Property

Goodbye Cape Town – South Africans are semigrating to these affordable coastal towns

Kirsten Minnaar • 8 July 2026

Rising property prices in traditional coastal hotspots such as Cape Town are driving more South Africans to semigrate to affordable secondary coastal towns.

According to the latest data from Stats SA, South Africa’s residential property prices increased by 7.7% year on year in February.

This was the biggest increase recorded since 2021. However, the data also revealed strong regional disparities, with property prices in Cape Town increasing by 11.4%.

While these surging prices have not put a damper on South Africans’ desire to semigrate, it has meant that some of South Africa’s traditional coastal hotpots are no longer on the table for a lot of buyers.

As a result, they are increasingly turning their attention toward smaller secondary coastal towns that offer lifestyle appeal, stronger value, and long-term growth potential.

According to Meridian Realty principal and founder Antonie Goosen, many buyers are now deliberately looking beyond the country’s established coastal centres in search of more balanced lifestyle opportunities.

“We are seeing growing demand for secondary coastal towns such as Velddrif, St Helena Bay, Yzerfontein, Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Struisbaai, and selected Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal coastal areas,” Goosen said.

“Buyers are increasingly discovering that these towns offer exceptional lifestyle value without the pricing pressures seen in some of the more traditional hotspots.”

Goosen explained that affordability concerns remain one of the strongest drivers behind this movement towards secondary coastal destinations.

“In many secondary coastal towns, buyers are still able to secure larger homes, better sea proximity, or modern lifestyle estate living at significantly more accessible price points.”

“That value proposition is becoming increasingly attractive to both families and remote working professionals.”

However, he said the appeal extends far beyond pricing alone, with many buyers now actively searching for a stronger sense of community, reduced congestion, lower stress levels, and a more balanced pace of life.

Lifestyle benefits for less

“The pandemic and the rise of remote working fundamentally changed how people think about where and how they want to live,” Goosen said.

Improved fibre connectivity and expanding infrastructure are also helping drive demand into smaller coastal towns.

“Remote and hybrid working have made it possible for many professionals to live outside traditional city centres without sacrificing career opportunities. That flexibility is reshaping demand patterns across the country.”

Goosen explained that many families are particularly attracted to the lifestyle advantages that these areas can offer.

“Parents are increasingly prioritising outdoor living, safer environments, reduced traffic, and stronger community engagement. Many buyers feel these towns offer a healthier and more balanced upbringing for their children.”

From an investment perspective, he believes many secondary coastal markets still offer significant long-term upside potential.

“As affordability pressures continue pushing buyers beyond traditional hotspots, these emerging coastal towns are likely to benefit from increasing demand over time.”

The buyers entering these markets are also now often positioning themselves earlier in the growth cycle.

Goosen explained that many of these coastal areas are no longer viewed purely as holiday destinations like they once were.

“We are increasingly seeing permanent relocations rather than simply second home purchases. Professionals, entrepreneurs, retirees, and younger families are all contributing to the demand shift.”

He added that the broader trend reflects a fundamental shift in buyer priorities across South Africa’s property market.

“Lifestyle flexibility, work from anywhere capability, affordability, and community-driven living are becoming some of the biggest factors influencing buyer decisions. Secondary coastal towns are emerging as major beneficiaries of that change.”