Mossel Bay a top destination this summer

Picture: This 300sqm house with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garages, and beautiful sea views from the balconies is on the market through Aida Mossel Bay for R1, 65m.

Mossel Bay, a perennial favourite among holidaymakers, is expecting a bumper holiday season – in no small measure because the picturesque seaside town has recently been named “Town of the Year”.

“And,” says Ricus Serfontein, owner of the local Aida franchise, “Mossel Bay is the safest town in the country - recent statistics show that it has the lowest crime rate in South Africa. Couple that with attractions such as Hartenbos and Diaz Strand, which last year drew about 50 000 visitors a day, and a full-house of holidaymakers and potential investors can be expected.”

Serfontein says there are solid investment opportunities in holiday accommodation. “In specific cases we have seen growth of more than 35% in the past year and we expect to field many enquiries from holidaymakers.

“However, buyers should not be too hasty and make an offer on the first property they see. Potential growth in values – and thus good investment – depends on many factors. For instance, some properties are unlikely to show any growth for the foreseeable future because of the high level of speculator activity in some developments. Buyers are advised to enlist the services of an estate agency with thorough experience in the local market to help them identify sound investments.”

Property prices in Mossel Bay start at around R430 000 for one-bedroom apartments, but Serfontein says holiday homes that would suit most families cost between R750 000 and R3m. “The trick is to identify a comfortable holiday home that is likely to yield the best growth in value.”

Serfontein says Aida Mossel Bay has enjoyed great successes in the past year, in spite of tough market conditions. “The property industry widely views 2007 as a crisis year because of rising interest rates and the impact of the National Credit Act. However, we have notched up solid sales thanks to our team of sterling agents and the confidence they have inspired among buyers and sellers alike.

“I expect the market to remain somewhat subdued for the next few months, with an upturn towards the end of next year, so buyers who invest judiciously now stand to see good returns.”

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Jan Davel

Aida Mossel Bay: 044 691 1582

Contact: Ricus Serfontein

Meg Wilson

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