Chrissiesmeer: ample land available

One of the many benefits of investing in a home that is located in a lifestyle location is that of house price growth potential. With the confirmed property slow down in most areas throughout South Africa, the only areas that are still performing at peak pace are those of the out of way areas that are starting to receive investor interest.

The historical town of Chrissiesmeer in Mpumalanga is a prime example of these quiet, scenic areas that hold many opportunities for the family, leisure or recreational investor. Chrissiesmeer has the advantage of being somewhat untouched by urban development with 130-year old sandstone buildings and numerous ancient oak trees. Perhaps one of the main reasons for avoiding the development frenzy is because of its important ecological status. In fact, the www.places.co.za website states the Chrissiesmeer town is one of the most important eco-tourist destinations in the country.

Looking at the residential property market in Chrissiesmeer, Cheryl Reum, licensee of Fine & Country White River says that there are very few homes available for sale. "The last sale in Chrissiesmeer took place about two months ago and was a newly built, two bedroom retirement home which sold for R480 000."

"The Chrissiesmeer area is unusual in that during the 1960's there was a small flurry of development and then in the late 1990's a few small, face brick municipal homes were built. Today however the area boasts quite a few beautiful sandstone homes," says Reum.

Potential buyers only really have one investment choice when purchasing property in Chrissiesmeer, which is vacant land that is still available. These stands range in price from R100k to R120k for a 1000sq m stand, which is value for money considering the size of the stand.

Buyers in Chrissiesmeer are mainly retirees and those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. In the surrounding areas, there has been a general upsurge in interest and development activity taking place. However, Chrissiesmeer remains relatively unaffected by the development although still attracting an equal amount of investor interest.

"Chrissiesmeer is one of the undiscovered jewels of Mpumalanga and appreciation over the last year has been up to 600%," says Reum.

Chrissiesmeer consists of about 270 lakes and wetlands within a 20km radius of the village. This abundance of water bodies attracts an even larger amount of birdlife including 82 water related species and 75 other bird species. Large flocks of elegant flamingos can be seen on the freshwater Chrissiesmeer Lake, which is the largest in South Africa covering a surface area of some 1500ha.

The area is primarily renowned for its tourism, which is handled by the Matotoland Eco Tourism Association. There are numerous guest houses and outdoor attractions such as horse-riding, mountain biking, hiking and picnicking on the banks of Lake Chrissie.

Other attractions in Chrissiesmeer include the Holnek Game and Nature Reserve, which offers visitors the opportunities for game viewing, hunting, off-road driving and bass fishing.

Looking at the residential property market in Chrissiesmeer, Cheryl Reum, licensee of Fine & Country White River says that there are very few homes available for sale. "The last sale in Chrissiesmeer took place about two months ago and was a newly built, two bedroom retirement home which sold for R480 000."

"The Chrissiesmeer area is unusual in that during the 1960's there was a small flurry of development and then in the late 1990's a few small, face brick municipal homes were built. Today however the area boasts quite a few beautiful sandstone homes," says Reum.

Potential buyers only really have one investment choice when purchasing property in Chrissiesmeer, which is vacant land that is still available. These stands range in price from R100k to R120k for a 1000sq m stand, which is value for money considering the size of the stand.

Buyers in Chrissiesmeer are mainly retirees and those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. In the surrounding areas, there has been a general upsurge in interest and development activity taking place. However, Chrissiesmeer remains relatively unaffected by the development although still attracting an equal amount of investor interest.

"Chrissiesmeer is one of the undiscovered jewels of Mpumalanga and appreciation over the last year has been up to 600%," says Reum.

Chrissiesmeer is dotted with guest houses catering for the strong demand from those who favour a quick getaway. The area can accommodate 120 bodies at any given time. There are also a number of good farms in the area that fare extremely well because of the excellent climate and rich water supply.

For more information contact 082 775 5874 or Click here to visit the website.

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