Cape Town district named ‘one of the world’s most up-and-coming places’
In a post-pandemic world, our lives promise to be different from what we were once accustomed to: As more and more workers unchain themselves from the office, and embrace their new status as ‘digital nomads’, remote working has the power to transform entire districts – and that’s exactly what seems to be happening with De Waterkant in Cape Town.
Where is De Waterkant?
The suburb has been earmarked as one of Knight Frank’s ‘up and coming neighbourhoods’ for 2021: De Waterkant makes the list alongside 39 other districts, rubbing shoulders with trendy locations in Dubai, Barcelona, and Berlin. Situated next to Cape Town’s CBD, this part of town is packed with award-winning eateries, quaint stores, and astonishing living spaces.
Cape Town district named as ‘one of world’s most promising’
Popular with young professionals and the LGBQTI+ community, De Waterkant’s reputation has flourished in the past few years – and wealth experts believe it will soon draw in more ‘remote workers’:
“The events of 2020 have shone a spotlight not just on how we interact with our homes, but also the neighbourhoods where they are located. The natural environment, connectivity – both in terms of technology and community – as well as privacy, are now more important than ever.”
“Using our local knowledge, Knight Frank’s global teams have handpicked those markets they believe are primed for growth in a post-pandemic world, and we’ve made a selection of 40 hot-spots. New opportunities are emerging as the way we live, work, exercise, and interact changes. Travel restrictions mean that fewer people are now tethered to an office.”
Why choose De Waterkant? Why not…
Often a source of local pride, Knight Frank has listed various parades and markets as some of the more attractive offerings De Waterkant has in store. The sleek Cape Quarter is already a hotspot for the go-getters of Cape Town, and the location is the very definition of ‘prime’ – as it sits at the mouth of both the N1 and N2 highways respectively.
There is a lot to like about this district, as global analysts have been eager to point out…
- -The region is primed for growth because it ‘offers plenty of opportunity for upmarket mixed-use apartment buildings’.
- – Knight Frank has praised ‘the variety of eateries, cobbled streets, colourful historical homes and exceptional views’.
- – Cape Town property prices may be expensive for us, but for international investors, they’re a snip.
- – Oranjezicht City Farm Market and The Cape Town Parade are hailed as ‘cultural triumphs’.
- – De Waterkant’s connectivity to the City Bowl and the Atlantic Seaboard has also been labelled a standout factor.
Cape Town to benefit from ‘remote working revolution’
The Western Cape Premier Alan Winde believes the time is right for South Africa to accommodate a new kind of visitor. He has confirmed that his department will lobby the ANC government to introduce a ‘Remote Working Visa’ – which would allow people who can work from anywhere in the world to spend more time in South Africa.
Many employees who were tied to their offices have found they can operate seamlessly from home. In the age of WiFi, Zoom meetings, and 5G internet connections, workers are taking on a more ‘nomadic’ existence. The Western Cape is now sensing an opportunity – and De Waterkant could soon become a hub for the new-age business brains.
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