COVID-19 and the shift away from the big city

Over the past year, our lives have been changed irrevocably by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the flurry of safety protocols that have been implemented, many companies now allow their employees to work remotely. This in turn means that people are no longer tied to living within a reasonable distance of their place of work - and they are free to call South Africa's more scenic and affordable towns their homes.

A new way of life - wherever you want it

Towns such as East London and Ballito offer their residents the best of South Africa's east coast. The lifestyle is laid back, the waves beckon after a long day of working from home and the frenetic pace of city life quickly becomes a decent memory. Those looking for the joys of country life and proximity to restaurants, golf courses and wine farms should be looking closely at everything that Durbanville has to offer. 

Everything to love about East London

East London is hard to beat when it comes to natural beauty. It is relatively small and home to a moderate pace of life, which makes it a great place for an individual working from home. The various suburbs, including Nahoon, Gonubie, Beacon Bay and Kidds Beach offer properties in a wide variety of price brackets to suit every family. Great weather is one of the factors that goes into choosing the perfect place to call home, and with its year-round temperate climate, East London will not disappoint. With the average list price of a three-bedroom home being just over the R1 500 000 mark, East London offers affordability and all the advantages of life at the coast.

A two-bedroom apartment can be found for a price bracket as low as between R800 000 and R900 000 in suburbs like Kidds Beach and Gonubie. Those looking for a luxurious three or four-bedroom family home can expect to find something special in the ballpark of R1 500 000 to R2 500 000.

The beaches and benefits of Ballito

According to the latest data available, a high percentage of property buyers in Ballito are between the ages of 36 and 49. There are various reasons why this part of northern KwaZulu-Natal is so popular with established professionals. Despite having all the amenities, restaurants and activities that one could wish for, it boasts an "away from the city" ambience. Described as "the pearl of the Dolphin Coast", it is a place where morning strolls or jogs along the boardwalk are a way of life. The appeal of Ballito also lies in the "work hard, play hard" mentality, with locals making the most of the outdoor activities on offer. It is a town where people arrive as holidaymakers and become home-owners because they can't bear to leave. 

The area is characterised by luxurious coastal estates which offer top-notch security and a host of other amenities. Ballito boasts sophisticated two-bedroom apartments for under the R2 000 000 mark, while a three-bedroom duplexes and apartments in certain of these prestigious estates can be found from between R2 500 000 and R3 000 000.

Why Durbanville is a good decision

From wine farms and estates to the lush greens of Durbanville Golf Club, one doesn't have to look far to see the appeal of Durbanville. The family-orientated ambience of the area sees children growing up in an idyllic environment. It's a home ideal for families who love the outdoors, and there are ample opportunities to go mountain biking or enjoy the great outdoors at Tygerberg Nature Reserve or Durbanville Nature Reserve.

Jawitz Properties has an array of properties on the market in Durbanville, with three-bedroom townhouses and family homes starting from approximately R2 000 000. Four and five-bedrooms can be found from approximately R3 500 000.

Could saying goodbye to city life be the best move for your family? There is much on offer outside of South Africa's metropolises and the team from Jawitz Properties is on hand to introduce you to all the advantages of areas like East London, Ballito and Durbanville. Contact us today for more information about these areas or to find your new home.