The picturesque country towns of Swellendam, Bonnievale, Ladismith, Barrydale, Struisbaai, Riversdale, and Pearly Beach are currently experiencing a remarkable property market boom, driven by a confluence of agriculture, tourism, and the pursuit of a more tranquil lifestyle.
According to Jaco Badenhorst, sales manager for Seeff Country and Karoo, this year has seen unprecedented activity in the property sector as buyers flock to these areas in search of healthier living environments, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Agents have reported a noteworthy surge in sales fuelled by individuals keen to relocate, thanks to thriving local economies and notably low crime rates. With limited properties on the market, competition has intensified; well-priced homes are garnering multiple offers and are often snapped up within days of being listed.
Recent data from Lightstone indicates that over 8 000 transactions, valued at nearly R9.5 billion, were finalised across the Cape countryside last year, with a staggering 90% of these sales falling below the R1.5 million mark.
In more popular towns, freehold houses are typically priced between R1.8 million and R2.5 million, making them highly attractive for prospective buyers.
Factors driving this remarkable demand include the trends of semigration, retirement, and the rise of remote working. Significant local investments, such as the R4.5 billion Overberg Wind Farm Project located near Swellendam, have further enhanced the desirability of these towns.
Badenhorst reflects that many buyers are not only treating country homes as holiday retreats but are now converting them into permanent residences, signalling a cultural shift in living preferences.
Beyond leisure considerations, potential homeowners appreciate the financial benefits of acquiring more space and amenities in country towns compared to bustling urban centres.
Badenhorst elaborates, ‘Many are selling up in the big cities, relocating to smaller towns and starting small businesses.’ Such practical advantages are complemented by the appealing infrastructure, reliable access to schools, and proximity to larger commercial hubs available in these towns.
In addition to freehold homes, a growing array of lifestyle and retirement estates is emerging, alongside plentiful vacant plots, small holdings, agricultural farms, and commercial properties, catering to diverse investment interests.
Swellendam, Barrydale, and Riversdale boast active sectors in agriculture and small business, further enticing new residents, while nearby towns like Bredasdorp are witnessing a rising demand for rental homes as an influx of professionals takes root.
Val Anderton and Marinda Roux, agents at Seeff Swellendam, note an influx of enquiries from Gauteng and Pretoria. They report that young families are increasingly drawn to the region due to its excellent schooling options and nurturing environment for children. Emerging interest in higher-priced properties is also evident, with averages ranging from R2.4 million to R3.4 million, alongside growing demand for rentals.
The Barrydale region has gained traction in the R2.5 million market, attracting buyers from various locales, especially the Cape. Beate Joubert, another Seeff agent, observes that there is heightened interest in larger homes suitable for conversion into guest houses due to the booming tourism sector.
Coastal towns such as Still Bay and Gansbaai are not left behind, with significant increases in permanent residency attributed to their enticing climates and locations.
Adel Regtien from Seeff Still Bay mentions that this area has maintained its allure as a cherished holiday and retirement destination, bolstered by easy access to the beautiful Garden Route.
Meanwhile, Gansbaai has experienced a noteworthy increase in property prices, with the average now standing at approximately R2.25 million, a leap of over R1 million in just four years.
Anet Rossouw from Seeff highlighted that nearly 60% of buyers hail from Gauteng, with the remainder chiefly coming from the Western Cape, seeking weekend retreats by the sea.
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Foreign investment drives growth in Western Cape’s property market
Picture: Supplied
Source: Seeff
