High demand keeps Knysna agents busy

WITH Knysna in its rebuilding phase following the devastating fire more than two months ago‚ many who have lost their homes are once again entering the property market and starting over with the process of turning a house into a home.

Remax Coastal Knysna owner Schalk van der Merwe said property agents were busier than they had been for some time.

“I think in retrospect this is a more exciting time for property agents than before the fires‚” he said.

But even with the influx of potential buyers‚ Van der Merwe admits the biggest challenge is finding a home for everyone.

“Before the fire‚ there was a shortage of homes. The fire made it worse‚” he said.

“We have sold a few erfs where the swimming pool or garage were the only thing left on the property.

“A lot of areas that have burnt down are going to be redeveloped.”

Franchisee principal for Pam Golding in Knysna Ling Dobson‚ however‚ warns buyers or those looking to rent that they need to consider the market. “I don’t think that it is factual when people say property prices have gone up after the fires. I don’t think prices have skyrocketed‚” she said.

Dobson maintains prices have remained consistent but also points to the fact that property is scarce in the coastal town.

“From a rental point of view there is very little stock available but overall I would say the market has remained quite stable.”

Lizette Monk, a real estate agent for Jawitz Property in Knysna‚ said: “Rental prices have definitely increased . . . If you paid R6 000 rent in the past you now pay R12 000 for the same house.” – TimesLIVE