[gallery ids="45232,45233,45234,45235,45236,45237,45238"]
Ideally situated between the M5 and M3 highways and close to all amenities, including some of Cape Town’s top schools, Harfield Village has played a significant part in the region’s history since it was established in the mid-1880s.
Livingstone High School on Imam Haron Road was founded in 1926 and has educated a number of prominent South Africans. “The village is blessed to have many civic organisations and community activists driving local initiatives to keep it clean, green and safe,” says resident James Fernie.
“With narrow streets, heritage cottages and four well-maintained parks there is a real sense of community. I love living here because it is conveniently set in the heart of the southern suburbs, with quick and easy access to excellent shopping, schools and the main highways.”
Marc Plastow and Mitchell McKenzie, area specialists for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, say property-wise, Harfield Village has demonstrated resilience this year.
“According to current Lightstone data, the median price of houses rose by 6.38%, up from R2.35 million in 2018 to R2.5m, and apartments by a solid 23%, from R1.4m to R1.722m,” says Plastow. Freehold properties dominate with the most active price band being houses priced between R1.5m and R3m.
“The market’s buoyancy can be attributed to a number of compelling factors, including the suburb’s convenient location, low-maintenance compact homes and competitive pricing in a high-value area.”
Hampstead Park in Third Avenue is one of four parks in Harfield Village. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
Young investors and first-time buyers are increasingly attracted by the vibrant atmosphere and the fact that all the essential amenities are right on their doorstep, while everything else they might need is just a five-minute drive away in neighbouring Claremont.
The changing demographic is corroborated by Lightstone which shows that 46% of all recent buyers are 35 or younger, while 54% of recent sellers are 50 or older.
McKenzie says freehold homes remain the most popular but they are seeing an increase in demand for sectional title units as a growing number of people look to downsize and/or reduce monthly costs. Sales of well-priced properties have also been spurred by the strong rental market which has attracted investment buyers to the area.
James Fernie’s favourite places to go and things to do
With narrow streets, heritage cottages and four well-maintained parks, there is a real sense of community. People greet each other in the streets while walking dogs or heading out to restaurants. - James Fernie, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Outdoors
The precinct has four well-maintained parks to walk dogs or just go and chill with fellow residents. The active civic associations, like Friends of Harfield Parks, are always looking for volunteers to assist in community clean-ups. harfield. [email protected]
Prince’s Park on Third Avenue, Harfield Village. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
2 Eat
There are many good eateries, making it hard to choose just a few. Cafeen is a favourite for breakfast though - the eggs Benedict and the French toast are good. 021 674 6209 The Avenue Restaurant and Grill is a firm favourite – their Monday-to-Friday buffet lunch is good value. 021 671 0623
3 Drink
For over 23s, Oblivion has entrenched itself as a favourite over many years. Monday nights are quiz nights and the open deck has great views of the mountain. 021 671 8522 Banana Jam, at the southern end of the trendy 2nd Avenue strip, is another top watering hole. With their own nano-brewery delivering anywhere up to 10 different beers on tap, coupled with great Caribbean-style, food it offers a great time out. 021 674 0186
4 Shop
Fresh produce, free-range eggs and delicious breads are all on offer from local entrepreneurs at the August Deli on 2nd Avenue. 082 734 4007 For home-sewn active wear – seamstresses work from the Harfield shop – OGGI has established a reputation for custom-tailored swim, gym and yoga wear. 021 671 0311