The Property Market in the Garden Route Recovering after the Fires

In 2017 and 2018, the Garden Route was devastated by fires which destroyed over 1 000 homes and ravaged huge tracts of land and infrastructure. However, not only has much of the damaged property on this scenic coastal stretch already been rebuilt, the market is now one of the most buoyant in the country.

While fire scarred the coastline from Mossel Bay to St Francis Bay, the quaint seaside town of Knysna and its outlying areas bore the brunt of the 2017 fires. It caused some R3 billion in damages, including over 1000 houses that were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.

But the area has rebounded remarkably well considering the adverse prevailing circumstances with around 80% of the damaged properties already rebuilt or in the process of being repaired or rebuilt.

“Most of the restored homes have been rebuilt by the owners, but some of the damaged properties, especially those that were under-insured, have been sold ‘as is’ to new owners, most of whom plan to demolish the existing structures and build brand new homes.”

Much of the town’s recovery can be attributed to an encouragingly resilient market, which has been underpinned by ongoing semigration.

Despite the subdued economy and the disruption of the pandemic, the property market has remained fairly strong, and we are fielding enquiries from a growing number of families looking to relocate from the bigger cities in search of a different lifestyle that will afford them a better quality of life.

Interestingly, we are currently also seeing considerable interest from German buyers, which is largely due to increasing concern in Europe about the viability of the European Union and the financial burden that will be placed on productive countries within the EU.”

Reports from the Garden Route hotspot are, not only have the vast majority of the damaged properties already been repaired or rebuilt, 2020 also turned out to be a bumper year for the real estate market.

In 2019 we experienced a slight market slump due to the economic downturn and, as anticipated, 2020 got off to a slow start. However, despite all expectations to the contrary, once the hard lockdown period ended, the market rebounded with unexpected speed and strength.

In fact, 2020 ended up being one of the best years the Garden Route ever had in terms of sales value in the Property market.

Further down the coast, the town of George and its immediate residential suburbs were relatively unaffected by the fires, but the adjacent wooded areas were not spared and districts like Wilderness, Outeniqua and the Lakes were devastated.

However, most of the affected areas are back to normal, especially Wilderness where all of the damaged properties have been rebuilt and there is little remaining evidence of the fire’s destruction.

the market has also been extremely buoyant with a notable shift in the buyer demographic. Only a small percentage of our recent and current buyers are local; the majority hail from Gauteng, the Free State and Cape Town and, although we are still receiving enquiries from retirees, most are now young professional families in the 35 to 45-year age group.”

The pandemic has shown professionals like architects, chartered accountants, and attorneys that they are able to work remotely and can therefore live wherever they choose to – and Knysna meets all of their needs.

The George airport allows professionals to commute to major centres when necessary and they also have access to top schooling and medical facilities as well as a comprehensive variety of retail options and myriad outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling and proximity to beautiful beaches.

The most popular selling price band at the moment is between R2 million and R3 million but there is very little stock available.

“As can be seen the Garden Route has recovered not only from the devastated Fires, but also from the severe effect of Covid, as the property market is booming in the Area” – Principal Garden Route Exclusive Properties.

The following areas can be found in Knysna Garden Route,

Belvidere Park, Belvidere Estate, Lake Brenton, Brenton on Sea, Phantom River View, Estuary Heights, Eastford Glen, Eastford Estate, Eastford Downs, Simola, Kanonkop, Welbedacht, Paradise Knysna, Knysna Heights, Heuwelkruin Paradise Westhill, Knysna Central, Costa Sarda, Tides End, the Quays, Summer Place, Knysna Waterfront, Thesen Island, Old Place Upper Old Place, Knysna Industrial, Fishershaven, Hornlee, Amble Ridge, Hunters Home, Hunters Village, Rexford, Fernwood, Pezula Golf Estate, Pezula Private Estate, Sparrabosch, The Heads, Leisure Island, Coney Glen, Lagoon Views, Ocean Views,

The Garden Route and surroundings are a must for any traveler visiting, or wish to re-locate to this beautiful area of the Western Cape South Africa.

This link is a video of the Garden Route, and a must to see  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=599Um-QCbMs