Nothing beats a ‘patio game drive’ from your deck, say home buyers in Hoedspruit

Being able to watch a giraffe nibbling on an acacia tree a stone’s throw from your patio while relaxing with a sundowner, is one of many reasons why more and more home buyers are discovering the many attractions of living in Hoedspruit, in the heart of what locals refer to as the ‘slow-veld’ or ‘safari capital of the world’, in scenic Limpopo province.

Engela van Staden and Belinda Barkas, Pam Golding Properties area principals, echo these sentiments: “Enjoying the privilege of observing a host of wildlife amid scenic and tranquil scenic surrounds – including spectacular sunsets, from the comfort of your deck, is what we refer to as a ‘patio game drive’. A bushveld fire is also special, and this we call ‘bushveld TV,’’ quips van Staden. “This area offers some of the best wildlife and adventure experiences in the world, and is becoming increasingly popular as a haven of country living for the well-heeled.

Says van Staden: “A major eco-tourist destination with game lodges and private reserves and surrounded by a pristine, natural environment, Hoedspruit is all about the wildlife experience, with Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon right on our doorstep, against the majestic backdrop of the Northern Drakensberg mountains.

“Moreover, a wide variety of properties from private homes to agricultural and game farms, as well as commercial lodges, affords the opportunity to live in the bush amongst Africa’s big and plains game, while still in close proximity to amenities including shops, restaurants, schools and medical facilities.”

According to Lightstone statistics, 84.6% of homes are freehold while 71% are located within estates. While prices of freehold homes and vacant plots have been rising gradually since 2018, there was a marked increase in median sales prices last year, rising from R2.1 million in 2021 to R3.15 million in 2023 to date (end April).

Says Barkas: “Prices of homes in estates range from an entry level of approximately R3 million and upwards in Elephant Rock Eco Estate, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and Raptors View Wildlife Estate, while residences in Zandspruit Bush and Aero Estate start from around R5 million for a three-bedroom home. Big game estates such as Leadwood and Moditlo are more expensive, with homes ranging from R9 million to R20 million, and from R4 million to R10 million respectively.

“Space is the essence here as our smallest stands in popular wildlife estates are 2 500sqm and larger, providing total privacy for residents. Here you will certainly not be overlooking someone’s entertainment area from your upstairs patio.”

Van Staden adds that home buyers are also seeking solar-equipped properties, homes with good natural light, low maintenance, office space, scenic views, good WiFi connectivity, privacy and value for money. With more people relocating from the cities, they want pet-friendly estates for their cats and dogs.

“Elephant Rock Eco Estate is promoting off-the-grid living and being situated alongside the Olifants River, their boreholes are strong while the fauna and flora and birdlife are exceptional.

Barkas says: “With the new hospital on track, we believe there will be a shift with older residents staying longer and more new retirees. Older homes will either be demolished to make way for new or renovated as the choice of stands in prime locations is becoming more challenging.

“While retaining its village appeal, over the past 20 years the town of Hoedspruit has experienced considerable growth, with many new schools established – mostly private and offering excellent tuition, while a new private hospital is planned, with construction due to commence in the near future. There is also a new shopping mall being built, with major national retail tenants, and a new Radisson Hotel almost completed. Once the local Eastgate Airport just 13km from the centre of town achieves international status, the prices of property here are bound to increase. This area is already home to numerous private plane owners, who simply fly in, park their plane and drive off or walk home. There are also scenic flights for tourists and flying lessons conducted. In addition, there is a landing strip in Zandspruit Estate.”

Says van Staden: “We find that home buyers are from all over the country, mainly from Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and also overseas – mostly from Europe, and some from America. They are a wide mix of retirees or those looking to retire in the future, adventure seekers, nature lovers and those who are conservationists at heart. Currently we estimate a ratio of 60:40 of permanent owners versus leisure buyers, which reflects a marked change in trend from previously, when there were more leisure buyers.

“They all love the lifestyle, the bushveld and wildlife, security and sunshine – with mild winters more like a crisp spring morning. There is no traffic congestion, short distances to drive to shops and schools and numerous sports clubs and activities – in short, everything you could wish for.

“With tourism in South Africa having picked up, we are optimistic regarding an increase in visitors and exposure for our town, and are currently focused on acquiring more residential stock to cater for the demand.”

For further information contact Pam Golding Properties Hoedspruit on 015 590 7530 or email lowveld@pamgolding.co.za

Posted by The Know - Pam Golding Properties