"This picturesque and vibrant town soon seduces visitors from all over the country, and before they know it they're looking at property to buy here, usually as a leisure investment, or with a view to retiring here later or - or even relocating permanently in the near future," says Hurford, who has been a real estate agent in Prince Albert for the past 10 years. The town has an excellent infrastructure, with a good high school, hospital, retirement home, medical facilities etc, and is considered secure enough for some not to even lock their front doors or cars at night. She says while the area still offers sound value for money, especially when compared with Garden Route and Boland towns, there are no more real bargains to be had. Due to the high demand, Prince Albert continues to deliver excellent return on investment, with price appreciation of in excess of 200 percent over the past five year period.
"Today a family home would cost from a minimum of R850 000, while a retired couple wanting an appealing, renovated cottage would have to pay anything from R650 000 upwards. Generally the town attracts a more affluent buyer, with a number of British and German property owners who spend several months a year here to avoid the European winters. We also have a number of property owners who've relocated from the Garden Route, seeking more value for money and a more tranquil environment with far less tourists.
"If you are seeking something other than just a holiday home - maybe looking to establish a business in the town - I'd advise some market research first, and then investing money and energy into something new and innovative rather than simply adding to the pool of existing guesthouses and restaurants. Perhaps something that also involves the local community, creating jobs, and delivering a real benefit or new service to the town. Prince Albert needs a Laundromat, a print and copy shop and a couple of other facilities to service this thriving and burgeoning community. If you are retired, with an income, life in the country in a town such as this is blissful," adds Hurford.Aside from a superb climate and spectacular night skies, the village itself is a gem with beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings - of which 13 are national monuments, including the historic and refurbished 13-room, five-cottage Swartberg Hotel which is currently on the market for R6.75 million. Among other properties currently being marketed in Prince Albert are a 1240 hectare farm with two Victorian manor houses priced at R5.8 million; an elegant Victorian home with five en suite bedrooms and exceptional features priced at R3.95 million; a 4.7 hectare farm with renovated historic farmhouse priced at R3.5 million; a restaurant and deli with owner's garden cottage and separate plot selling for R1.95 million; and a luxurious new Victorian style home on Kweekvalleij Estate priced at R1.6 million.
With an abundance of local produce such as lamb, mohair, fruit and cheese, crystal clear skies for star gazing, the town is a perfect base for exploring all the wonders of the Swartberg mountains including Gamkaskloof (The Hell) and Meiringspoort. Hiking, mountain biking, birding and botanical excursions are major attractions. Activities for visitors include a guided historical walk through the town, a marked 'koppie trail' with almost 100 listed plants, fossil hunting and of course star gazing. There are visits to olive and fig farms, traditional Karoo meals and the delightful Fransie Pienaar Museum. Prince Albert is ideally located for overnight stops from Gauteng, the Garden Route resorts and beaches are two hours south by road, and Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves and the Karoo National Park are just an hour's drive away. There is a thriving art community, bridge, book and film clubs, more than 35 registered accommodation establishments and five or six restaurants. There is also an active Heritage Committee which helps to preserve the architectural heritage of the town - important for long-term tourism and helping maintain property investment values.
For more information contact 023 5411158 or send an email.
Photos: Prince Albert Farm with historic farmhouse R3.95m; Prince Albert Victorian-style home R1.6m; Swartberg hotel, Prince Albert.
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