Property

South Africans are flocking to these areas

While cities remain a popular residential option for young professionals and job seekers, many people who can live elsewhere are deciding to ditch the city for suburban living. 

Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, explained that South Africa is undergoing a suburban renaissance. 

“The global shift toward remote and hybrid work models has redefined how and where people live, and this transformation has sparked a suburban renaissance, as workers seek homes that offer more space, affordability and a better quality of life,” Geffen said. 

“Suburbs and smaller towns, once overlooked by those tethered to urban offices, are now experiencing a surge in popularity which has profound implications for residential real estate, urban planning, and community development.”

Although remote work was already becoming more popular before the pandemic, it has become exponentially more common since the health crisis. 

“In South Africa, where traffic congestion and long commutes are daily challenges in the major cities, the ability to work remotely has been a game-changer,” Geffen explained.

Even though many employers have recently started reverting to in-person work, many employees still enjoy more flexible arrangements than they did a decade ago.

“Employees no longer need to live within close proximity to urban centres, allowing them to prioritise lifestyle factors such as space, safety, and access to nature.”

As a result, she said suburban areas and smaller towns have become highly desirable, marking a far-reaching switch in residential preferences.

According to Geffen, several factors are driving the shift toward suburban living. For most people, the key driving factors come down to space and affordability.

“Suburbs and smaller towns often offer larger homes and plots of land at lower prices compared to urban areas, which is particularly appealing to families and those who value outdoor spaces and dedicated home offices.”

Knysna, Western Cape

Lifestyle amenities and access to nature are also key drivers in this trend. 

“We are seeing that new development in suburbs is increasingly designed with a focus on community living, offering amenities such as parks, schools, gyms, and shopping centres.”

“And, after the pandemic, access to green spaces is much more important to many people and proximity to green spaces, hiking trails, and beaches adds to the allure of suburban and semi-rural living, particularly for those seeking a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.”

“Last but certainly not least is safety and security. Crime in urban areas is higher than in many suburban and semi-rural areas, and this concern is clearly evidenced by the spike in popularity of gated communities and secure estates, even in more rural places.”

For those interested in suburban living, Geffen suggested investing in the following areas:

  • Somerset West, Western Cape
  • Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Midstream Estate, Gauteng
  • Mbombela, Mpumalanga
  • Hartbeespoort, North West
  • Durbanville, Western Cape
  • George, Western Cape
  • Knysna, Western Cape
  • Centurion, Gauteng
  • Witbank, Mpumalanga
  • Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal

“The real estate sector has responded to these changing preferences by adapting residential developments to cater to the shifting needs of buyers in general and remote workers specifically,” Geffen said.

“Developers are increasingly incorporating home offices or multipurpose rooms into residential designs and these spaces are equipped with high-speed internet connectivity and layouts conducive to productivity.”

Community-oriented living is also becoming increasingly popular, with developers prioritising things like shared spaces such as coworking hubs, recreational facilities, and communal gardens to foster social interaction between residents. 

“Smart home features, such as automated lighting, temperature control, and advanced security systems, are also becoming more standard in new developments, especially in higher-end properties. These technologies enhance convenience and efficiency for remote workers.”

“We’re also seeing more eco-conscious development that prioritises sustainability and energy-efficient designs appeal to buyers seeking environmentally friendly options.”

Centurion, Gauteng

The suburban renaissance brings significant benefits but also presents challenges that require attention. 

According to Geffen, the most common obstacles include inadequate infrastructure in smaller towns and suburban areas, which often struggle to support rapid population growth, necessitating investments in roads, public transport, and utilities. 

Access to essential services such as quality healthcare, education, and recreational facilities is another critical factor in meeting the needs of new residents. 

Additionally, policymakers must carefully balance suburban expansion with efforts to revitalise urban centres, ensuring equitable development across all regions.

“Opportunities abound for developers, investors, and local governments to capitalise on the suburban shift, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) can play a significant role in financing and delivering essential infrastructure and services,” she said.

“Ss the trend continues to gain momentum, suburban and semi-rural areas will play an increasingly important role in the country’s economic and social fabric.” 

“For the real estate industry, this shift represents an opportunity to innovate and create developments that meet the evolving needs of South Africans.”

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