GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Last year reflected a cautious, yet steady recovery in Southern Cape property sales.

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty reported an increased level of activity in buyers returning to the market, especially in purchases around the R1-million mark. Banking institutions eased up on their lending criteria, which has contribu-ted to restoring a level of confidence to the market. However, downward pressure persists on selling prices in today’s market and well-priced properties continue to sell quickly and easily, with affordability and market-related pricing remaining the key issue to successful sales. Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty also noted a renewed interest and a return to the market of foreign buyers to the Wilderness area.

At an awards function at the end of last year, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty celebrated the success of its top performers. The Millers Cup, a tradition first introduced in 1993, was awarded to Ronel Thiart, the top selling agent of last year. Runner-up in this category was awarded to the partnership of Donna Meintjes and Marsha Brand.

The Raubenheimers Cup, which has been awarded for exceptional client service since 1998, was presented to the partnership of Donna Meintjes and Marsha Brand, with a tie of Ronel Thiart and Rosemary Light being awarded as runners-up in this category.


At Lew Geffen’s prize giving were (from left) Tim Kirby and Rosemary Light of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, Willem Lutting of Raubenheimers Attorneys, Ronel Thiart of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s, Madeleine Goldie of Millers Incorporated and Donna Meintjes and Marsha Brand of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s.