Goodbye Gauteng – new semigration trend hitting the largest city in the Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, the largest city in the Eastern Cape, is witnessing a notable shift as young buyers, renters, and investors flock to the city, spurred by a R127 billion worth of investment.

This is according to Pam Golding Properties, which noted that professionals and families are looking to Gqeberha seeking better lifestyles and economic opportunities, driving a new wave of semigration from provinces like Gauteng.

Gqeberha’s evolving landscape is underpinned by several high-profile investments.

Among these is a R3 billion auto manufacturing plant for Stellantis, a R105 billion green ammonia plant for Hive Energy, a R4 billion Volkswagen expansion in Kariega to add a third production model by 2027, and a R13.6 billion Liquified Natural Gas terminal.

Other significant projects include a R510 million expansion by South African Breweries, a R2.7 billion solar power plant at Parsons Power Park, R150 million invested by Jendamark Automation, R114 million to boost Mercedes-Benz’s assembly capacity, and a R1 billion injection from cannabis consultancy Medigrow over five years.

These projects are reshaping Gqeberha into a magnet for economic growth and opportunity.

According to Justin Kreusch, an area principal for Pam Golding Properties in Gqeberha, the influx is driven not only by the promise of job opportunities but also by the lifestyle advantages the city offers.

“Many newcomers, particularly from Gauteng, are opting to rent before committing to purchasing property as they familiarise themselves with the area.

This trend is particularly prevalent among younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s, as well as professionals aged up to 50, who are increasingly drawn to the city,” he notes.

The demographic reshaping of Gqeberha reflects a growing demand for rental and investment properties.

Data from ooba Home Loans shows that the Eastern Cape recorded the second-highest percentage of applications for investment properties in 2024, with 15.2% earmarked for buy-to-rent purposes.

Additionally, the province saw the strongest national demand for holiday homes, comprising 1.3% of applications compared to the 0.35% national average.

Professionals relocating to Gqeberha largely specialise in fields such as medicine, engineering, and the automotive sector.

Many are linked to major employers like the newly established Shoprite Distribution Logistics Centre.

Areas like Bluewater Bay are popular for their proximity to key facilities like the depot, while suburbs such as Walmer, Lorraine, and Mill Park attract professionals due to their access to amenities, workplaces, and reputable schools.

Beyond professional opportunities, lifestyle factors play a pivotal role.

Families relocating from Cape Town are finding Gqeberha’s coastal living equally appealing but with the added advantages of less traffic, lower housing costs, and an enhanced quality of life.

The city’s excellent beaches, vibrant dining scene, top-tier hospitals, and accessible private schools make it a compelling destination.

Nearby attractions like the Garden Route, Addo Elephant Park, and Mountain Zebra Park further enhance its allure.

Housing options in Gqeberha are diverse, catering to various needs and budgets.

Monthly rentals range from R18,000 to R25,000 for family homes, while properties for purchase span from R2.5 million for apartments to R5 million for homes in sought-after estates like Little Walmer Golf Estate.

The market offers exclusive options for those seeking luxury; for instance, a five-bedroom Summerstrand property recently sold for R23 million to a buyer from the Northern Cape.

Affordable housing remains a key feature of Gqeberha’s appeal.

Suburbs such as South End, Lorraine, Sherwood, Kabega, Parsons Vlei, and Westering offer sectional-title units priced between R700,000 and R1.2 million.

Developments like Mimosa Village in Fairview cater to first-time buyers and investors, with two—to three-bedroom units priced under R1 million, depending on size and finishes.

For those interested in older, spacious properties, areas like Mount Pleasant are gaining traction among younger buyers.

Other suburbs, such as Salisbury Park, Fairview, and Parsons Vlei, offer affordable “duet” units—two homes built on a single erf—that combine lock-up-and-go convenience with modern finishes.

The demand isn’t limited to residential properties. There’s a noticeable uptick in interest for guesthouses and lodges in the R7 million to R9.5 million range.

Properties in prime areas like Humewood and Walmer are drawing attention from businesspeople and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their hospitality portfolios.

The growing appeal of Gqeberha lies in its unique combination of economic opportunity, lifestyle benefits, and affordability.

As the city continues to attract investments and talent, its transformation into a dynamic hub is well underway, cementing its status as a leading destination for South Africa’s semigration trend.

Read: Goodbye Cape Town – why some South Africans are leaving the Western Cape