South Africa’s Garden Route is becoming more than a holiday destination

The Garden Route has long been associated with holidays, beaches and second homes, but an increasing number of buyers are now looking at the region as somewhere to put down permanent roots.

According to recent insights from Pam Golding Properties, buyers relocating from elsewhere in the Western Cape and other parts of South Africa, as well as international buyers, are considering the Garden Route for longer-term lifestyle changes.

The appeal extends beyond the coastline, with healthcare, schools, amenities, security, retirement options and access to infrastructure becoming increasingly important for those planning to live there permanently.

From holiday homes to permanent homes

Knysna provides one example of how the market is changing.

When Thesen Island was developed around 25 years ago, approximately 80% of properties were holiday homes, according to the agency.

Today, significantly more owners live in their properties permanently.

Pam Golding Properties says this reflects a wider shift in what some Garden Route buyers are looking for, with factors such as healthcare, retirement facilities and proximity to everyday amenities becoming more important.

The region also stretches across towns with very different property markets.

Mossel Bay offers coastal living, gated developments, retirement properties and family homes, with some modern three-bedroom homes available for under R4 million.

George is the region’s established commercial and services hub and has its own airport, making it particularly attractive to people looking for permanent accommodation and convenient access to surrounding towns.

Wilderness appeals to buyers who prioritise nature and outdoor living, with the Outeniqua Mountains adding to its appeal.

Knysna is increasingly attracting permanent residents, while still offering the lifestyle appeal associated with the town.

Plettenberg Bay remains a popular lifestyle and holiday destination but is also seeing significant residential development, with around 800 residential units currently in various stages of development.

A wide range of property in the Garden Route

One reason the Garden Route is attracting different types of buyers is the variety of property available.

In Knysna, vacant land starts at just under R1 million, while sectional-title apartments generally range from around R1.2 million to R4 million and upwards.

In George, sectional-title apartments range from around R1.5 million to R6 million, while freehold homes start at about R2.5 million, although stock at that price is limited.

Plettenberg Bay offers vacant plots from around R1.3 million, with sectional-title properties starting at just over R1 million.

At the other end of the market, luxury properties can run into tens of millions of rand.

The appeal of the Garden Route is therefore not simply about buying a house near the sea.

For some buyers, it represents a move towards a different pace of life, while still having access to established towns, healthcare, restaurants, recreational facilities and transport links.