SLICE OF PARADISE: A slice of paradise, this R6,5 million home is located on the rocks at the Knysna Heads with ocean and mountain views as far as the eye can see
AMID severe stock shortages reported in the metro areas countrywide, estate agents say that as far as the Garden Route is concerned, it is still very much a buyers’ market.
While the residential sector of the market here is making good strides towards recovery, holiday, retirement and investment buyers are still spoilt for choice.
Citing the sustained low house price inflation, wealth of stock still on the market and sellers more willing to negotiate, agents believe it is still a great time to snap up a slice of paradise here.
Regarded as the most beautiful coastal strip in the country and one of the most remarkable in the world, the 200km Garden Route, is an especially popular area for Capetonians and upcountry buyers alike; many of whom already own holiday homes here, according to Knysna estate agent Suzi Bilyard.
Stretching from Mossel Bay, past George and Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna on to Plettenberg Bay and just past to the Storms River, here, you have the ocean on your doorstep and nature’s paradise as your back garden.
Lush green landscapes interplay with sandy beaches, a rocky coastline, dramatic mountains, gorges, waterfalls, lakes and lagoons, a wealth of fauna and flora and indigenous forests such as the Tsitsikamma.
Hot summers and mild winters make it the perfect year-round destination. Add to this, the pristine air, laid-back lifestyle largely devoid of stress, scenic golf courses, polo at Plett, indulgent spas, a wealth of watersport activities and world-renowned nature trails such as the Otter Trail.
When it comes to Knysna, buyers are simply spoilt for choice, Bilyard said. Vacant plots start from as low as R350000, apartments at about R650000 and houses upwards of about R1.8-million. Water-side property in sought-after areas such as at the Heads or Thesen Islands though cost upwards of R2-million for an apartment and about R6.5-million to R20-million for a luxury home. The stunning Simola and Pezula developments also abound with good-value, vacant land and luxury homes.
George is of course a golfer’s paradise, estate agent Pieter Jordaan said. Aside from Fancourt, there is the popular Oubaai Golf Resort that offers a wonderful selection of homes. Prices are by and large still down on their pre-2007/8 levels and there are excellent buys on offer in areas such as Glentana, George and Wilderness. Vacant plots, for example, start at R250000, apartments and townhouses at R900000 and houses at R1.2-million. Luxury golf and lifestyle estate homes range upwards of about R2-million.
Mossel Bay is still cheaper compared to other towns on the Garden Route, according to Kaaiman Schutte. Apartments and townhouses range from about R700000 to R1-million. Houses start at about R1.2-million. For luxury buyers, there are beach and golf estate homes, priced upwards of R2.5-million.
While Plettenberg Bay has seen a strong pick-up in buying in the last year, agent, Alet Ollemans, said there is still time to snap up a good bargain here. Vacant plots are for example still selling for as low as R450000 while apartments start at just under R1-million. Houses sell for R2-million, but expect to pay upwards of R5-million for a home in a good location.
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