisive are
succeeding. In a fragmented market shaped by scarcity and affordability, preparation
determines outcome.
