Semigration, people and families relocating to a different part of a country in search of a better lifestyle rather than emigrating, is a growing trend in South Africa, with Cape Town as the chosen destination.
Pam Golding Properties’ records have found that up to 40% of buyers on the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl are from Gauteng with about 15% from Kwa-Zulu Natal.
“We have seen sales to Joburg buyers range from R22 million in Clifton to R64.8 million in Fresnaye and sales to KZN buyers range from R21.5 million to R29 million in Camps Bay, ” says Samuel Seeff, Chairman of Seeff Properties, adding this was the trend of the last three years.
“I think that there are many reasons why people choose Cape Town. From a range of great urban schools to the natural beauty of the Cape and its climate, to the fact that the city is well run, means a great property investment, which becomes an attraction of its own,” Jacques van Embden, MD of Blok, a Cape Town developer said.
Laurie Wener, Western Cape MD for Pam Golding Properties, concurred that the Cape lifestyle was a major drawcard, “Some of the reasons we found behind these percentages is a desire to live the Cape lifestyle, along with municipal efficiencies compared to other provinces. We have also seen this trend occur across all price ranges and in most areas of the Cape.”
Technology is also enabling semigration with portable devices, cloud computing and widespread WiFi and 3G coverage making geographic location for businesses less important.
“The omnipresent cloud and increasingly fast and affordable wireless internet connectivity are making the difference between being in the office and outside it almost negligible for entrepreneurs and professionals alike. So when you need face-time with colleagues or clients, a two hour flight connects you to the other major cities of South Africa,” says van Embden.
More and more people have come to realise that the Cape is a great place to live and work. By purchasing properties costing millions or less, they have literally “put their money” where their hearts are and embraced everything this beautiful city has to offer.
