Marshan Franco, of Marshan Franco Properties, is chuffed. "We sold an exclusive property with unparalleled views in Constantia Kloof, Wilderness, at R6-million, which shows that good value is still available. At this stage vacant land is still very affordable and our sales have substantially increased in this sector of the property market."
From her side Pam Golding's Lorraine Campbell reports, "Between Christmas and New Year, Pam Golding Properties in Wilderness sold several properties ranging from R1,25-million to R5,1-million. It has been a pleasure to meet enthusiastic buyers who have fallen in love with the area and plan to eventually relocate from Gauteng or Cape Town and retire in the area. Wilderness offers an idyllic lifestyle in beautiful natural surroundings. The friendly village and beach conveniently situated in the centre of the Garden Route and its close proximity to George and the airport are huge drawcards.
Victoria Bay
"This charming sleepy little bay is fast becoming one of the most expensive, residential ocean-front addresses in South Africa," says property owner and estate agent Rod Hossack. "After decades of inactivity, seaside properties have changed hands towards the end of 2013. "Leading the way in ocean front home development, the well known landmark and guesthouse 'The Waves' (opposite the Bramwell Butler Jetty), has been sold for around R6,8-million and the new owner, Dennis Venter, intends to completely restore the Cape Dutch home to its former glory." The Waves was run as a guesthouse for 20 years.
Hossack is bursting with optimism about the latest developments in Vic Bay. "Homeowners are revamping their seaside homes. Nico Pienaar is busy upgrading the family home, known to local surfers as 'Green Doors', to the tune of R7-million. The only other property currently on the market is Summer Place, which is going for R4,6-million." He feels the local authorities would do well to recognise that as 'Vic Bay' is one of the most expensive real estate areas on the Garden Route, local residents feel that in return for the high rates and taxes they are paying the George Municipality should completely upgrade this bay for the benefit of all. "This very safe swimming bay is ideal to qualify as a Blue Flag beach and in doing so taking George's, and the Garden Route's, most popular beach to another level."
Growth pattern
Earp Construction experienced a phenomenal 2013. Homes in the R1-million to R2-million bracket has remained the best sellers for 2013. Says Len Earle, "Our sales in both Urban Village and Earls Court were more steady towards the second half of 2013. During the Christmas season many clients were attracted to our Earls Court show house and our showcase office at the Garden Route Mall. The plots for Earls Court phase 2 have been set out with construction on services being well on the way, and we hope that 2014 will be an even better year for us."
Record R12-million
A property in the 'Golden Mile' at Buffalo Bay went under the hammer for R11,9-million in December and ended the year on a high note for Van Rensburg's Auctioneers said the company's Professional Associated Valuer Widdke Burger. She added, "Twenty coastal properties fetched record prices in the December period. A bid of R9-million was turned down for a five bedroom, four bathroom home in the first row of Herold's Bay and is thus open for further offers."
This Wilderness property was sold by by Pam Golding for R5,6-million.
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
