Why a small coastal town is fast becoming the ‘Camps Bay of the West Coast’

Once known primarily as a quiet holiday destination, the West Coast village of Yzerfontein is rapidly establishing itself as one of the Western Cape’s most sought-after property markets.

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Drawn by its relaxed coastal lifestyle, long stretches of unspoilt beach and growing amenities, buyers from across South Africa – and increasingly overseas – are driving demand in the seaside town, pushing property prices to record levels.

Property prices continue to climb in Yzerfontein

Home prices in Yzerfontein have surged over the past five years as more buyers discover the West Coast village’s relaxed lifestyle. Image: canva

According to data from property experts, Yzerfontein’s median property price exceeded R2 million for the first time in 2021, then climbed above R3 million in 2025.

And the village’s appeal reportedly extends well beyond holidaymakers.

Of the town’s 2 345 properties, around 40% are permanently occupied, while the remainder are used as holiday homes or short-term rental accommodation.

About half of all owners are from the Western Cape, 30% are from other South African provinces and roughly 20% are international buyers.

Estate agents say demand from overseas buyers has been increasing, particularly for luxury beachfront homes.

Recent sales include beachfront properties changing hands for R19.5 million and R28 million, while several homes currently on the market are priced between R20 million and R40 million.

At the same time, younger affluent buyers are increasingly relocating to the town, drawn by remote-working opportunities and the chance to enjoy a coastal lifestyle while raising their families.

More development on the horizon

Yzerfontein’s popularity is expected to receive another boost in the coming years.

Plans are underway for retirement and lifestyle estates, while additional amenities continue to arrive, including a new private junior school and a Checkers supermarket, expected to open in 2027.

Despite growing demand, available properties remain limited, with many existing owners choosing to hold onto their homes.

There is, however, capacity for around 1 500 additional properties to be developed within the town’s urban edge.

Agents say buyers are increasingly purchasing older homes for redevelopment, particularly those with sea views, as vacant plots become harder to find.

Entry-level homes in Yzerfontein generally start at around R2.4 million, while vacant beachfront plots can fetch R8 million to R15 million.

According to property experts, the combination of rising demand, limited stock and continued investment is transforming Yzerfontein into what it describes as the “Camps Bay of the West Coast” – offering an upmarket coastal lifestyle while retaining its small-town charm.

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