Semigration boosts demand for George properties
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In search of a better quality of life, you might be considering greener pastures within our beautiful country. A change of scenery, away from big-city stresses or small-town doldrums, can be wonderful for your well-being. It's why a lifestyle-driven area like George is seeing a rise in demand for properties for sale and to let. The semigration trend is making this jewel of the Garden Route a popular place to set up home.
What is semigration?
Semigration (semi + emigration) is the process of moving to another location within your own country. It's not simply just moving; for semigrants, the motivating factor behind the relocation is the chance to improve one's quality of life. Semigration locations tend to offer top-class amenities, a vibrant lifestyle, and scenic surroundings.
Why choose semigration?
For semigrants, a fresh start somewhere is the chance to live, work, or play better. The reasons are as varied as the places semigrants opt to make their new home or invest in.
In a tough economic environment, areas with more employment opportunities become desirable for semigration. Climate can also prompt 'sun-lovers' or 'chill-seekers' to find their temperature sweet spot. A change in a family structure can bring on a search for areas with well-reputed schools, universities, and child-friendly features. In South Africa, a move for security is popular, with semigrants choosing areas that have low crime. Retirement is also another driver of semigration for those in search of a tranquil location to make the most of those golden years.
Factors driving the semigration to George
While semigration is nothing new, COVID-19 and the lockdown has changed the priorities of homebuyer and renters. Having remained indoors for much of 2020, semigrants are looking for spacious homes and a close proximity to nature to ride out waves of the pandemic in comfort.
Linked to COVID-19 is an increase in remote working. Many businesses are rethinking their operating models and workforce expectations, seeing the improved productivity and flexibility afforded to those working from home. In response, workers are taking advantage of their situation to find areas that are affordable and/or providing quality living. Besides COVID-19, remote working has been spurred by enhanced technology like Zoom.
The buyer's market is also empowering homebuyers to pick the home of their choice. Record-low interest rates have made home loans more accessible to a wider range of buyers. The raised zero-transfer fees threshold, increase in 100% home loans, and varied property options have created attractive conditions for semigrants to take that leap.
George, the perfect place for semigrants
Halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, George is set at the foothills of the gorgeous Outeniqua Mountain Range and the sparkling Indian Ocean. George is a popular semigration area for its warm climate, solid infrastructure, stellar healthcare, spectacular views, good transport options, and range of activities.
George has typically been the go-to area for retirees. However, young professionals and families from Cape Town, Gauteng, and the Free State have also been moving to the area. The area caters for all demographics with a range of properties including free-standing houses, golfing estates, country estates, retirement homes, and vacant land to build that dream home.
With safety often being a deciding factor for semigrants, George's reputation as a safe haven is a huge drawcard. The area has a very low crime rate. In fact, it was voted the best city in South Africa in 2019 by Numbeo, scoring high in the safety rating.
George has a well-connected series of roads that receive upgrades and maintenance. The area is within easy access to Mossel Bay, Knysna, and Oudtshoorn. Semigrants with wanderlust or in need of business trips will enjoy daily local flights through George Airport.
Semigrants who value excellent healthcare or are retiring will appreciate the medical services on offer. There's George Hospital and Mediclinic George for treatments. The area also provides fine education options; Curro George, Outeniqua Primary, Glenwood House School, and Hoërskool Outeniqua, to name a few.
George provides tech-dependent semigrants with good internet access. The area has been given a boost as fibre infrastructure providers like Frogfoot extend their network coverage to the area.
Finally, George provides semigrants with a wide variety of leisure-time pursuits. There's golfing, hiking, birdwatching, wine tasting, strawberry picking, museum visits, spa treatments, and dining out. The area is even close to the best beaches in the Garden Route.
Start your semigration to George
Experience life at its finest, surrounded by striking natural beauty. Century 21 George invites you to find your ideal George space. View our properties for sale or to let, and make contact today.
Author: Century 21 South Africa
