Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Emigrants tend to be more affluent householders
EMIGRATION is increasing as people seek to leave a perceived politically unstable environment and look to secure better prospects for their children, says Nancy Todd of Rawson Properties.
This trend is being seen in more affluent areas where people can afford to move.
Todd says popular destination countries include the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US.
On the West Coast about 25% of sales are due to emigration, says Tamara Nettmann of Century 21.
Their destinations include Spain, Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal and Canada.
Agents say many sellers in Newlands and the City Bowl are thinking along the same lines.
Seeff’s Michele Apperley says: “We are seeing a considerable number of valuation requests from owners who want to know what their property might sell for if they decide to emigrate.”
About 10% of Hermanus sellers are emigrating, says Seeff’s Billy Rautenbach.
“We have a lot of Dutch people who have recently listed their properties who want to free up their capital.”
Greeff’s Mike Greeff says a a great deal of emigration is happening, and he describes it as “the next big brain drain”.
“Citizens choosing to emigrate mostly come from larger cities such as Cape Town and Joburg,” he says.