YES, YOU DO DESERVE THE BEST The Ultimate Showdown Between Two Sought-After Locations – Clifton Vs. Bishopscourt

Cape Town’s illustrious Clifton and regal Bishopscourt are undoubtedly the most exclusive areas in the city – one a haven of stately mansions surrounded by forest and mountains, the other a curation of steel and glass temples flanking sun-drenched Atlantic beaches. If these glittering real estate behemoths could step into the ring donning boxing gloves or have a bloodlust dance-off, which of the two would snatch that trophy? Which would ultimately be Numero Uno?

Be it lifestyle or views, safety or amenities, traffic or schools – or even just value for money –assessing each contender’s prowess and fitness needs a holistic approach. After all, buying a home is by no means straightforward. Much comes down to that X-factor that’s hard to define.

Each suburb will be assessed by pertinent factors, that on the surface should clearly distinguish the two contenders making the standout winner easy to identify. But will our exploration be this simple?

just down to higher demand because of the limited number of homes available? On the other hand, it seems homes sell faster in Bishopscourt, so does this mean it’s generally more popular and therefore more sought-after?

Over polite, candle-lit dinner conversation it’s possible to imagine that Bishopscourt residents deem Clifton residents more ostentatious, daresay déclassé, and thus driven by a need to showcase their wealth, hence higher home prices an outright matter of ego. While similarly, Clifton house-party conversations over clinging champagne flutes and in-house DJ beats refer to Bishopscourt’s horse-and-hound crowd as somewhat removed from Cape Town’s real heartbeat “out there in the sticks”, and therefore the difference in numbers more a case of backwardness than basic comparative figures.

Either way, this subjective debate comes down to personal perspective, that shared human condition of us-versus-them, and by no means an accurate measure of contendibility in our race for the crown.

To reach a conclusion, one needs to dig deeper. We need to explore the characteristics of each area, some inherent factors are purely down to an unchangeable case of locality and geography while others are more experiential, based in the realm of feeling.

By attributes:

Bishopscourt Clifton

Lifestyle Rural, secluded Coastal, urban Climate Temperate Mediterranean

Property type Large erven, predominantly traditional architecture

Is it sea or mountain views that I desire? Am I called to the electric hum of Cape Town’s social scene, or do I need oak-lined avenues and secluded, manicured grounds to soothe my senses? Am I after early morning beach walks or do I want Skeleton Gorge on my doorstep for sunrise fitness?

With attributes so conflicting, it begs the question: “Is this an impossible case of comparing a Bentley to a Ferrari – or classical music to hip hop – and therefore an unwinnable fight between two different lifeforms? Or is this a case of places so similar, both so dazzlingly entrenched in the upper echelon, that those who can afford to live there can actually afford homes in both?”

It seems the jury is perpetually out.

Small erven, predominantly modern architecture

Views Eastern slopes of Table Mountain Lion’s Head, Twelve Apostles, Atlantic Ocean

Crime rate Voted one of the safest suburbs in SA

Schools Good selection of schools in close proximity in Claremont & Constantia

Shopping Centres Good selection of shopping centres in close proximity in Claremont & Constantia

Distance to Cape Town CBD

At first glance is Clifton the standout winner?

In terms of sales and sales prices, this affluent haven really is way ahead despite its comparatively smaller size – but is this

Voted one of the safest suburbs in SA

Good selection of schools in close proximity in Camps Bay & Sea Point

Good selection of shopping centres in close proximity in Camps Bay & Sea Point

11,6km 4km

Renowned for Kirstenbosch Gardens, access to Constantia Wine Route

The fact remains, when one’s pockets are deep enough and you have the freedom to live wherever you want, you move beyond the realm of comparison where contests and showdowns can seem so, well, pedestrian Ultimately, does our exploration all boil down to a simple case of not either/or – but rather a case of and ?

As your preferred realtor of choice, we’re happy to make your choice in choosing a number one between Bishopscourt and Clifton easy: we’ll help you find a home in both! (Yes, you really do deserve the best of both worlds.)

To arrange viewings in Bishopscourt and Clifton contact:

Bishopscourt

Alexa Horne +27 82 349 7799

Registered with the PPRA - FFC No. 1201365

Spectacular sunsets, Clifton beaches

Reviewing the above, one finds oneself torn.

Clifton

Adrien Epstein +27 83 455 5661

Registered with the PPRA - FFC No. 1134600

FIRST TIME BUYERS:

1 Voetstoots: All secondhand sale agreements will contain a voetstoots clause This means that you buy the property as it stands This includes latent (hidden) and patent (visible) defects The purpose of this clause is to prevent a buyer from claiming damages from a seller for any defects which a buyer discovers after occupying the property A seller is only obliged to point out major defects (that could affect the purchase price or decision to buy as a whole); which existed at the time of sale; which the buyer could not have reasonably detected himself and very importantly of which the seller actually knew The risk to “properly inspect property” lies with the buyer It is not the agent’s job to find fault and report on this either A property condition report does not constitute a guarantee of any kind

2 Bonds: If you plan to finance the purchase with a home loan, inspect the bond clause carefully Does it bind you the moment a bank grants a loan regardless of the interest rate it offers, or are you entitled to first consider the terms offered by the bank?

3 Sectional title schemes/Home Owner Associations: Always check whether a property falls within a Home Owner Association and then check up on the Rules that apply as they will govern the color of your house for example and many other aspects If you buy into a sectional scheme first consult the conduct rules to see what you may or may not do – especially with regard to the keeping of pets

4 Costs: If you plan to apply for a bond be aware there are transfer and bond registration costs! Beware that cost inclusive bonds rarely cover the full costs Be sure you have the balance available To be safe, obtain a quote from the attorneys who will attend to the transfer Also get a quote from any law firm that registers bonds for banks if you plan to get a bond If you are on a tight budget, be cautious of relying on mobile cost apps Although they are quite accurate, they are estimates as they do not cater for some costs that may be associated with your particular purchase Costs are payable upon request and once all suspensive conditions are met (if applicable) Be sure you have these funds readily available If you buy with a bond, do not still go and make any more debt Banks often check up on this shortly before registration and if they see that you have made more debt, they may cancel the bond Once a bond is granted, you remain bound to the contract, and you can then be sued for agent commission or damages by the seller Note that the choice of transferring attorney lies with the seller, not the buyer

SELLERS:

1 Costs: If there is a bond registered over your property it will cost you around R5000 (at the time of this going to print) to cancel a bond If you have more than one bond registered over the property, it will be more If the property is not bonded, you should have the original title deed in your possession which the transferring attorney will need to lodge at the deeds office If you have lost this, it will also cost you around R5000 to replace this You will be required to also obtain compliance certificates which could include electrical; electric fence; gas; water by law and beetle certificates Budget for this too

2 Property Condition Report: By law, when selling a property through an agent, you will be required to complete one, truthfully Voetstoots will not apply if misrepresent the condition of your property

3 Choice of transferring attorney: The seller chooses the transfer attorneys because he/she should remain in control of the process Do not let the buyer choose For excellent service, choose Miltons Matsemela Inc!