South Africans are rushing to buy property in a small town in the Eastern Cape
New data shows that St Francis Bay recorded one of the highest numbers of sales in the luxury market above R2 million in the 10 months from January and October 2025.
This beats almost all other hotspots across the other provinces, including popular suburbs in the Western Cape.
According to property data from Lightstone, St Francis Bay’s Canals and Links areas collectively recorded 129 transactions over this period, with 70 sales in Canals and 59 in St Francis Links.
This activity places the town among the country’s most competitive high-end markets.
While Bantry Bay in Cape Town achieved the highest single selling price nationally at R48 million during the period, St Francis Bay recorded the country’s second-highest price at R37 million, underscoring its growing appeal among affluent buyers.
The strong performance aligns with broader trends in South Africa’s coastal property market. Coastal sales and rental prices continue to rise faster than inland areas, particularly along the Western and Eastern Cape.
Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, attributed this to what he described as a “flight to quality”, driven by buyers seeking both lifestyle improvements and resilient property values.
He said that the Eastern Cape offers some of the country’s best weather, with abundant sunshine supporting an outdoor-focused and healthy lifestyle.
The region also boasts top-class beaches, many with Blue Flag status, as well as good schools and access to tertiary education, including Nelson Mandela University.
St Francis Bay has become increasingly attractive to semigrants and older buyers looking for a quieter pace of life without being isolated.
The town’s proximity to Gqeberha allows residents to enjoy coastal living while remaining within reach of a major city.
According to Desiree Ferreira, licensee for Seeff St Francis Bay, sustained inward migration and population growth have driven visible changes in the town.
New restaurants, shops and medical facilities have emerged, making permanent residency more appealing.
South Africa’s “Zoom town”
Lightstone data shows that transactions were up year-on-year in 2025, with notable price growth recorded over the past five years.
Buyers and investors are drawn to a range of offerings, including the St Francis Links golf estate, the iconic canal system, and the traditional Village area known for its distinctive black-and-white architecture and proximity to amenities.
Average prices in the town generally range from about R3 million to R5.3 million, while canal properties command higher values, typically between R7 million and R20 million.
Vacant land also remains popular, particularly sea-view plots priced from around R800,000 to R2 million.
Homes within St Francis Links typically sell for between R3 million and R12 million, although many buyers invest significantly more in custom-designed builds.
Demand remains especially strong for properties in secure estates, canal homes offering direct water access, and Village properties with a strong community feel.
Remote work has further boosted interest from buyers relocating from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, reinforcing St Francis Bay’s reputation as a “Zoom town”.
Another growing driver is sustainability. Buyers are looking for homes with solar power, boreholes and inverter systems, offering greater independence from utilities and lower long-term costs.
Seeff noted that, unlike the Western Cape, where inward migration has slowed, St Francis Bay continues to stand out as a highly desirable destination.
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