This is the word from Gerhard van Niekerk, area principal for Pam Golding Properties (PGP) in the Nkomazi area, who adds that “since the upgrading of the road between Johannesburg and Maputo in 2000, and with increased international investment in Mozambique, traffic between South Africa and Mozambique has increased”.
“This is coupled with a surge in the number of South Africans with specific expertise e.g. engineers and craftsmen, who are employed in Mozambique by both South African and international companies – many of which have been involved in the upgrading or building of infrastructure.”
He says in recent years this increase in cross-border trade has had an impact on residential sales in Nelspruit, where Mozambicans have bought apartments near the Riverside Mall and the Ennotweni Casino, as well as in White River. In border town Komatipoort and nearby Marloth Park – which is an increasingly popular residential area – the housing market is boosted by Mozambican expats who live in these South African towns – where their children attend schools – and commute daily to places of work in Mozambique.
While popular schools include Lowveld High in Nelspruit, Penryn College, located between Nelspruit and White River, and Uplands College outside White River, the situation is changing as there are a growing number of international schools in Mozambique. There are also a number of Mozambicans living in Komatipoort who conduct businesses from the South African side of the border. In addition, many Mozambicans cross the border to nearby Malelane, Nelspruit and White River to shop, obtain medical attention or visit the Kruger National Park.
Van Niekerk says houses in Komatipoort sold to Mozambicans range from R500k to R1,5m, while others rent homes mainly in the price range from R3k to R8k per month and some make use of guesthouses as a stop-over. In Marloth Park the price of homes ranges from approximately R500k to R3,9m.
A major town and ideally situated just 10km from the Kruger National Park gate, Malelane’s huge attraction is its spectacular views over the Crocodile River and the park itself. “Residents can sit on their verandas and look at herds of 100 or more buffalo within 20 metres of their doorsteps, and watch lions and leopard hunting antelope. Properties on the river in Malelane range from around R2m up to R20m.
“The most popular are homes in Fish Eagle Bend - priced mainly between R850k and R1,1m and sought-after among couples with a small family. In Malelane the areas adjacent to the N4 have been zoned for commercial and industrial use, adding to the diversity of the area and its economic appeal for entrepreneurs.”
Image: This attractive four-bedroom, four-bathroom home in Malelane is being marketed R2,1m. It includes an enclosed balcony, air conditioning, landscaped garden, office, study, laundry, pantry, scullery, recreation room and swimming pool.
For more information contact Gerhard van Niekerk on 083 251 8239 or send an email.
Readers' Comments Have a comment about this article? Email us now.
