New semigration trend hitting the Western Cape

·6 Jun 2025

Country towns across the Western Cape are experiencing a surge in property demand as more South Africans seek a quieter, safer lifestyle outside the major metros.

This is according to experts from Seeff Property Group, who flagged the spike in demand for cape country towns.

The semigration trend, particularly among remote workers, retirees, and families looking to escape city life, has triggered a noticeable uptick in sales and prices in several of these towns.

Some of the most notable towns include Swellendam, Barrydale, Bonnievale, Ladismith, Pearly Beach, Riversdale, and Struisbaai.

According to Jaco Badenhorst, sales manager for Seeff Country and Karoo, the spike in interest is being fuelled by a combination of lifestyle appeal, affordability, and local economic stability.

“People are drawn by the value for money these areas offer. Many sell up in the big cities and move to the countryside to start small businesses or work remotely,” he explained.

He added that buyers are also encouraged by the relatively low crime rates and healthy infrastructure, including good schools and access to nearby commercial centres.

Lightstone data shows that over 8,000 property transactions worth nearly R9.5 billion occurred across the Cape countryside in 2024, with roughly 90% of these sales coming in under R1.5 million.

However, in popular towns, prices have pushed higher. Freehold homes generally sell for between R1.8 million and R2.5 million, with high-demand areas seeing averages climb even further.

Badenhorst said the market has become highly competitive, with limited stock driving quick sales and multiple offers on well-priced properties.

Demand is surging in towns like Swellendam, Barrydale, and Riversdale, all with active agricultural and tourism sectors, and new residents are moving in steadily.

The R4.5 billion Overberg Wind Farm Project near Swellendam has provided another economic boost, further stimulating interest in the area.

Goodbye Gauteng

There is a wide variety of properties on offer, from freehold homes and sectional title units to vacant plots, farms, commercial buildings, and guesthouses.

Many towns are seeing the early development of lifestyle and retirement estates as demand for proeprty coninues to grow.

The rental market is also tightening, especially around Swellendam and Bredasdorp, where professionals and workers relocating to the area are pushing occupancy rates to near full capacity.

Val Anderton and Marinda Roux from Seeff Swellendam said they’ve noticed a sharp rise in interest from buyers in Gauteng and Pretoria.

This demand is driven by young families looking to take advantage of the quality schools and a safer, more wholesome environment.

While homes typically sell for between R2.4 million and R3.4 million, there’s a growing appetite for higher-end properties.

These include properties in estates like the newly launched Oewerlust Estate, with prices starting from around R2.417 million, which are attracting residents and investors.

Barrydale is another hot spot. Seeff agent Beate Joubert says properties around the R2.5 million mark are in high demand, often from Cape-based buyers looking to downscale, retire, or work remotely.

“Larger homes that can be converted into guesthouses are especially popular,” she added. Coastal towns are also getting in on the semigration wave.

In Still Bay, long a favourite for retirees and holidaymakers, there’s been a steady increase in full-time residents.

“Its proximity to the Garden Route and location just a few hours from Cape Town make it an ideal place to settle,” said Adel Regtien from Seeff Still Bay.

Further along the coast, Gansbaai has experienced a sharp rise in both interest from buyers and property values.

Anet Rossouw from Seeff noted that the average property price has surged by more than R1 million in just four years, now sitting at approximately R2.25 million.

“We’re seeing strong interest from all over the country, with nearly 60% of buyers from Gauteng,” she said.

Another 10% are from other provinces, while the rest are Western Cape buyers looking for second homes or future retirement spots.

As the shift to country living gathers momentum, Badenhorst believes property values in these high-demand areas will continue to climb.

“With limited stock and rising demand, we’re seeing a new wave of growth in these towns that were once considered sleepy. It’s a new chapter for the Western Cape countryside.”