It is that time of the year when many South Africans pack their bags for a holiday escape, be it in an idyllic coastal town or a picturesque country retreat. For many, holidays are more than a break. They offer a glimpse into a different pace of life, says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s National Head of Sales. “It’s often while walking along a quiet beach, exploring a vineyard-lined road or wandering through a farmers’ market that people start to imagine: could I live here?”.
With interest rates easing and the property market showing renewed movement, the upcoming holidays may be an ideal time to turn a favourite getaway into a permanent address. “Across the country, holiday hotspots are evolving into sought-after residential hubs offering strong infrastructure, excellent schools, lifestyle estates and long-term investment potential,” he says.
A holiday is a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. But it can also be a period of inspiration, where potential buyers have the time to explore a new area while considering a forever home in their dream location. For those thinking of taking the step from dreaming to exploring, Bendall suggests a considered and practical approach:
- Take advantage of the free time away from the demands of work and home to walk through the town and visit estate agents in the area. Ask about market trends, how long properties remain on the market, and whether prices have increased considerably over a certain period.
- If you see a home that piques your interest, make time to visit the property. Consider its location, finishes, Wi-Fi connectivity and green features. Speak to neighbours about living in that particular area to get a sense of what it would be like to reside there permanently. Online listings can give a one-sided view – it’s best to hear from those who live in and near your dream home.
- While it is easy to view homes and neighbourhoods with rose-tinted glasses while you are on holiday, try to be objective and consider what it would be like to live there permanently. This means talking to locals who are there throughout the year. It’s helpful to check out social media posts about the town. Most neighbourhoods have Facebook or other social media pages that can offer invaluable information.
- Explore the neighbourhood at different times of the day to get a sense of the ambience and community, as well as possible issues such as traffic congestion. Ask about the municipal services and transport options.
- Compile a list of non-negotiable features that need to be in place for you to consider a home in your dream town. Be honest with yourself about your long-term needs. Does the town have schooling options or work opportunities if these form part of your future plans?
- Affordability is always important. Use an online calculator to work out how much you can afford to pay each month, what impact a deposit will have on your repayments, and whether you have enough for the costs associated with buying a new home.
“We see from various data sources that South Africans are not afraid to move if they see an opportunity for a better life, lucrative employment or improved service delivery,” says Bendall. The Wise Move Migration Report 2025 reveals that 70% of all moves in the past year were within the same province. “It’s feasible that many of these were sparked by a weekend away or a vacation, where the appeal of a different destination made the possibility of a new home appealing.” The Western Cape was the destination of choice for much of the inter-provincial relocation this year, accounting for almost a third of all moves around the country, according to the report.
Coastal allure
Much of the movement around the country is happening in the coastal areas, with research from Lightstone showing that coastal properties continue to outperform their inland counterparts, largely because of the enviable lifestyle they offer, says Bendall. Popular coastal destinations include Hermanus, Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, Langebaan, Yzerfontein and Betty’s Bay in the Western Cape. Seeff has reported that property prices in the coastal fishing village of Yzerfontein, for example, have doubled in the past five years, nearing an average price of R4 million. “This underscores the demand for this kind of seaside living,” adds Bendall.
Another standout holiday destination showing renewed interest is Knysna in the Garden Route, where 30% of properties are valued above R5 million. Lightstone reports that buyers are willing to pay a premium for the luxury lifestyle offered by estates such as Thesen Island, Simola and Pezula.
Cape Town remains a destination of choice for local and overseas holidaymakers, and, as supported by the latest quarterly jobs report released this month, has plenty to offer in terms of lifestyle and employment. It has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country – 21.6% compared with the national rate of 34. The Atlantic Seaboard suburbs of Clifton and Bantry Bay offer sought-after high-end properties that make them ideal buy-to-let investment options, notes Bendall.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the North Coast towns of Ballito, Salt Rock and KwaDukuza Non-Urban are leading destinations driven by lifestyle appeal, excellent schools, retail hubs and proximity to Durban and King Shaka International Airport.
Inland charm
Yet the vacay-to-longstay trend is not limited to the coast. Several inland areas around the country have become increasingly popular, notes Bendall. Often viewed as holiday destinations because of attractions such as the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga is becoming a sought-after bushveld residential option.
The artists’ village of Clarens – often referred to as “the Franschhoek of the Free State” – has also shown considerable buyer activity recently. This popular weekend escape has become a desirable migration destination, offering a range of property options to a diverse set of buyers.
“Whether you’re drawn to the coast, the bushveld or a charming inland village, the holiday season offers an opportunity to explore where your next home could be,” concludes Bendall.