For a long time, many South Africans, particularly those from Gauteng, have viewed the Western Cape as an ideal place to move. They were drawn by the promise of better local government, a desirable quality of life, and scenic surroundings. This perception led to a steady flow of families and professionals relocating to the province.
A Changing Picture
For many years there was a surge of people moving to the Western Cape, especially Cape Town. This “migration” was driven by the desire for lifestyle change, remote work flexibility, and dissatisfaction with service delivery in some metros. While people are still moving, the situation is becoming more balanced. That momentum is slowing down, particularly as property prices in the Western Cape have escalated. Other reasons are affordability, as well as more business and job opportunities in Gauteng. Many semigrants in Cape Town are moving back to Gauteng.
Coastal Towns Like Mossel Bay Remain Popular
Despite these shifts, some areas within the Western Cape are still experiencing significant growth. This is largely fueled by buyers looking for a particular lifestyle, holiday homes, retirement options and property investments e.g. buy to rent. Towns like Mossel Bay, Yzerfontein, Sedgefield and Hermanus are seeing a strong uptick in demand.
These locations offer the coastal charm that semigrants are looking for but without the congestion and high costs associated with Cape Town. A coastal town like Mossel Bay with its excellent local government, infrastructure, blue flag beaches, weather and growing economy remains an attractive destination for potential buyers and investors. A significant portion of buyers are not moving immediately to Mossel Bay but are securing homes for the future or generating rental revenue.
What Does This Mean for the Property Market?
The South African property landscape continues to evolve. While the strong wave of people moving to the Western Cape might have slowed compared to recent years, the region's long-term appeal, especially the Garden route, still drives consistent, though more selective interest. Buyers are always looking for good value, especially in smaller coastal towns driven by lifestyle, security and investment opportunities.
Sellers need to be aware of the change in semigration patterns and ensure that they market their properties at market-related prices. Buyers are not interested in “over-priced turkeys”. Work with your local Seeff Property Practitioners to market and sell your property at the best possible price in the shortest possible time with the least complexities.
(Contact your Seeff Mossel Branch for assistance)
