Where's your real semigration destination?

Have you ever daydreamed about living somewhere different? Perhaps you've imagined yourself living in a quiet coastal enclave or a stunning home in the country overlooking the mountains. Join the many South Africans who have made this dream a reality by semigrating.

Semigration is distinguished from a "normal move" by motivation. People semigrate to find safety, security and a better quality of life.  Jawitz Properties takes a look at why people are semigrating, where they're going and where you should go if you're considering becoming the latest semigrant.

What is semigration and how did it get its name?

For decades, South Africans have been emigrating to various countries around the world for lifestyle benefits, including less crime, more freedom and a better way of life. Semigrating is the same idea - except that you're moving within South Africa's borders, taking advantage of the very best that our country has to offer. At its heart, semigration is a move to a different place based on the desire for a higher standard of living.

Now more than ever, the real "live, work and play" lifestyle has been grabbed with both hands by many South Africans. People are trading traffic jams and city bustle for scenic surroundings and family-orientated lives.

Where are the top semigration destinations?

With its superior infrastructure and service delivery, the Western Cape is a prize destination for many semigrants. While Cape Town itself has always been a popular option, the province's smaller coastal towns are holding their own, with semigrants looking for a more relaxed way of life. Popular destinations outside Cape Town include Langebaan and Paternoster, and also spread throughout the Garden Route with increased appeal in Mossel Bay and Wilderness.

It's not just the Western Cape and Garden Route that holds all the appeal though - the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coasts are also on a real semigrants' radar. Budget-conscious semigrants (and those looking for less nippy winters) are showing interest in options like East London in the Eastern Cape and Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal. As a whole, the Eastern Cape has a lot to offer semigrants, from Instagram-worthy views and seemingly endless beaches to water sports and a laid-back way of life.

Ballito, a gem of KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast, is a great place to live if you want to reap the benefits of estate living. Here, you'll find an array of lifestyle estates, eco estates and coastal forest estates, all offering semigrants a secure environment, idyllic surrounds in which to raise a family and natural beauty in abundance.

Considering semigrating? Here are four things you should think about.

1. Your favourite holiday destination may not be your dream home. Think practically about the potential impact of being far away from friends and family. Consider whether you'll be able adjust on a social, emotional, spiritual/religious and daily routine level.
2. Could you rent for a year before buying a new home? This can be a great option for semigrants as it gives you a chance to experience life in your new prospective home town/city - and an easy way to make another move if the area turns out not to be the right fit for you.
3. Consider the amenities in the area. If you're going to be working remotely, a strong internet connection is a must. You'll also need to think about how far you are from good schools, hospitals and shopping centres. Depending on your line of work, proximity to an airport may also be a key factor.
4. Think about your career path with future opportunities and long-term goals. Your current work setup may be great for the moment, but can you see yourself still working within the same structure in five to ten years?

If you've decided to semigrate, there are some big decisions to be made! Where should you go? How much should you invest in a property? How will you go about selling your current home? Jawitz Properties has real answers to all these questions. Get in touch today and let us help you buy your piece of paradise.