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Knysna at a glance

Knysna a mecca for laid-back living and property appreciation

Nestled along South Africa's scenic Garden Route and built around a gorgeous natural lagoon, Knysna is a picturesque town that offers an unbeatable combination of beauty, outdoor adventure and high-quality living.

Knysna currently boasts approximately 80 000 residents, who are responsible for the steady growth of the town's vibrant economy. Its ideal location on the N2 offers a direct route to Cape Town by road, and George airport is a short 60km drive away.

For those considering settling in the scenic paradise of the Garden Route, Knysna stands out as a top choice. With its lush forests, pristine beaches and vibrant community, the town provides an enviable lifestyle for families, retirees and investors alike.

Modern day residents are just the latest inhabitants of the area. Fossilised hominid footprints, dating back around 90 000 years, along with other archaeological discoveries, suggest that humans have lived in the Knysna region for well over 300 0000 years.

Myriad Lifestyle Choices in Idyllic Knysna

Knysna's real estate market is diverse, offering everything from luxury security estates to more affordable family homes and starter-investment apartments. If patient buyers are prepared to hunt, the odd property in Knysna can still be found for under R1 million.

At the luxury top end of the market, houses are on the market for in excess of R50m. Pezula Private Estate is one of the most sought-after areas in Knysna and commands a residential premium.

Among the most desirable suburbs and estates in Knysna are:

  • Pezula Private Estate - Ultra-luxury homes with ocean views, a golf course and top-tier security. Prices on the estate generally range from R8m to more than R50m.
  • Simola Golf & Country Estate - Exclusive golf estate with modern villas and mountain views. Average property prices are in the region of R5m to R25m.
  • Thesen Island - Waterfront living with stylish apartments and townhouses. These highly desirable properties command prices between R3.5m and R15m.
  • Belvidere Estate - Historic charm with upscale cottages near the lagoon, with homes ranging in price from R4m to R20m.

If buyers are looking for family friendly suburbs with prices to match, their options include:

  • Heatherlands - A well-established area with spacious homes near schools.
  • Hunters Home - Affordable yet scenic, close to nature reserves.

Entry level areas to investigate include:

  • Hornlee - Entry-level homes for first-time buyers.
  • Concordia - A mix of older homes and new developments.

Forest Hideaways to Luxury Villas - Knysna Has Them All

Knysna's property market includes:

  • Luxury Villas & Estates: High-end homes in Pezula and Simola.
  • Waterfront Apartments: Modern living on Thesen Island.
  • Forest Cottages: Charming wooden homes in wooded areas.
  • Townhouses & Cluster Homes: Secure, low-maintenance options.
  • Fixer-Uppers & Land: Opportunities for custom builds.

Knysna's Idyllic Lifestyle Offering

Few towns in South Africa match Knysna's sports and recreation offerings - especially for adrenaline junkies. Nestled between ancient forests and the Indian Ocean, every outdoor activity is catered for, and the climate plays a big part in drawing residents and visitors to the area.

Knysna has an oceanic climate. Summers are warm and winters mild. During the summer, the average maximum temperature is around 25C, but rarely rises above 30C. In winter expect a temperate 17C-18C. Knysna also has one of the richest rainfall ratios in South Africa, with the wettest months October and November. Knysna stays green all year round.

  • Boating & Kayaking: The lagoon is perfect for sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle-boarding.
  • Hiking & Mountain Biking: The Outeniqua and Harkerville trails offer world-class routes.
  • Golf: Pezula Golf Club and Simola Golf Estate provide championship courses with stunning scenery.
  • Fishing & Diving: The Indian Ocean offers deep-sea fishing and scuba diving opportunities.

Recreational sites surrounding the town include:

  • Knysna Elephant Park: A sanctuary where visitors can interact with rescued elephants.
  • Featherbed Nature Reserve: A pristine coastal reserve offering hiking trails and breathtaking views.
  • Garden of Eden: A tranquil forest walk showcasing indigenous flora and fauna.
  • Knysna Heads: Iconic sandstone cliffs offering panoramic ocean views and excellent whale-watching opportunities.

As far as retail and dining choices, Knysna boasts a vibrant scene.

  • Knysna Waterfront: A hub for boutique shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
  • Thesen Island: A charming marina village with upscale shops and eateries.
  • Local Markets: The Knysna Farmers' Market and Hemp Farmers' Market offer fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Health & Education

For families and retirees, Knysna provides excellent healthcare and schooling options.

The Knysna Private Hospital and Mediclinic offer high-quality medical services comparable to the best hospitals in the country.

Educational institutions are also top-tier. Options include:

  • Keurbosch International Cambridge School
  • Knysna High School
  • Knysna Primary School
  • Knysna Montessori
  • Oakhill College
  • Heatherhill School - International curriculum

Knysna Remains Blue Chip Investment

For residential investors, Knysna's lifestyle appeal offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Property in the town also offers significant capital growth, with values steadily appreciating in recent years.

For buyers contemplating future empty nest or retirement relocation, the town's residential property offers passive income second to none. Home owners can expect an average of more than 190 nights of tourist rentals per year.

And property type dependent, prices range from more than R1 000 per day to in excess of R25 000 per day; yields that unequivocally contribute to investor wealth creation.

Whether you're looking for a residential home, a holiday getaway, or a long-term investment, Knysna's real estate market offers exceptional opportunities. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant community, and diverse property options, this Garden Route gem is an ideal place to live, play, and invest.

3 Residential Homes To Let in Knysna

FROM R9,100 to R45,000

7 Commercial Properties For Sale in Knysna

FROM R2,500,000 to R29,500,000

1 Mixed-Use Property For Sale in Knysna

FROM R8,500,000

Knysna in the news

Mr Nyoko
Too many people can be a pain for anyone. You have good qualities as a human being. I like the doggedness and determination you have shown in securing the R30m house on Leisure Isle - and always cajoling me to think about...

Knysna in the news

Albert and Liana Vrey
We have worked with Ansie Venter over the past 5 years. She is always professional and helpful and exactly understands our needs and requirements. We can highly recommend her, and still, foresee a long business relationship...

Knysna in the news

Dirk & Christie Botha
Ek, Dirk en Christie Botha het Ansie ongeveer n jaar en n half terug ontmoet toe ons na n eiendom gaan kyk het in knysna.ek was al baie teleur gestel deur agente wat net n "sale" wil doen en Dan hoor jy nooit weer van hulle nie...

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