Some perspectives on property for sale in South Africa

The luxury property market in South Africa is alive and well, despite a weaker rand, lower economic growth figures and short-term growth prospects, and overall, a relatively tough economy. Truly wealthy South Africans still have the financial means to buy and sell upmarket, investment properties, while overseas interest in luxury properties offered for sale in this country continues unabated.

Exchange rates and fluctuating currencies

A weaker rand greatly favours international property buyers, who find themselves in a far better position to acquire top properties and complementary luxury lifestyles in South Africa for far less than would be possible in their home countries that boast a vibrant luxury property sector. One country’s weaker currency typically benefits another, as can clearly be seen in the international import/export sectors.

International acceptance and instant information

Much of the increase in international demand for exclusive South African properties is due to the country’s post-1994 democratic dispensation, international acceptance of South Africa as a destination of choice, and the freely accessible information about luxury properties on sale in this sensational, sunny southern part of the African continent. International acceptance, coupled with current market information and instant electronic communication, has opened up global marketing initiatives like never before.

Location

Even so, it is imperative that any and every person, local and international, who looks at properties for sale in South Africa with the intent to buy and/or invest, keeps to the cardinal rule of property sales – location, location, location. Buyers who are unfamiliar with the cities, towns, areas, and suburbs in this country often attempt to identify affluent areas by taking note of the features, sizes, and prices of the properties offered for sale there.

Such factors may be a good indication of an area’s status, prospects, lifestyle, and investment potential, but the buyer must avoid overcapitalised properties and be certain of all the aspects that affect the desirability of a property’s location, now and in the future.

Fine & Country South Africa’s international exposure

For this, the services of experienced, expert estate agents are required – ideally those with a strong global network, international contacts and premises, and sound local knowledge of the affluent area in which they operate and specialise. We stand by our reputation and expertise, as well as the global network accessibility of the Fine & Country group.

Our unique global marketing approach provides property buyers and sellers in South Africa and abroad with luxury property and the associated fine lifestyle information that many other agencies dismiss and fail to pass on to buyers. It’s likely that numerous other agents simply don’t recognise the real importance that day-to-day lifestyle conditions have on residents and property owners in a particular location and area.

The location of South Africa’s most affluent properties

The New World Wealth’s December 2015’s exclusive property research data, which listed the most exclusive, high-end South African areas in which to find luxury properties that were on sale in order of the number of R20 million plus sector included the following areas:

• Camps Bay
• Plettenberg Bay
• Clifton
• Sandhurst
• Umhlanga and La Lucia
• Bryanston
• Tokai and Constantia
• Hyde Park
• Knysna
• Bishopscourt
• Fresnaye
• Houghton
• Stellenbosch
• Bantry Bay
• Paarl
• Franschhoek
• Westcliff
• George
• Ballito
• Llandudno
• Wilderness
• Hermanus
• St Francis Bay
• Kenton-on-Sea

Undoubtedly, as many more new upmarket property developments and well-heeled suburbs have been established in the four years since 2015, the picture may have changed somewhat, altering the list above to some degree. 

Nonetheless, you can rest assured that you’re in expert hands with Fine & Country South Africa as your informed property partner in your quest for some of the best, most-affluent properties on sale in South Africa today.