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.
Favorable
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 whilst thatched
lodges with three bedrooms and a wrap around verandah are available
for ZAR 3.5 million.
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 and
ZAR36 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.