Changing Parys sees high demand

Known for its arts, antiques, numerous outdoor activities and tranquil and relaxed lifestyle, and declared a World Heritage Site in 2005 Parys is enjoying spin-offs in terms of increased demand for residential properties.

"There are already two golf estate developments in the area, and second homes are sought after as sound investments given that property prices are still rising," says Henriette van der Kevie, area principal for Pam Golding Properties.

"Historically and as recently as some years ago, Parys was regarded more as a retirement location but all this has changed and the unique character of the town is positively shaping its current and future status with an influx of second home owners, artists and designers," she says. Parys is situated in the middle of a 200km radius where a high percentage of the South African population lives, and is well connected to major towns and cities via a good road infrastructure.

Renowned fashion designers have already made Parys their home; Werner Dye, a top graduate from the Kirsten Academy of Fashion, Abigail Betz of House of Couture and Michael Bezuidenhout, a top fashion designer for celebrities such as Amor Vittone, all reside in Parys.

Van der Kevie says as a result of the high demand for homes, all 475 freehold stands at the Parys Golf & Country Estate have sold, with re-sales also selling well. In November, a townhouse development was launched on this golf estate, with two and three bedroom units selling off-plan from R920k marketed through PGP. "These are popular among those seeking homes for week-end getaways. At the Nick Price signature golf estate, Vaal De Grace, stands ranging in size from 600sq m to 1184sq m are available, selling from R1 million," she says.

Adds van der Kevie: "In terms of river property, which is highly sought after, only a few upmarket properties are currently available. The key attractions or buzzwords for those seeking river property are fly fishing, fireplaces, fauna and flora, and fresh air. Currently two vacant stands near Parys with 100m river frontage each are priced at R2.5 million and R1.3 million respectively. Slightly further afield in the barrage area, vacant stands with 50-100m river frontage are available at R1.1 million. Here two modern, upmarket homes, both with river frontage and situated near Parys, are on the market at R2.95 million and R2.7 million respectively."

Properties in the heart of the Vredefort Dome area are still in high demand, although very scarce. As a result record prices are being achieved for smallholdings and farms in this area.

Concludes van der Kevie: "With all the development going on, there is however currently a shortage of accommodation for retirees, and we currently only have one one-bedroom unit available overlooking the river, priced at R580 000. There is an opportunity for a developer to launch an upmarket retirement development in the area."

For more information contact 056 817 6250 or send an email.

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