Garden Route well-primed for buyers | What you can expect to pay in George, Knysna and Plett

Locals and international buyers alike are being drawn to the tranquil lifestyle of the Garden Route - with George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay offering secure, value-for-money homes starting from R850k for an entry-level property, up to R26.5m for top-end options.

Before Covid-19, these towns were seen as super-commuter towns. Now, the semigration appeal of this Garden Route coastal belt is more popular with those looking for a "better quality of life and work-life balance".

'Semigration as locals continue to look for balance'

With its own international airport and situated in the hub of the country’s golfing mecca, George is only four-and-a-half hours’ drive from Cape Town and about four-hours from Port Elizabeth. Just 50km from George, Knysna and nearby Plettenberg Bay are enjoying solid demand for homes across the price spectrum.

With the average selling price for an erf at R1.3 million and R875 000 for a sectional title unit, George’s market is well-primed for the low to mid-price segments currently driving the property market rebound. 

SEE: 'South Africans are buying property as if it is a Black Friday sale'

George has seen a 35% increase in average property prices, since 2016, according to Property24 data. Knysna’s average sale price has increased by 13%, while Plett’s property prices have remained consistent over the last year, offering buyers good value when it comes to free standing properties right now, according to Property24 Trends Data. 

“Aside from these sought-after estates, the average price band for freestanding family homes in George varies from an affordable R1.05 million for a home in a townhouse complex, and then ranges from R1.8 million to R7 million in the upmarket suburbs,” says Stephen Murray, Pam Golding Properties area manager in George.

Gordon Shutte, Pam Golding Properties area principal in Plett says buyers are mainly “interested in acquiring vacant land in order to build their dream homes, especially in security estates but also in the Heads in Knysna and Keurbooms”.

Properties across the board are selling, from R250 000 to R9.5 million for vacant plots, to houses which are active up to R15 million and particularly popular at the R5 million mark.

“Our sales are currently well up on same period last year. Other areas highly sought after include Belvidere, Fernwood Estate, Simola Golf Estate, Pezula Private Estate, Pezula Golf Estate, Thesen Islands and Leisure Isle in Knysna and Whale Rock, Brackenridge Estate and Schoongezicht Estate in Plett, plus just about anywhere with ocean views.”

Recently renovated, this immaculate, luxury four-bedroom home at R4.5 million, is soaked in natural light and filled with exclusive finishes. A private landscaped garden blends with the patio with stack doors and spectacular blue mountain as a backdrop.

 

'Overseas buyers drawn to Garden Route'

The area is well-known for its spectacular scenery, with mountain biking, hiking, cycling, water sports, medical facilities and good schools all acting as drawcards for those wanting to make a lifestyle decision to relocate from major metropoles.

In addition to local buyers already happily entrenched in the George area, home purchasers are drawn from Gauteng, elsewhere in the Western Cape - including Cape Town, followed by Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape, while overseas buyers include those from the USA, Germany and UK.

“In fact, over the past year or two we’ve seen approximately 50% of our buyers emanating from outside the Garden Route region. The allure of the water’s edge, whether it be the beachfront or clifftops, or the 8km of beaches and inland lakes of Wilderness, this region’s surroundings and lifestyle offering are factors attracting permanent residential buyers from elsewhere,” adds Murray.

Multi-generational living has also become quite a trend with a gated estates making provision for this.

Situated on a cliff edge in Pezula Golf Estate, overlooking Cove Beach, this elegant and spacious three-bedroom house in Knysna for R15.8 million, has large windows to fully appreciate the views. Superbly furnished, it includes a Zen garden and braai area, rimless solar-heated pool, solar geysers and sauna.

'Security remains top of mind'

For many buyers, security is top of mind coupled with a sense of space, especially in light of the lockdown restrictions, and so gated estates are proving popular, such as Kingswood Golf Estate, Welgelegen Estate, Kraaibosch Country Estates and world-famous Fancourt.

Buyers between the ages of 50 to 65 years have made up 30% of recent purchasers registered in the last six months, according to Property24 Trends Data. 

This expansive four-bedroom house close to town in Signal Hill, Plettenberg Bay for R9.5 million, has sweeping views across the bay towards the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Among numerous other features, it includes a walk-in wine cellar, well-manicured garden and pool – heated when necessary.

Murray notes that while the area is a firm favourite among retirees due to the relaxed atmosphere, they have seen a growing number of first-time buyers, plus a mix of home buyers from various age groups wanting to take advantage of the spectacular surrounds that includes the Outeniqua Mountains, rivers, forests, beaches and rich farmlands.

*Property24 Listings Data Disclaimer: The trends detailed in this article are based on Property24 listings, current at the time of publishing, and property transfer data supplied by Deeds offices, which typically take 3-4 months to reflect. Suburbs are listed according to Property24's geographical database. In some areas this will include both commercial and residential properties. The age demographic data of buyers, sellers and stable owners is determined over a six-month period.  These Property Values should not be used as a substitute for independent professional advice and is subject to Property24.com Terms and Conditions.