Historically, statistical reports on residential property price appreciation and market activity tend to focus on the major metros and hubs in South Africa.
Well known for its bird-watching, hiking, horse-riding and fishing, buyers are drawn to the province of Mpumalanga by the magnificent scenery, fauna and flora.
Dullstroom
Only two-and-a-half hour’s drive from Gauteng, and with its clean air and water and tranquil setting, Dullstroom is popular as a weekend getaway from the city, says Elisme Swart, Pam Golding Properties area principal.
“This town reflects a similar trend towards an older homeowner. With 65% of homeowners having owned their properties for 11 years or more, indicating a stable housing market, 35% of these are retirees, while 46% of recent buyers are in the mature age group,” says Swart.
While market activity is limited to less than 50 sales a year, freehold sales transactions have nearly doubled during the past 10 years, with 2021 sales close to the decade high of 42 units in 2019. Vacant plot sales soared to 22 last year – another decade high, while sectional title activity remains steady with single-digit sales each year.
“Apart from the mature age category, we are seeing families who want to work from home and raise their children in the countryside, as well as investors seeking properties to accommodate weekend tourists, leisure buyers and those looking to acquire trout farms. In regard to residential developments, the demand for Highland Gate golf estate is booming, while Walkersons Private Estate is also in high demand, being a low-density development with good trout water, walking and cycling potential.
Dullstroom has currently *25 new property listings according to Property24 Trends Data, with the average sale price for the area being R795 000. The average sale price per erf for 2021 was about R575 000, while Section Scheme Units average sale price for the same period is R635 000.
The latest residential listings on Property24 show that four-bedroom homes are most widely available, at an average list price of R2.75 million. Sellers in the area fall within the 50-64 years (39%), while 39% of buyers fall within 50-64 years age group.
Click here to see all the latest trend data for Dullstroom
Middleburg
In Middelburg, a town in Mpumalanga which services farmers in the area, 34% of recent buyers were young adults, many presumably first-time buyers. As this is considered one of the top municipalities in the country, many people choose to live in Middelburg and work in nearby Witbank (eMalahleni), says Louis Greeff, area principal for Pam Golding Properties.
Adding to the town’s appeal, Greeff says between May and July 2021 the Steve Tshwete Municipality sold approximately 644 stands to the public. These included residential and commercial stands ranging range between R98 000 and R2.132 million.
Generally, across the market, vacant plots remain affordable, despite a doubling in price over the past decade. Greeff says accurately priced housing accommodation in the town is in high demand with a shortage of stock in the R800 000 to R1.2 million price range.
The majority of homes in Middelburg are freehold (88.3%), with just 3.23% of these located in estates. However, a recent development, Glen Cullen Private Country Estate, which is 100% off the grid, is selling well with the first phase of 39 stands 75% sold out, with prices ranging from R885 000 to R1.2 million (including VAT). Facilities on the estate include an equestrian centre, fishing, cycling, birdwatching, walking and running, while a school is also planned.
Middelburg has currently *285 new property listings according to Property24 Trends Data, with the average sale price for the area being R1.5 million. The average sale price per erf for 2021 was about R1.02, while Section Scheme Units average sale price for the same period is R890 000.
The latest residential listings on Property24 show that three-bedroom homes are most widely available, at an average list price of R1.499 million. Sellers in the area fall within the 36-49 years (36%), while 39% of buyers also fall within 36-49 years age group.
Click here to see all the latest trend data for Middelburg
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*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
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