Semigration in SA: Where are people moving to?

Coastal property markets continue to perform better than inland areas, with property prices in these regions remaining among the highest in the country.

COASTAL REGIONS SEE INCREASE IN RESIDENTS

Property prices are rising faster in coastal areas compared to other areas across South Africa, according to Business Tech. Semigration remains a key contributor to the property market in coastal areas. Lightstone recently noted that the highest influx of new residents last year was to coastal towns such as:

• Mossel Bay,
• George,
• Knysna,
• Plettenberg Bay,
• Gqeberha,
• Hermanus, and
• Langebaan.

THE GARDEN ROUTE

In 2023, Mossel Bay topped the list of SA towns that had the highest influx of residents. Despite high interest rates, semigrants, retirees, and holiday home buyers are still flocking to Mossel Bay. Its quaint coastal appeal and high quality of life are two factors that make this town a prime destination. The town is famous for its Blue Flag beaches where you can swim, surf, and soak in the sun.

As the main city in the Garden Route, George offers an airport and city benefits including schools, but excludes city disadvantages like traffic. Property sells quickly and estates are popular choices.

Plettenberg Bay has seen an increase in high-net-worth buyers flocking there over the last few years. The town has achieved some of the highest prices in the country outside of the Atlantic Seaboard. Many new residents are moving there for the quality lifestyle and climate. Plettenberg Bay is a popular tourist town and very busy over school holidays and long weekends.

Knysna property prices have seen tremendous growth over the last few years. The average freehold price rose by 75% last year, while the sectional title price is up by 30%. Knysna is attracting many upcountry buyers who are looking to relocate their families.

EASTERN CAPE

Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, is seeing more and more people buying property in the city who have lived there in the past and are returning to retire there. According to Construction World, being a city, Gqeberha has all of the amenities typical of an urban environment, yet it is far smaller and less densely populated than a city like Johannesburg. In addition, its coastal location makes it an attractive choice as residents benefit from the natural beauty, beaches, and warm seas.

HERMANUS

The Hermanus real estate market is one of the fastest-growing in the country, with property values continuously increasing year on year. It is a peaceful town, removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet it is equipped with a host of amenities such as hospitals and schools. Hermanus is also conveniently located 121 km from the heart of Cape Town, 97 km from Stellenbosch, and 79 km from Somerset West.

LANGEBAAN

Langebaan is about a 90-minute drive from Cape Town. Mostly a popular weekend and holiday town in the past, it has seen an increase in permanent residents over the last few years as people look to escape the increasingly busy city. Safe waters and reliable winds make Langebaan very popular among kite surfers and wind surfers.