To semigrate or not to semigrate

Semigration has been a growing trend in South Africa for at least four years. People are wanting to find a better way of life without leaving South Africa - so they are saying goodbye to city life and making their home in other parts of South Africa. The new homes they choose are often smaller towns where the sense of community is stronger, crime rates are lower and the views need no filters when they're uploaded to Instagram. Jawitz Properties weighs up the pros and cons of semigration, providing a list of the things that a family should think about before making their move.

First things first - what is semigration?

Semigration is emigration within our borders. It's finding a town or city in South Africa where you and your family can live your best life, without the headaches associated with moving to another country. Lightstone data reveals that almost 15% of homeowners who sold a property and bought another one in the three years leading up to 2020 were relocating from cities to smaller towns. Even before Covid-19 became a factor, semigration was a hot topic in the real estate industry.

The advantages of semigration

The fact that so many South African families are choosing to semigrate is proof that there are loads of advantages to living in these semigration hotspots. There's typically less hustle and bustle and often you'll get to make those hour-long commutes nothing more than an unpleasant memory. Many semigration destinations offer an outdoorsy way of life and an idyllic environment for children to grow up in. When you look at the Instagram-worthy shots of some of South Africa's most "semigratable" towns, it's tough to not wish that you lived there.

Many semigration destinations offer a safer way of life than that which is found in other parts of South Africa. Security has long been one of the factors drawing South African families to the idea of starting new lives overseas, and the same factors are at play for those choosing to semigrate.

The potential challenges of semigration

At the time when you pack up your life in Johannesburg or Cape Town and head to Langebaan or Knysna, you are presumably working for a company that allows remote working. It is important to remember that the remote working trend is in its infancy in South Africa and that many companies require their staff to be on site every day. This means that if you were to need to change jobs due to unforeseen circumstances, you may find yourself having to face another move. One way around this is to choose a semigration destination like Ballito or Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard, which offer sea views, tranquillity and close access to Durban and Cape Town and their respective job markets.

Families considering semigration will need to choose an area which has good schools for their children to attend. If your children are primary school age when you make the big move, you'll also need to check out high schools in the area to ensure that their current and future educational needs can be met. Close-knit families should consider the implications of their children having to leave the "semigrated" family home when they reach university years to pursue their education in another city.

Another aspect to highlight here is leaving your friends and social network behind in the "big city". While Zoom calls and Skype sessions go a long way to remove the distance obstacle, you may find challenges in having to create a new social circle in a small town.

As is the case with any big life decision that needs to be made, the best way to make this decision is to make a pros and cons list. The good news is that if you decide to move, Jawitz Properties has vast experience as a semigration partner and can help you sell your current home and find you an ideal home in an idyllic corner of South Africa with our national footprint of offices spread across the country. Contact us for more information.