Three small towns rich South Africans are flocking to buy homes in
Wealthy South Africans are increasingly turning their backs on big city living and moving to smaller coastal towns along the Garden Route.
New data from Seeff Property shows that towns such as George, Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay are emerging as top semigration destinations for high-net-worth buyers, driving sharp increases in property prices and demand for luxury homes.
According to Seeff, the Garden Route is no longer viewed purely as a holiday or retirement escape.
It has become a permanent home for families, professionals and business owners seeking a better quality of life.
Pieter Jordaan, licensee for Seeff George, noted that buyers are drawn to the region’s laid-back pace, minimal traffic, and clean and well-managed environment.
This, while still enjoying access to key amenities such as good schools, hospitals, shopping centres and an airport.
Over the past five years, property values across the region have increased by an average of 35.5%, with some areas experiencing far stronger growth.
George is one of the most popular semigration hubs in the country. Lightstone data shows that the city recorded around R3 billion in property transactions in the year to September, underlining the strength of demand.
Average prices have grown by more than 30% over the past three years, driven by ongoing stock shortages and limited new development.
Jordaan noted that delays in bringing new developments to market are likely to keep supply tight, supporting prices in the near term.
Buyers are drawn to George’s mild climate, scenic surroundings, strong local economy and excellent infrastructure.
The city offers reputable schools, top hospitals, a regional shopping mall and some of the country’s best golf courses, making it a practical alternative to Cape Town at a more accessible price point.
Security and lifestyle estates are becoming increasingly popular, with homes in Kingswood, Welgelegen, Earls Court, and Kraaibosch Country Estate selling for between R5 million and R10 million.
At the very top end, Fancourt continues to achieve prices exceeding R15 million. The rental market is also booming.
Monthly rentals range from about R5,500 for sectional title units to R40,000 for high-end homes, and up to R75,000 a month within Fancourt.
Plettenberg Bay punching above its weight
Mossel Bay has also delivered a strong performance, supported by lifestyle buyers, retirees and tourism-driven demand.
Herman Spies, sales manager for Seeff Mossel Bay, said property investment in the area has proven rewarding, with the town ranking among the top-performing markets over the past five years.
Total transactions for the 12 months to the end of November 2025 reached R2.4 billion, still comfortably ahead of pre-pandemic levels.
The broader Mossel Bay area offers a wide range of options, including popular areas such as Groot Brak, Klein Brak, Hartenbos and Dana Bay, which appeal to both holidaymakers and permanent residents.
Average sale prices sit at around R2.3 million, with most homes trading between R1.5 million and R4 million.
Luxury estates such as Pinnacle Point, however, command a significant premium, with prices typically ranging from R5 million to R10 million and higher.
At the top end of the Garden Route market sits Plettenberg Bay, which has become one of South Africa’s most sought-after destinations for luxury holiday and retirement homes.
Alet Ollemans, licensee for Seeff Plettenberg Bay, said strong demand over the past five years has effectively doubled property prices, fuelled by high-end sales and a surge in lifestyle buying during and after the pandemic.
The town’s Blue Flag beaches, mild weather, outdoor attractions and proximity to nature continue to attract affluent buyers.
Plettenberg Bay now ranks second only to the Atlantic Seaboard when it comes to the prices wealthy buyers are willing to pay for prime coastal property.
According to Lightstone, nearly 40% of all properties in the town are valued at more than R3 million, the highest proportion of high-value homes in the country.
Luxury estates such as Brackenridge, Duin en See, Athina, Schoongezicht, Whale Rock and Turtle Creek regularly see sales between R5 million and R10 million, while ultra-high-end homes have pushed past R20 million.
George
Mossel Bay
Plettenberg Bay
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