Property

Building activity surges in this South African semigration hotspot

Kirsten Minnaar • 18 April 2026

Building activity is surging across the Garden Route as strong demand from semigrants, investors, retirees and younger buyers drives rapid residential development and rising property prices.

Often touted as a ‘semigration hotspot’, the Garden Route is now seeing a notable surge in building activity and residential property movement across a broad range of options to suit both lifestyle and investment buyers.

This growth reflects demand from a diverse spectrum of buyers, which spans generations, including out-of-town semigrants, local residents, and buyers or investors from across South Africa and internationally.

This is according to Pam Golding Property CEO Dr Andrew Golding, who explained that the area’s strong lifestyle and investment appeal is driving strong buyer interest.

The Garden Route stretches from the western gateway towns of Heidelberg, Riversdale, Stilbaai, and Witsand along the coast to Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay.

“This scenic region encompasses sweeping, unspoilt beaches, majestic mountain ranges, indigenous forests, rivers, and serene lagoons and lakes,” Golding said.

“Coupled with a temperate year-round climate, the Garden Route offers homes for virtually every market segment.”

He explained that while the Garden Route consistently appeals to those acquiring homes to retire in the near or distant future, a mix of generations is drawn to these highly desirable destinations.

They offer a more balanced, quality lifestyle away from congested cities. Both vacant plots and new homes in estates and complexes here are experiencing consistently heightened demand.

The commercial hub of the region, George, has good infrastructure, including its own airport, excellent schools, medical facilities, golf courses, beaches and restaurants.

The city also has numerous upmarket residential developments and is the largest housing market in the Garden Route.

While almost half of recent buyers were over 50, about 18% were young buyers, most likely attracted by employment opportunities in the area.

Estate properties in George and Mossel Bay achieve top prices

Pam Golding area manager for George and nearby Mossel Bay, Stephen Murray, said most buyers in George are from around the country.

Prestigious lifestyle estates such as Fancourt, Pinnacle Point, Gondwana Game Reserve, Oubaai, and Kingswood Golf Estate are attracting purchasers, both domestic and international.

Recent top prices achieved in secure estates such as these range from R11 million to R16.5 million.

In regard to freehold homes outside estates, a noteworthy price of R25.5 million was achieved by Pam Golding for a home in Herold’s Bay, just outside George, and R22.5 million for a home in Mossel Bay.

According to Lightstone, George and Mossel Bay have become vibrant residential and investment markets in the Western Cape, with numerous new properties developed.

Murray said market demand for residential developments has also seen the launch of several new projects over the past year.

The most recent of these is Kingswood Village within Kingswood Golf Estate, where vacant land is selling from R2.95 million.

Single-level homes here are selling from R6.75 million, and split-level homes with garages below start from R8.35 million.

“Also in George, Kraaibosch Crest – a new phase within the gated estates of Kraaibosch, has recently launched,” Murray said.

Comprising 18 double-storey units designed for secure, lock-up-and-go living for younger families, construction of the first units is already underway.

Priced from R3.8 million, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom units include a double garage, solar panels, an inverter and a battery system.

“Meanwhile, Arbour Nature Estate is seeing the completion of apartments and facilities which include a lifestyle centre with gym, heated pool and open-air cinema, and padel court,” Murray said.

“All apartments have been sold. However, there are some resales available for purchase with two and three-bedroom apartments priced from R2.485 million.”

Murray added that with the first phase sold out and completed in Springfield Estate, three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes in phase 2 are selling from R4.26 million.

All prices, except for the above-mentioned resale in Arbour Nature Estate, include VAT with no transfer duty payable.

“Whether buying a primary or secondary home for leisure or pure investment, purchasers regularly comment on the scenic natural beauty, golden beaches and pristine surrounds of George and Mossel Bay,” he said.

Mossel Bay developments

In Mossel Bay, the Paradise Coast development has just been launched, with vacant land priced from R1.4 million, including value-added tax.

Other developments include Mossel Bay Retirement & Village, where Pam Golding is marketing the last remaining sectional title properties in a completed building.

One-bedroom units start from R1.48 million, and two-bedroom units from R1.93 million. Freehold two-bedroom houses are priced from R2.62 million, and three-bedroom houses are priced from R3.36 million, all selling off-plan.

At Renosterbos Estate in Hartenbos, Mossel Bay, activity has gained momentum, with several phases sold out and a family-focused plot-and-plan phase, Oude Bos, now underway.

It is progressing well, offering spacious north-facing freehold homes with scenic Outeniqua mountain views, priced from R6.7 million including VAT.

Future phases will comprise mainly sectional title properties, many with scenic sea views. For retirees, Seezicht Wellness Centre within the estate will include assisted living facilities.

Also at Renosterbos Estate, Silos is a new development site comprising 49 two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury apartments, ranging in size from approximately 85 m² to 127 m², priced from R2.83 million.

The units include basement parking and storage, while the complex includes appealing amenities such as a swimming pool and gym.