Wealthy South Africans are increasingly turning away from big city living and buying homes in smaller coastal towns along the Garden Route.
Once dominated by holidaymakers and retirees, the region has become a permanent base for families, professionals and business owners, driving sharp increases in property prices and demand.
Data shows property values across the Garden Route have climbed by an average of about 35.5% over the past five years, with some coastal towns far outperforming that figure.
Garden Route’s George leads the semigration wave
According to BusinessTech, George has emerged as one of South Africa’s top semigration hubs.
Property transactions in the town totalled around R3 billion in the year to September, highlighting sustained demand and limited supply. Average house prices have jumped by more than 30% in three years, driven by stock shortages and slow new development.
Buyers are drawn to the town’s mild climate, solid infrastructure, good schools, hospitals, a regional mall and an airport, all offering city-level amenities at a lower cost than Cape Town.
Lifestyle and security estates are in high demand, the data shows. Homes in estates such as Kingswood, Welgelegen, Earls Court and Kraaibosch typically sell for R5 million to R10 million, while prices at Fancourt often exceed R15 million.
Mossel Bay shows steady growth
Mossel Bay has also delivered a strong performance, supported by lifestyle buyers, retirees and tourism-driven demand.
Property transactions reached about R2.4 billion in the 12 months to November 2025, remaining well above pre-pandemic levels. Average prices sit around R2.3 million, with most homes selling between R1.5 million and R4 million.
Luxury estates such as Pinnacle Point command higher prices, generally ranging from R5 million to R10 million and above. Nearby areas, including Groot Brak, Klein Brak, Hartenbos and Dana Bay, remain popular with both permanent residents and holiday buyers.
Plettenberg Bay tops the luxury market
At the upper end of the market, Plettenberg Bay has become one of South Africa’s most desirable coastal property destinations.
Strong demand over the past five years has effectively doubled property prices in the town. Nearly 40% of all properties are now valued above R3 million, the highest proportion of high-value homes in the country.
Luxury estates such as Brackenridge, Duin en See, Whale Rock and Turtle Creek regularly record sales between R5 million and R10 million, with ultra-luxury homes pushing beyond R20 million.
With Blue Flag beaches, outdoor living and easy access to nature, the Garden Route is no longer just a getaway; it’s becoming a long-term destination for South Africa’s wealthiest buyers.
