South Africa’s holiday home hotspots – with prices from R1.1 million to R33 million

 ·12 Jan 2025

South Africa is home to several holiday home hotspots, which offer more than just a picturesque escape, as they can offer financial stability.

Many South Africans are returning from their holiday travels ahead of the start of the 2025 academic year, but purchasing a holiday home could prove to be a wise investment.

South Africa is home to breathtaking coastal retreats, scenic mountain getaways, and serene countryside escapes, meaning that the demand for holiday properties is steadily increasing.

“Holiday homes in prime destinations offer a unique opportunity to blend leisure with investment,” said John Herbst, CEO of Fine & Country Sub-Saharan Africa.

“They often appreciate due to their desirable locations and provide the potential for consistent rental returns during peak travel seasons.”

The Seeff Property Group also noted that coastal property remains in high demand for holiday homes and Airbnb investments.

Recent Lightstone data also showed that coastal towns have mostly outpaced the metros in terms of transactions over the last year, with buyers spending on average about 25% more on coastal property compared to major metros.

Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, noted that holiday towns tend to attract buyers due to the nation’s 48 Blue Flag beaches and marinas, a great climate, and access to good amenities.

International buyers also find excellent value in prices compared to other overseas holiday destinations.

Seeff said that locations such as Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus, Gansbaai, Langebaan, and St Helena in the Cape have been some of the best performers.

Eastern Cape hotspots, and Margate, Salt Rock, and Umhlanga in KZN are also doing incredibly well.

The migration of wealth to the coastal areas is part of a broader trend, with New World Wealth data showing that hot spots that attract wealthier buyers include Clifton, Camps Bay, False Bay, Hermanus, Langebaan, Garden Route towns like Plettenberg Bay, and Umhlanga and Ballito on the KZN coast.

Data from Lightstone shows that the average price for a full title property ranges from R1.8 million in Jeffrey’s Bay to R33 million in Clifton, Cape Town.

Sectional title properties range from R1.1 million in Strand to R19 million in Clifton and Llandudno.


Clifton and Camps Bay (Atlantic Seaboard)


The Atlantic Seaboard has seen some of the highest prices paid this year, mostly over R20 million per transaction.

Seeff said that the location, lifestyle and Blue Flag beaches attract buyers from across the globe, with prices at a premium.

For those interested, they can expect to pay upwards of R10 million, with houses upwards of R20 million.


Hout Bay and Llandudno (Scenic Victoria Road Route)


Located on one of the most scenic routes in the world popular with cyclists, Llandudno has seen a massive rise in sales over R20 million over the last few years.

Houy Bay buyers are also increasingly paying more for homes, which has led to capital value increases and a hot rental market.


Muizenberg and Fish Hoek (False Bay)


These are surfing hotspots on Cape Town’s warmer False Bay coast, but still offer value, as apartments can come under R2 million.

There are also great amenities, schools and a beach lifestyle, which make it a top destination for holidaymakers and property buyers, local and international buyers alike.


Strand and Gordons Bay (scenic R44 Coastal Route)


The scenic waterfront areas still have good value, particularly in Strand.

There are apartments below R1.5 million in Strand with beach apartments in the R1.5m-R3.5m range.

Although Gordon’s Bay is superb for luxury buyers, it still offers plenty in the R2m-R3m range.


Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay (Overstrand Coast)


Seeff said that these towns offer great value for money and are about 90 minutes from Cape Town and close to Hermanus.

A laid-back lifestyle and pristine coastline and prices from just R1.8 million make the area a popular choice for holiday homes.


Hermanus and Gansbaai (Whale Coast)


The areas, which are renowned for whale watching and wine farms, are incredibly popular with weekenders and holidaymakers.

Prices generally start at R1.8 million, and there are also lots to buy in Pearly Beach, about 21 km from Gansbaai.


Langebaan and St Helena Bay (West Coast)


Stunning beaches, fishing and seafood are hallmarks of the West Coast, with the area close to Cape Town for a quick getaway.

The Mykonos apartments, priced from R1.2 million, are a popular choice for holiday buyers in Langebaan.

Moreover, South Africans can buy land for R500,000 and build their own holiday house.


Struisbaai and Arniston (Southern Cape)


The Southern Cape offers unspoilt beaches and white-washed architecture, which offers a quiet holiday with fabulous fishing and water-based activities.

South Africans can find an apartment for roughly R2 million in Struisbaai and a small stone house for around R1.8 million in Arniston.


Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay (Garden Route)

The area has become a semigration hotspot, making Plett one of the top choices for luxury buyers in the R2m-R6m range.

Despite the popularity, Mossel Bay still has plenty of vacant land to build one’s dream home or buy a sectional title from R1.6 million. Freestanding houses cost R2.1 million.


Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay (Eastern Cape)


The Eastern Cape towns are popular surfing destinations and great holiday hotspots.

Properties in Jeffreys Bay are priced from around R1.6 million.

“Picturesque canals, a stunning coastline, and world-class golfing make St Francis Bay a top choice. There’s plenty of vacant land to build your dream home, or buy a house from R2.6m,” said Seeff.


Umhlanga and La Lucia (KZN, Durban North)


Beautiful beaches, a vibrant lifestyle, and proximity to Durban make Umhlanga and La Lucia popular with holidaymakers and buyers.

Apartments are also a top choice within Umhlanga, with prices ranging from R1.2 million to over R20 million for a top waterfront location.


Read: The woman looking after South Africa’s biggest retailer – worth R175 billion

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