Tired of the rat race? Desperate for peace and quiet? If you’re thinking of moving to one of South Africa’s small towns or are looking for an interesting property investment, it turns out that now could be the perfect time to make your move.
From the Kalahari to the Garden Route, Just Property agents share their insights on where to look for country property investments...
The Kalahari
For true peace and friendliness, Ria Taljaard of Just Property, says you’d find it hard to beat the Kalahari. Taljaard says most buyers moving to the towns of Kuruman, Kathu and Postmasburg are doing so for work, but a number are purchasing properties as investments.
“The region is a major mining area, but it is also a special place endowed with unique natural beauty. And we’re not just talking desert - Kuruman, believe it or not, offers the largest natural fountain in the southern hemisphere, known as The Eye. It delivers between 20 and 30 million litres of water a day to the town. And Kathu Forest is a 4 000ha protected woodland of camel thorn trees,” says Taljaard.
Kathu also has one of South Africa’s top 20 golf courses, and property here offers a unique investment opportunity.
“Due to various mines in our area, most of those who move here do so to take up positions with the likes of Anglo American, Group Five, Aurecon and Assmang. As a result, investors can get a high rental income for their properties,” she says. “Properties here start paying for themselves from day one.”
There are a range of choices, from the Kathu Hunting and Golf Estate with property prices from R2 million to R7 million, to smaller estates, as well as the freestanding homes in the villages.
Entry-level homes in Kuruman and Kathu range from R750 000 to R950 000.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Hibiscus Coast
If star-studded desert nights sound just too quiet for you, what about one of the seaside towns?
Margate, in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Hibiscus Coast, is a popular destination offering some of the best diving on the South African coast.
Lawrence Homan, principal and owner of Just Property Margate and Berea, says Margate continues to draw people from urban centres.
Homan says homes here are priced between R800 000 and R2 million - and there is good value to be had right now.
Due to the economic downturn, Homan says he has noticed that a number of holiday homes are coming onto the market. At the same time, many of the usual investors are sitting on the fence, waiting until the government clarifies its intentions with regard to land expropriation.
This presents a unique opportunity at the popular resort town, which Homan says attracts many who want a quieter life but enjoy having a number of options with regards to activities and things to do.
“We have great weather, beautiful beaches, an exceptional lifestyle, and the cost of living here is much more affordable,” says Homan.
The Garden Route
If you want to be on the Garden Route, you’d do well to consider the pretty town of George. It has all the attractions of a small town with the advantage of excellent facilities on your doorstep.
“Those relocating here choose George for its safety, very good schools, and the fact that we have everything you find in a larger city, but without the traffic,” says Piet Burger, Gorege’s Just Property franchisee.
“People are friendly, there’s a lot of business, and the medical facilities are excellent, so quite a few people also come here for their retirement.”
He says the town’s central location on the Garden Route, business node and world-famous golf resorts draw a number of holidaymakers, so there is scope for the investor too.
Burger says he has a range of relocating buyers on his books right now, as well as investors, and their requests range from vacant land to build onto holiday houses, flats to rent out and residential family homes.
“While the investors are looking for flats, those looking for a second home want a lock-up and go in a security complex, and those looking to move here permanently are interested in the bigger homes in the suburbs. Interestingly, 90% of our sales range between R700 000 and R1.7 million. Considering the lifestyle we have here, there’s really good value in George,” says Burger.
Why not make the move
According to the Just Property agents, the relaxed pace of life and the advantages of less hustle and bustle are major drawcards for city dwellers choosing a country home and lifestyle. And with digital connectivity, most jobs can be done just as successfully remotely, meaning there is no reason to sit in an office surrounded by smog when you can escape to more scenic and laidback surrounds.
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