Media Coverage
Holiday Homes Along the Garden Route
26/08/2008
Holidays are expensive which means that we usually don’t get to go on one often enough. Most of us dream of having a private sanctuary somewhere outside the city that we can escape to without spending a fortune. A private holiday home is the ideal answer and with the right advice, does not have to be a far off dream.
- Consider Fractional Ownership – Buying a holiday home does not need to be an impossible dream. Fractional ownership is a process by which up to 13 people can purchase one property together. This not only lowers the price dramatically but also helps to ensure your eligibility for a home loan. With the risk spread out so evenly, banks are more likely to grant a loan, leaving you with a holiday home of your own for at least one month out of every year.
- Consider a Smaller Holiday Home – Even in the current property market, flats and apartments are more affordable than a free standing property.They are also often a more practical idea as they require less maintenance by you, are more secure and can be taken care of by a caretaker while you are not there.
- Consider Something a little Run Down – Don’t shy away from properties that need a lot of work done to them. They are often much more affordable and as you don’t live there, it will not inconvenience you while they are being fixed up.
- Consider the Area – One way to afford a holiday home is to rent it out while you are not using it. This is a great option to cover expenses, but also means that you need to be savvy about where you buy. Don’t choose a small town that no one will ever visit, as you will struggle to find tenants. Places like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route are both beautiful and popular, ensuring a consistent tenant base. Once you have chosen the town, you also need to consider the exact location. Holiday homes are meant to be places of relaxation and beauty, so try and find the right spot that will appeal to the most holidaymakers.
Why Along the Garden Route?
The Garden Route area features some of South Africa’s, and in fact the world’s, most popular holiday destinations. Given this name because it is considered to be Africa’s Garden, this pristine stretch of coastline offers everything from wine estates to shark cage diving and part of its popularity lies in the diverse amount of activities on offer. The area also boasts the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms and the warm ocean and mix of scenery is a delight for young and old. Investing in a holiday home in this region will please the entire family as there is plenty for everyone to do regardless of their interests, making each and every holiday a success.
The recent surge in development and rise in guest house numbers along this stretch of the South African coastline is also evidence that the demand for holiday homes is not set to wane any time soon. The attractions and diversity of the area make it a consistently popular place, making investing in Garden Route properties a wise decision. With a constant demand for either rentals or new homes to buy, a property in this region offers excellent and sustained returns.
Popular Garden Route Towns to Invest In
The following towns are popular when it comes to property investment along teh Gardgen Route:
Holiday Homes in Knysna
Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s most popular towns and has a myriad of attractions to keep you and your family busy. The lagoon is ideal for fishing and water sports and the nearby beaches attract surfers from the world over. The Knysna Forest is a tranquil area for walking and a range of nearby animal parks are ideal for getting to know the wildlife of South Africa. Recent development in the town has resulted in every conceivable amenity now being available and the three shopping malls and abundance of restaurants and urban attractions ensure that the town will appeal to everyone, even teenagers!
The range of holiday home options in Knysna is exceptionally diverse in both style and location. Wooden stilted homes are scattered around the lagoon and offer easy access to the water for those water sport enthusiasts. Smaller cottages are available closer to the forest and, while a little more off the beaten track, offer a level of privacy and seclusion that many people crave from their holiday home. The centre of town offers more modern housing, often in the form of flats and apartments offering the ideal mix of urban and natural holidaying.
Holiday Homes in Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg is situated a little further along the Garden Route and is a slightly smaller town but one boasting a delightful old world atmosphere, with friendly and welcoming locals. But, as a surfing hotspot, this town is filled with teenagers and young people every summer. As a favourite getaway destination amongst students, there is always a vibrant atmosphere in Plettenberg Bay and a large number of people looking to rent all year round.
The homes to buy in Plettenberg Bay vary according to where you look. Beachfront homes are few and far between and are much more expensive. Luckily, most of the residential areas in this town are within walking distance of the town centre and the beach, making this not much of a problem. Modern housing units are constantly being erected, making smaller flats and secure townhouses more available which are ideal as holiday homes.
More About Property24
Property24 is South Africa’s premier online property portal and can easily help you find the ideal holiday home to rent or buy. Property24 also offers expert property advice on everything from successfully applying for a bond to making sure that your holiday home is commercially viable as a rental property.
Comment On This Article
Comments
No comments available.
Comment On This Article
