A look at the R17.5 million house in South Africa’s new semigration hotspot
A R17.5 million house in Walmer, Gqeberha, is on the market for R17.5 million.
Pam Golding said that the property, which is found in an exclusive golf estate, is a one-of-a-kind, four-bedroom designer home, which offers privacy, style and security.
It added that the property has fantastic views to the north and east, across a flowing river.
The garden is also incorporated into the house in the form of sky gardens on large accessible balconies, while panoramic views stretching almost to the ocean are enjoyed.
‘Green’ features are also key, with the property having solar panels for geysers and underfloor water heating, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and passive design considerations.
The real estate company added that there is R127 billion worth of investments earmarked for the Eastern Cape across a wide array of sectors, with Gqeberha seeing an influx of home buyers and investors, as well as renters, relocating to Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality from Gauteng.
“Apart from the lifestyle factor which attracts new residents to Gqeberha, currently a large number of Gauteng and other buyers appear to be relocating for work – many of whom are looking to rent first and then buy once they have familiarised themselves with the area,” said Justin Kreusch from Pam Golding.
“Aside from newcomers to the area, we find that many sellers already residing here are or become repeat buyers in the city, especially younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s, as well as those up to around 50 years of age.”
Ooba Home Loans said that the the Eastern Cape has the second-highest percentage of applications for investment/buy-to-rent properties at 15.2% during the first 10 months of 2024,
It has also recorded the strongest demand for holiday homes at 1.3% of applications during the same period, compared to 0.35% for SA overall.
“The bulk of those relocating for work are between 30 and 50 years of age, including professionals in the medical industry and engineers, as well as those employed in the vehicle industry and moving with their families,” said Kreusch.
“We have also placed quite several individuals and families who have relocated here with the new Shoprite Distribution Logistics Centre.
“For those moving regarding the Shoprite facility, Bluewater Bay has been their choice given its proximity to the depot, while for other professionals the areas of Walmer, Lorraine and Mill Park are preferred because of their close proximity to places of work and amenities.
“Interestingly, we are also seeing a number of families relocating here from the Cape, with the reasons cited that Gqeberha offers the same appealing coastal living but with an improved lifestyle – with no traffic issues due to the low traffic volumes and thereby saving travel time, and at a much more affordable rate with excellent value for money homes, especially at the top end.
“There are great beaches, coffee shops, restaurants, hospitals and local schools, with private schools in Makhanda also an option, while there is also easy access to the Garden Route and attractions such as Addo Elephant Park and Mountain Zebra Park.”