Sedgefield’s Niche Appeal

There are two opposing trends emerging from the South African property market that indicate a massive change in the urban landscape.

On one end of the spectrum, a growing number of homebuyers are looking to move into mixed-use developments near urban centres. These developments are a hybrid of retail, residential, commercial, hotel and gym facilities. Due to a range of services being housed under one precinct, convenience becomes their primary attraction. 

Examples of this are, The Yacht Club in Cape Town, The Pearls in KwaZulu-Natal, and Melrose Arch in Gauteng. It is a growing consensus that mixed-use developments are the new yardstick by which to measure an advanced urban society, as they incorporate state-of-the-art architecture, premium facilities, luxury homes and high-tech commercial spaces. 

Whilst one group of homebuyers is attracted to fast-paced modern living, the other is opting for a complete removal from these dynamics, and instead, choosing to immerse themselves in natural surroundings that emanate tranquil and stress-free living. 

This is most noticeable in the Western Cape suburb of Sedgefield. Situated on the southwest coast, along the Garden Route, Sedgefield is a coastal town that is receiving a significant influx of interest from homebuyers who yearn to break away from busy areas. Many of these buyers are from Gauteng, with international interest coming from the European market, including Germany, France, and Belgium. 

This trend is taking a hold most rapidly among younger families, many of whom have left the corporate world behind, and instead, have invested in Sedgefield’s small-hold properties where they are generating a lucrative income, 

Farms in the town are also currently attracting significant interest from farmers across the country, especially from the Northern Cape. The land here attracts many farmers as it is rich and represents good downsizing options for those looking to release themselves from vast plots of land that barely bring in any turnover. Popular farming options in Sedgefield, that cultivate “in-demand” products, include avocados, macadamia nuts, and truffles. 

“Living off the land” is not the only option, many people who move into the area find employment opportunities either in Sedgefield, or the surrounding Garden Route coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. 

The family homes in Sedgefield are simply stunning and offer the breath-taking experiences of falling asleep to the sound of soothing waves and waking to glorious sunrises. 

Residential properties represent a smart long-term investment, especially among young homebuyers who want to retire in Sedgefield in the future. They can let out their property throughout the years, and generate a steady stream of income, which can then be used to pay off their bond. This means, at retirement age, they will have a home completely paid off, amid the exquisite Sedgefield landscape. 

As two opposing trends emerge from the national property market, it is interesting to see how the various demands from the populace are influencing the landscape. As one-half moves towards a cosmopolitan and corporate lifestyle, the other is choosing to “live off the grid” surrounded by nature - a requirement that coastal towns, such as Sedgefield, cater to on a grand and luxurious scale.