With more and more people working from home due to the pandemic, there has been a dramatic shift in residential and commercial property trends. In South Africa, ‘zoom towns’ are trending as people from cosmopolitan cities are moving to beach towns, hamlets or villages for a better quality of life, far from the madding crowd!
Gumtree gives you the rundown:
Gumtree gives you the rundown:
- According to data analytics company Lightstone, 15% of homeowners who invested in property in the period 2018 to 2020 chose smaller towns over large bustling cities.
- The real estate market in villages and towns has been booming, despite the economic challenges of the pandemic.
- In the past, it was the older generation that would retire and move to smaller cities. However, since the advent of the pandemic and remote working options, more and more young people and families are moving towards beach towns and coastal areas.
- Some of the most popular beach towns that have gained popularity among remote workers include Hermanus, Struisbaai, and Langebaan.
- Apart from the beach and its associated water activities/sports, these beach towns offer a cosmopolitan feel with several amenities such as golf and beautiful walking paths.
- Luxury homes in these smaller towns or beach destinations may cost a few millions but there are beautiful apartments in the R1 million range too.
- Another coastal town that is fast catching attention is Mossel Bay with its excellent school network and healthcare. It is also close to an airport for easy commute or travel.
- The types of homes in demand has also changed as remote workers are looking at more modern, tech-savvy apartments and houses that can support their lifestyle.
