Small towns in South Africa attract semigration buyers

The value for money and idyllic lifestyle offered by small towns in South Africa gives international investors a reason to buy.

Ian Badenhorst, the Managing Director for Seeff Country and Karoo, says charming small towns in South Africa are making a big comeback, capturing the hearts of both local and international buyers.

What's making people flock to these towns? It's a mix of practicality and allure. You're close enough to big-town facilities to benefit from top-notch schools and other amenities. Plus, the cost of living tends to be more affordable - think cheaper goods and the luxury of locally sourced fresh produce and meats.

And let's not forget the weekend markets and tourist hotspots that add to the community's charm. "All of these elements come together to make these small towns a hit," Badenhorst adds.

Nine Most Popular Small Towns in South Africa

Over recent years, nine small towns have witnessed remarkable price growth. Buyers come seeking a better quality of life, but property value is also a drawcard.

The following data from Seeff and Lightstone reveal the average price over five and ten years for nine of the most in-demand small towns in South Africa.

Small Towns in South Africa: Franschhoek

A smooth drive from Cape Town and its airport, Franschhoek beckons with its majestic mountains and renowned wineries such as La Motte, Backsberg, Babylonstoren, Boschendal, and Haute Cabrière.

Beyond its wine, this gem boasts a vibrant blend of gourmet eateries, captivating art galleries, and stunning homes. It's no wonder both local and international buyers are drawn to its charm. Price tags start from R4 million and can soar to R100 million and beyond.

Small Towns in South Africa: Nottingham Road 

Nestled near the iconic Drakensberg and Midlands Meander, the enchanting Nottingham Road is famous for its elite schools, Michaelhouse and Hilton College. Conveniently positioned just one and a half hours from Durban and four and a half hours from Johannesburg, it's hailed by Peter and Kari Greene of Seeff as the perfect weekend escape and a beloved spot for second homes.

Whether golf, cycling, hiking, equestrian adventures, or the serenity of fly fishing, there is plenty to keep you busy. The area also dazzles with its spectrum of amenities and breathtaking properties, ranging from luxurious estates to pastoral farms. Prices generally range between R3 million to R9 million, with some nearing the R100 million mark.

Small Towns in South Africa: St Francis Bay

Near Jeffreys Bay lies a waterside small town, St. Francis Bay, with man-made canals perfect for boating, swimming, and paddling. Desiree Ferreira from Seeff even mentions a marina where homes have direct water access and their own mooring spots. Additionally, the St Francis Links golf estate is a notable property attraction.

Prices here generally sit between R3 million to R6 million but can reach up to R30 million for premium properties.

Small Towns in South Africa: Langebaan 

Langebaan is only a 90-minute drive from Cape Town and boasts a lagoon, water sports, the Mykonos resort, diverse restaurants, schools like Curro, and shopping options with a major mall in nearby Vredenburg.

Jaco and Tracey-lee Coetzee from Seeff note that many buyers, particularly from Gauteng and Cape Town, purchase second homes or retire here. They've recently brokered deals reaching R8.25 million in Calypso Beach and R10.8 million in Paradise Beach.

Property prices generally start from R1.7 million and can go up to R8 million, with some exceptional homes priced at around R30 million.

Small Towns in South Africa: Yzerfontein 

Just a bit more than an hour away from Cape Town, Yzerfontein offers coastal living free from commercial buzz. Buyers, particularly from the Cape region, are drawn to its charm, notes Michelle Livingstone-Louw from Seeff.

Notably, Seeff has secured sales reaching R6.8m in Yzerfontein and R7.2m in Jakkalsfontein. Property prices typically start from R2.95 million, averaging up to R8 million, while the highest-end homes approach R30 million.

Small Towns in South Africa: Hartbeespoort 

Located near Johannesburg and Pretoria, Hartbeespoort is favoured for its luxury estate homes, making it a go-to for those seeking second homes or considering semigration, particularly from the Joburg/Pretoria areas, according to Donna Nass from Seeff.

The town has plenty to offer with the Magaliesberg Mountains, dam-side restaurants, shops, and the convenience of nearby cities. Prices range from R2.2 million to R6 million, with premium homes reaching around R40 million.

Small Towns in South Africa: Swellendam 

Val Anderton and Marinda Roux from Seeff note that the picturesque town of Swellendam is a popular stop on the route to the Garden Route. It's attracting buyers from Joburg, Pretoria, KZN, and the Cape, especially young, high-earning families drawn to the small-town life and schooling facilities.

Properties in the R2m to R3m range are hard to come by, and the scarcity has driven up vacant land prices by as much as 40%. Smallholdings and farms are also in demand. Typically, properties range from R2 million to R5 million, but agricultural properties can fetch from R10 million up to around R40 million.

Small Towns in South Africa: Napier 

Situated at the base of the Soetmuisberg, Napier presents a peaceful country life, clean air, low crime rates, and efficient services amidst the backdrop of majestic mountains and farmlands.

This small town is also near Cape Town Airport, Hermanus, Somerset West, and attractions like De Hoop Nature Reserve and wine farms in Bonnievale and Robertson. Elaine and Lori Hodgson, Property Practitioners with Seeff, note that they receive interest from various regions, with the majority coming from the North West, Gauteng, Free State, and KZN.

Property prices typically start at R1.6 million, peaking around R6 million for the most premium homes.

Small Towns in South Africa: Ladismith 

Sonja Claassen from Seeff highlights Ladismith’s architecture and its gateway position to both the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. The region features stunning mountains, the renowned Ladismith Cape Brandy and Ladismith Cellar, and hosts events like the annual Seweweekspoort Mountain Bike Challenge.

With affordable property prices, Sonja notes that semigration buyers view Ladismith as an appealing alternative to the typical Garden Route towns.

Home prices generally start from R850,000, with high-end properties increasing to around R3 million. Smallholdings and farms are also available in the vicinity.

South Africa's picturesque small towns blend tranquillity, affordability, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re considering a second home, thinking about semigration, or simply looking for a fresh start, reach out to Seeff today. Let us help you find your ideal home.