Surrounded by the Indian Ocean and a patchwork of dairy and cattle farms, the tiny coastal village of Boknesstrand in the Eastern Cape is home to only about 250 permanent residents.

Most of those who work do so in neighbouring towns while the remainder of the people who live there are retired, says long-time resident Mike de Nysschen.

However, he says, with crime taking its toll in the big towns and cities, Boknes is slowly becoming a destination for the country's growing band of "semigrators".

"There's been a definite surge in interest in Boknes by people of all ages wanting to relocate permanently," he says. And while there are few work opportunities in the little town which has as its main businesses two shops and a filling station, and no industry whatsoever, there is scope for those prepared to commute to Alexandria, Kenton-on-Sea, Port Alfred (36km) and Grahamstown.

Situated more or less halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London, Boknes comprises about 800 plots, 300 houses and a smattering of small businesses including a hair salon, beauty salon, hardware shop, three bed-and-breakfast establishments, garden services and one restaurant. There's also a security company that deals predominantly with petty crime such as house breaking. "There is no fencing or walling around my house and office. There are also no security gates or lights. I haven't had a burglary in the last eight years."

It's this peaceful lifestyle, along with its proximity to the sea, that's luring newcomers to the town, he says. Considering how seldom new development takes place, though, there's a limit to its residential stock availability. "New developments occur once in a blue moon and are usually undertaken by farmers converting their land into residential erfs," he says.

Since he is not aware of any rezoning of farm land to commercial or industrial land, nor any provision in the Spatial Development Framework for this kind of development, it's unlikely that any new homes will be popping up within the next two years.

After that, however, De Nysschen predicts a very different real estate environment. "Once the economy starts lifting its head, we can expect some new residential development – probably within the next two to five years. I don't foresee any commercial development taking place in either the short- or medium-term, though. And regardless of the growth we're expecting in the future, Boknes will hopefully retain its character as a popular holiday and retirement town, especially for people from the north."

At entry level is a two-bedroom house in Boknes for R650k. It also offers a living area, single bathroom and office in a pretty garden. At the top end of the price spectrum is a beachfront double storey for R5,25m boasting four double bedrooms with a Jacuzzi in the master bedroom, three bathrooms, three large living areas, a bar and snooker room complete with snooker table, sewing room, servant's quarters and double garage.

For those who would prefer to build their dream homes, vacant land ranges from R290k to R1,5m. Units within the town's only security complex go from R850k to R1,6m.

For more information contact Mike de Nysschen on 046 654 0476 or send an email. Click here to visit the website.

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