Gansbaai is fast moving towards becoming the Western Cape Overberg's new Hermanus.
According to Dean Yeadon of Western Cape-based 2tribes, the development company responsible for Baleana Bay, Gansbaai is the new kid on the block as far as property 'hot spots' go and he anticipates values rising dramatically over the next few years.
The only development to have been approved by the Gansbaai Council, Baleana Bay forms part of the coastal village's move from a tourism node to creating homes for potential buyers. Furthermore, the local authorities have recognized the need to protect the delicate natural assets of the area and all future developments need to fall within the clearly defined urban edge.
"The property purchasing trend is moving towards buying in those areas that have a strong sense of community and where purchasers are able to combine the natural goodness that life has to offer with a modern and well functioning environment.
"Our Baleana Bay development offers a rare opportunity to own a lifestyle that combines the natural beauty of this magnificent coastline in a modern contemporary milieu," says Yeadon.
Named after a flock of wild Egyptian geese that are alleged to have congregated at the freshwater fountain near the harbour, Gansbaai is every tourist's dream getaway complete with working harbour, Southern Right Whales, Great White Sharks and stunning beaches.
Situated between Hermanus and Pearly Beach, Gansbaai lies at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains and boasts a coastline rich in fynbos vegetation.
Closely located to Dyer Island, the breeding ground of the jackass penguin, Gansbaai serves as the passage between Dyer and Geyser Islands respectively for the Great White, and is referred to as 'shark alley'.
Yeadon confirms that the area has all the right ingredients for country living and has grown into a charming village and holiday resort complete with a range of activities that includes whale watching, shark cage diving, angling, water-sports, and hiking.
"With its amazing attractions and activities, Gansbaai has earned a strong following both for families looking for action-packed holidays, and others who simply want to escape to the solitude of its beautiful beaches," said Yeadon.
With shark diving as one of its main attractions, Gansbaai has experienced a surge of tourism with many visitors unable to spend nights in the town due to the lack of top quality accommodation.
Yeadon says that his team will be encouraging non-resident Baleana Bay purchasers to place their units in a rental management scheme on a long term basis as a means to alleviate this problem.
"Baleana Bay will provide fully-furnished and serviced apartments with a host of amenities to both foreign and local tourists.
"Within the first year, developers can find themselves in the difficult position of needing to establish occupancy on a new apartment hotel. We believe we have found a solution to this problem through our rental management scheme.
"At an additional cost, we will fully equip and furnish apartments in line with the specifications as established by international tour operators. In so doing, we will also guarantee a 9% yield to purchasers in the first year.
"This will also give purchasers the flexibility of utilizing their apartments when and how they chose to and to secure income in the times they don't," says Yeadon.
The first urban high density development to be constructed in Gansbaai, Baleana Bay boasts 30 apartments with resplendent views of the coast and a sought after modern lifestyle package. Prices range between R725,000 - R3-million depending on individual requirements and finishes.
Construction commenced in January 2007 and 90% of the development has already been sold out. Yeadon anticipates occupancy to be achieved by 1st February 2008, giving purchasers enough time to enjoy the beauty that this growing, unpretentious haven has to offer.
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