Introducing some of the West Coast's best-loved towns

The Cape's West Coast, which stretches from Cape Town to the border of the Northern Cape, offers an abundance of stunning mountain ranges, unspoilt beaches and a peaceful, laid-back way of life. Jawitz Properties takes a closer look at everything that Yzerfontein, Langebaan and Saldanha have to offer.

A peaceful way of life in Yzerfontein

For those wanting a life away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, amid beautiful surroundings, Yzerfontein may just be the perfect place to call home. Described as "the Pearl of the West Coast", it is a blend of wildflowers in season, fynbos and breathtaking ocean vistas. The town has been designed as a place for mankind and nature to live side by side in harmony, and the raised walkways and clearly marked walking paths bear testament to this. The laid-back ambience, natural beauty and outdoor way of life have drawn many families and retirees to Yzerfontein. Since the remote working trend came about, more and more families have been semigrating to Yzerfontein.

The vast majority of the real estate in Yzerfontein is freehold properties, which make up more than 87% of market stock. An additional 9.55% is freehold properties in estates, with sectional title units making up just 3% of available properties. While just over 40% of Yzerfontein's property owners have owned their homes for at least 11 years, another 30% have bought in the area within the past five years, showcasing the semigration trend. The area is especially popular among buyers classified as "middle-aged" (between the ages of 36 and 49), with 80% of recent buyers falling into this category.

Introducing lovely Langebaan

Complementing Yzerfontein as "the Pearl of the West Coast", Langebaan is described as the coast's "Jewel". With its perennial sunny days and glistening blue waters, it's not hard to imagine how Langebaan earned this accolade. Langebaan lagoon is well-loved as a prime destination for water sports such as kitesurfing, kayaking and sailing. If you prefer a peaceful way of life, Langebaan offers ample opportunities to go for walks on the beach or enjoy picnics or birdwatching in the nearby West Coast National Park. Langebaan's wetlands are internationally acclaimed for their ecological value and the area is home (either permanently or seasonally) to many local and migratory birds. The relaxed, resort town atmosphere is coupled with excellent infrastructure and plenty of shops, medical facilities and other amenities.

Langebaan has also seen growth as a result of the semigration trend, and Lightstone's statistics show that 30% of homeowners in Langebaan have brought their properties within the last five years. While the area has shown long-term popularity among pensioners - with 39% of the area's stable owners being 65 or older - the statistics also show that 80% of recent buyers are between the ages of 36 and 64. Freehold properties are the norm in Langebaan, with standalone homes and freeholds within the confines of an estate making up almost 90% of available stock.

Langebaan's main attractions and activities, which make it one of the most popular West Coast destinations, include kitesurfing, fishing, the Yacht Club, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, the casino and golfing.

Why Saldanha makes a great home

In the northern corner of the largest natural bay in South Africa - Saldanha Bay - you'll find the charming village of Saldanha, which is about 110km from Cape Town. The area is described as "a water-lover's playground" and, like other parts of our beloved West Coast, Saldanha Bay is an ideal location for kite surfing, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, as well as various other water sports. Residents of Saldanha also get to make the most of activities like horse riding in a military reserve, enjoying melt-in-your-mouth fresh seafood and exploring the infinitely Instagrammable terrain.

Being approximately 150km from the Mother City, Saldanha is slightly further off the beaten track than Yzerfontein or Langebaan. It is a peaceful area in which 59% of property owners have owned their home for at least 11 years, and where more than two thirds of residents are classified as "mature" (between the ages of 50 and 64) and "pensioners" who are at least 65 years old. Almost all available properties in Saldanha - almost 99% of them - are either freeholds or freeholds in estates.

West Coast towns offer a delightful way of life, stunning views and a reprieve from the big city rush. To find your piece of paradise in Yzerfontein, Langebaan or Saldanha, contact Jawitz Properties today.