The trend of moving to small towns or investing in a second home for various reasons, especially along the coast, has been a fundamental driver of activity over the last couple of years.
Small towns and villages have become known as ‘zoom towns,’ as people become more aware of the possibilities for a better quality lifestyle. The small coastal towns within reach of a city and airports for commuting purposes benefit from this trend. Recent price growth tendencies point to slightly higher price growth on the coast than inland areas.
Where it has traditionally been older buyers who would migrate to smaller coastal locations for reasons such as downscaling or retirement, increasing numbers of young people are heading to the coastal areas.
In Hermanus, for example, almost a quarter of permanent residents are now under 35 years. In Langebaan, it is about one-third and over forty percent in the Blouberg area.
Aside from the water sport, the coastal towns offer a lavish outdoor lifestyle, often with golf and other amenities, cycling, or just walking your dog in relative safety.
Hermanus, Langebaan, and Struisbaai/Agulhas
The Southern Cape and West Coast towns such as Hermanus, Langebaan, and Struisbaai/Agulhas are doing very well.
Hermanus is, for example, rising in popularity with “out of towners,” who now make up 70% of all property sales. Although it is popular for second homes, the town is now a hot spot for new families who can enjoy a cosmopolitan coastal lifestyle, access to the beautiful Hemel en Aarde Wine Valley, top-class facilities, and excellent schools.
An hour from Cape Town, Langebaan is a popular weekend bolthole and second home destination for Capetonians. It is an excellent base given the proximity to Cape Town, Saldanha, Vredenburg, and booming sales.
The Struisbaai/Agulhas area is more secluded but alluring for the white-washed fisherman architecture and location on the southernmost point of the African continent. The market here is doing very well.
Mossel Bay and Port Alfred
Mossel Bay is still one of the most affordable small coastal towns in the country to invest in. It offers a tremendous cosmopolitan lifestyle, excellent schools, medical care, and proximity to George and the airport.
Schutte said Mossel Bay is a great place to retire or buy a holiday home for later retirement or semi-grating families.
Port Alfred enjoys two waterfront areas, the Kowie River and the warm Indian Ocean. In addition, the location midway between Gqeberha and East London and its proximity to Rhodes University makes it an excellent base for retirees, holidaymakers, semi-grating families, and remote workers.
Ackermann Projects can assist you in constructing new properties, renovations, and additions.
Extracts from the original article:
https://businesstech.co.za/news/property/482787/where-are-south-africas-zoom-towns-and-why-are-buyers-moving-there/
