Prime South African locations becoming popular with overseas buyers, it is suggested
There are signs that some property locations in South Africa, long regarded as a secret by locals, are set to become more popular with overseas buyers.
Favourable exchange rates mean that prices are a bargain, for example for British buyers, and according to experts the sought after locations are proving to be a good investment in terms of holiday lettings.
In this context the African bush and game reserves are adding an extra attractive feature. One example is the coastal town of Mossel Bay where the number of overseas buyers are increasing and holiday homes in the Garden Route, regarded as a beautiful coastline, are in demand.
Gondwana Game Reserve is a five star bush resort in the heart of the Garden Route where holiday home owners can offer prospective tenants the experience of 27,000 acres of South African wilderness, year round swimming, surfing and golf.
Some 30 minutes inland from Mossel Bay, Gondwana is the only game reserve in the Southern Cape with property for sale. Freehold title plots with 2.5 acres start from ZAR one million (£65,000) whilst thatched lodges with three bedrooms and a wrap around verandah are available for ZAR 3.5 million (£228,000).
The reserve features the big five game animals that everyone wants to see; lions, elephant, buffalos, rhinos and leopards and although it feels remote it is actually half a mile from the coast and has views to the Swartberg, Langeberg, and Outeniqua Mountain Ranges. Championship seaside golf courses such as Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Oubaai and Fancourt are also within easy reach and another attraction is the proximity to Cape Town and the Cape vineyards.
The Gondwana site also has an Afro-chic owners’ club house with infinity pool and a boutique five star lodge with a bush spa and gourmet restaurant. Residents have access to bespoke safari style services such as game drives with expert field guides, housekeeping, private chefs, babysitting and transfers.
Another example at the other end of the price scale is Camps Bay Beach, a boutique collection of contemporary three bedroom beachfront villas with prices ranging between ZAR29.5 million (£1.88 million) and ZAR36 million (£2.3 million) which developers believe offer a Mediterranean lifestyle but at a fraction of the cost.
The properties overlook the beach and are close to a palm fringed promenade known for its nightlife, fine dining and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
The properties are described as being situated on the slopes of Table Mountain with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and next to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches with white sand.
Many of South Africa’s elite, including business people, discerning individuals, national and international celebrities, own Camps Bay property and the area is increasingly popular with British property buyers as English is widely spoken and you are able to drive on the left.
