The market in the sleepy Mpumalanga town of Dullstroom is starting to show signs of improvement and properties in the R800k to R2,5m range are most popular.
So says Jacques van Baalen, principal of Re/Max Lydenberg, who adds that the vast majority of properties sold in Dullstroom are related to tourism and retirement. "The mines in Steelpoort and Burgersfort are also having a small effect in terms of stimulating demand."
Anton Greeff, area manager for Pam Golding Properties (PGP), says there is also renewed interest from leisure home buyers. "As a result, sales in the town of Dullstroom and surrounding countryside are on the increase."
Verne Lello, agent for Engel & Volkers in Dullstroom, confirms that "leisure buyers are starting to bite".
"We've seen a notable upswing in enquiries and sales over the last seven or eight weeks. This demand is spread across the board and houses, farms and stands in estates are all sought-after at the moment."
He says farms in the R1,5m to R2m range are selling well, as well as houses priced at approximately R1,5m and stands with price tags in the region of R300k. "Interestingly, we're also seeing a significant number of people buying to settle, and not just to own a leisure property."
Lello says there has been a concerted effort by the municipality and an organisation called Drive Dullstroom's Destiny (DDD) to improve and maintain the infrastructure and aesthetic appeal of the town. "The municipality has been very active and should be commended for upgrading the water purification plant and repainting the signage in the town. The DDD is a private initiative with a central fund in which business owners deposit money for the town's upkeep. They assist with cleaning and repairing pavements and repairing signage." – Eugene Brink
Readers' Comments Have a comment about this article? Email us now.
