Garden Route draws buyers beyond holiday homes

Source: Supplied. Pinnacle Point. Priced at R28.8m through Pam Golding Properties, this striking multi-level four-bedroom residence, with lifts to all levels, is set on the cliff’s edge with panoramic views of the ocean, rugged cliffs and waves breaking below. Designed to maximise its position, the home features expansive windows and sliding doors throughout, drawing in natural light and showcasing the scenery from every angle.

Its golf courses, restaurants and expanding residential developments add to the appeal, attracting relocators from across South Africa and international buyers seeking a lifestyle change.

But the Garden Route is far from a single property market. Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay each offer distinct lifestyles, property choices and price points for buyers seeking a longer-term move.

“Each town is different and caters to a different type of buyer,” says Gordon Shutte, the agency’s area principal for Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

Knysna evolving beyond the holiday market: Knysna has noticeably become a place to live rather than simply a holiday destination, says Shutte.

He cites Thesen Island as an example. When the development began around 25 years ago, approximately 80% of properties were holiday homes. Today, significantly more owners reside in their properties permanently.

“This shift is also changing what buyers look for,” he says. “Factors such as healthcare, retirement facilities, proximity to amenities and the overall pace of life are becoming more important for some purchasers.

“This trend mirrors a broader change in the Garden Route, with some buyers relocating permanently and looking for homes that support their lifestyle over the longer term rather than serving primarily as holiday accommodation.”

Residential property in Knysna ranges from just under R1m for vacant land to around R1.2m to R4m and upwards for sectional-title apartments, while freehold homes, although wide ranging, are mainly priced in the R2.3m to R8m bracket.

Source: Supplied. Oubaai Golf Estate: This elegant, waterside two-bedroom apartment in Oubaai Golf Estate, just minutes from George Airport, is priced at R4.3m through Pam Golding Properties.

Significant development in Plett

Plettenberg Bay remains strongly associated with holiday and lifestyle living and has experienced significant development activity.

Shutte says around 800 residential units are currently in various stages of development, ranging from undeveloped land to nearly completed properties. With the town selling around 500 units a year, he says the scale of the development pipeline points to continued confidence in the market.

Residential property prices in Plett generally range from approximately R1.3m to R4m for vacant plots. Sectional-title units start at just over R1m for studio and one-bedroom units, rising to around R5m for three-bedroom units, while luxury apartments range from R5m to R18.5m and above. Freehold homes range from just over R1m for entry-level properties to R5m to R15m for mid-market homes, with luxury residences reaching up to R42m.

The development pipeline, along with new estates and gated communities elsewhere in the region, is giving buyers more choice to suit different housing needs.

“Plett continues to attract buyers looking for both permanent residences and second homes, with the combination of its established lifestyle appeal and new development providing a wide range of options,” says Shutte.

Source: Supplied. Monte Christo Retirement Village, Mossel Bay R2.465m: Priced at R2.465 million through Pam Golding Properties, this two-bedroom, first-floor 70sqm unit in De Caravel Phase 6 of Monte Christo Retirement Village in Mossel Bay offers modern convenience and a relaxed lifestyle. With easy access to nearby amenities and the coastline, the estate features 24-hour security, controlled access, landscaped walking paths and green open spaces.

Mossel Bay offers a broad range of property: Mossel Bay combines an established coastal lifestyle with a diverse residential market, attracting permanent residents, holidaymakers and investors.

Property options range from sectional-title homes and new freehold properties to retirement developments and luxury apartments.

According to Stephen Murray, area manager for George, Wilderness and Mossel Bay, new freehold homes currently range from approximately R3.2m to R35m, depending on size, location and level of specification.

Retirement properties typically start at around R2.995m, depending on the level of accommodation, facilities and care services provided. Sectional-title retirement options include Seezicht, part of Renosterbos Estate, from approximately R1.695m on a life-right basis; Mossel Bay Lifestyle Retirement Village from R1.925m on a sectional-title basis; and Monte Christo Retirement Village from R2.465m off-plan.

Outside the retirement market, luxury new apartments are priced from around R2.995m to R4.75m.

“In Mossel Bay there are new developments offering freehold properties and gated-living communities where you can still acquire a modern, three-bedroom home for under R4m,” says Murray.

The town’s combination of established amenities, coastal location and range of property types makes it relevant to buyers seeking anything from a permanent family home to a retirement property or second home.

Wilderness: Built over three levels, this distinctive, three-bedroom contemporary home in Wilderness includes a tranquil internal courtyard and has a strong connection to its natural surroundings. It also includes a separate studio flatlet, ideal for guests or additional income. The property is priced at R6.65m through Pam Golding Properties.

George is the region’s established hub: George is the established commercial and services hub of the Garden Route, with the region’s broader infrastructure as well as its airport, making it an important centre for permanent residents and those relocating to the area.

Its location provides convenient access to surrounding coastal towns and natural attractions, while the established services and amenities make it particularly relevant to buyers seeking a permanent home rather than a purely seasonal property.

For buyers considering a longer-term move, the combination of infrastructure, accessibility and proximity to the coast adds to George’s appeal, says Murray.

“Residential property prices in George range from approximately R2.5m for freehold homes, although stock at this level is limited and tends to sell quickly. Sectional-title apartments in new and established developments range from around R1.5m to R6m, while established three- to four-bedroom freehold homes can generally sell for up to R10m,” he adds.

At the higher end of the market, luxury homes in Kingswood Golf Estate and Herolds Bay – including Oubaai and Breakwater Bay – sell for above R10m, while properties in prestigious Fancourt can achieve upwards of R50m. A recent R31m transaction which Pam Golding Properties concluded in Oubaai highlights the strength of demand at the upper end of the market.

Nature-led living in Wilderness

Wilderness offers a distinctly nature-focused lifestyle, attracting buyers who value its natural environment, quieter setting and access to outdoor activities.

House prices range from approximately R4m to R35m, depending on location, size and condition.

The area’s appeal extends beyond the coastline, with the Outeniqua mountain range providing opportunities for hiking, walking, running and cycling, alongside the broader recreational attractions of the Garden Route.

Murray says that Wilderness is particularly suited to buyers seeking a home where the natural environment and outdoor lifestyle are central to everyday living.

View before the summer season

For buyers considering a permanent move, second home or investment property, the timing of a visit can be important.

The Garden Route’s busy season extends well beyond December, with Murray noting that activity effectively starts around September and runs through to April, partly due to the significant number of European visitors to the region.

During the peak holiday period, viewing properties can become more difficult as homes are occupied or rented out and the towns become exceptionally busy.

“Before the December rush, you’ll have a better opportunity to view properties and get a proper feel for what is available,” says Murray.

Source: Supplied. Arbour Nature Estate, George R2.65m: This furnished two-bedroom apartment in 'Southfork' in Arbour Nature Estate in George is priced at R2.65m through Pam Golding Properties. With scenic mountain views and lush surrounds, it offers secure estate living, with access to a heated pool, gym, padel court, outdoor cinema with LED screen, clubhouse, co-working space, dog park and backup generator.

Ultimately, the Garden Route’s appeal lies in the diversity of its individual markets. Mossel Bay offers established coastal living and a broad range of property, George provides regional infrastructure and accessibility, Wilderness appeals to nature-focused buyers, Knysna is seeing a shift towards more permanent residency, while Plettenberg Bay combines an established lifestyle proposition with significant development activity.

“The benefit of the Garden Route is that there are so many different options,” says Shutte. “Whatever you’re looking for, there is likely to be something that suits you.”

For buyers, the opportunity is therefore not simply to find property in the Garden Route, but to identify the town, location and type of property that best matches their lifestyle, budget and long-term plans.