The allure of SADC property for South African buyers and investors

As one of the areas with the best potential growth, Seeff is delighted to be a part of the SADC (Southern African Development Community) region with a growing footprint.

We now have offices in Namibia, eSwatini (Swaziland), Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mauritius with a team of real estate experts ready to assist with all your property needs, from sales to rentals and investments.

The SADC countries offer some of the most dynamic economies and property markets on the continent. Already, Euromonitor reported last year that sales in Africa's luxury retail sectors was rising so fast that only the Middle East topped it.

The growth in urbanisation, consumerism and wealth is boosting real estate as an attractive investment across the board, from retail and commercial to residential.

Sub-Saharan Africa offers very attractive prospects and many of the property markets are gaining international appeal. Mauritius is for example now actively marketing itself as more than just a leisure island destination as it looks to attract serious investment by positioning itself as an important financial and economic hub in Africa.

As a popular holiday destination, Mauritius offers an excellent value proposition for South Africans who can invest in various developments ranging from golf estate homes to beach apartments and villas. There are now also opportunities for commercial investment. The island a busy rental marketing, thus offering the opportunity to rent out your holiday unit or villa when not in use.

Kim Bekker, director for Seeff Properties in Botswana, says that Gabarone is regarded as one of cleanest cities in Africa and boasts modern shopping malls with chain stores from South Africa and some international brands. Palapye along the Eastern side of the country also boasts new state of the art shopping malls and the largest Nandos Drive through in the country.

The country is an attractive prospect for foreign investment and foreigners can invest in commercial and residential property in certain areas such as Gaborone, Phakalane, Lobatse, Francistown and some other areas outside Tribal Territories.

Namibia needs little introduction for South Africans as it is a popular holiday hotspot. Property prices tend to track those of SA closely. There are no restrictions on foreigners investing in residential, commercial and industrial property and foreigners may also own any businesses in Namibia.

Coastal hotspots such as Walvis Bay and Swakopmund are popular. Opportunities include Swakopmund 301, a new development situated in the main street of central Swakopmund. there are also beachfront stands and freestanding homes with uninterrupted sea views. Henties Bay offers properties with amazing sea views at reasonable prices.

The Seeff Zambia team are active in the holiday home market targeted at both local and foreign buyers and tenants. Luxury holiday homes in Lusaka are now the focus of foreign investors.

Closer to home, is eSwatini (Swaziland), a beautiful country within a few hours' drive from Gauteng and a popular weekend getaway. According to Anthony Mcguire, Seeff's MD in Eswatini the Nkonyeni Residential Golf Estate offers excellent opportunities for South African buyers looking for a second home in the beautiful Kingdom.

The estate is situated next to the Usuthu River and features a 400ha game reserve, an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse, conferencing facilities, restaurants, tennis and squash courts, adventure tours and a host of other exciting amenities and activities. Rental properties on the estate are also in high demand.

For more information about properties available through Seeff in neighbouring countries, please visit www.seeff.com and click on the "International Regions" drop-down menu to select a country for contact details and a range of properties available.