Africa-Press – South-Africa. Renewed infrastructure upgrades, strong demand for local schools and Rhodes University, and growing lifestyle and investment appeal are drawing South African property buyers to Makhanda in the Eastern Cape.
The historic university town of Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, is experiencing renewed activity in the residential property market.
The refurbishment of homes and commercial buildings, along with gradual infrastructure improvements, is helping restore confidence in the area.
“Encouragingly, there have been improvements in infrastructure maintenance in certain parts of the town,” said Pam Golding Properties area principal in Makhanda, Gordon Shutte.
This includes upgrades to key roads and ongoing efforts to enhance the appearance and functionality of the central business district.
“There has also been a gradual revitalisation of commercial premises, with several businesses refurbishing buildings and investing in new ventures,” Shutte said.
According to Shutte, these developments are contributing positively to confidence in the town and its property market.
“Makhanda retains a distinctive appeal, combining respected educational institutions, a vibrant cultural life and well-preserved historic architecture,” he said.
“The presence of leading schools, a respected university and a strong sense of community create an environment that appeals to families, investors and lifestyle buyers alike.”
He added that buyers are increasingly recognising the town’s long-term value and the opportunities it presents for both residential living and property investment.
Renowned as one of South Africa’s leading educational hubs, Makhanda is home to Rhodes University and prominent independent boarding schools.
Notable institutions include Diocesan School for Girls, St Andrew’s College, St Andrew’s Prep, and Kingswood College.
It is also home to highly regarded government schools, including Graeme College, Hoërskool PJ Olivier, and Victoria Girls’ High School. As a result, the town continues to attract families relocating for schooling.
“We are seeing a steady flow of buyers relocating to Makhanda, with our top schools remaining a key driver of demand for family homes,” said Pam Golding Properties area manager Welmarie Calitz.
Top schools and lifestyle appeal
Rhodes University
According to Calitz, many families are moving to Makhanda from larger metropolitan areas, drawn by the combination of outstanding educational facilities and a more manageable, less pressured lifestyle.
“Buyers relocating for schooling typically purchase in the R2.5 million to R5 million range, depending on the size and location of the property,” she said. “Many seek spacious family homes with gardens suitable for a permanent relocation.”
“Others prefer lock-up-and-go townhouses or smaller homes if they intend to live in Makhanda mainly during school terms, while maintaining their primary residence elsewhere.”
These properties provide a convenient base for half-term visits, sporting fixtures and other school events, Calitz said. This enables families to remain actively involved in their children’s school lives.
Student accommodation linked to Rhodes University also remains an important segment of the market, with some parents purchasing homes for their children attending the university.
Often, they will rent out additional rooms to other students – an arrangement that helps offset costs while also creating a longer-term investment opportunity.
“However, schooling is not the only factor attracting home buyers,” Calitz said. “Some are drawn purely by the town’s lifestyle appeal, while others are residents returning to their roots – including expatriates.”
“In the Makhanda market, around R4 million can secure a substantial character home, often with generous proportions, established gardens and, in many cases, heritage architectural features.”
“These homes are typically located in well-regarded suburbs close to schools and amenities. When appropriately priced properties become available, they tend to attract strong interest.”
South African expats are also gradually purchasing homes in the town, drawn by both lifestyle appeal and proximity to top schools. Some are even buying investment properties in the area.
“These investors are attracted by the town’s relatively stable property values, rental demand linked to its educational institutions, and the long-term appeal of owning property in a historic university town,” Calitz said.
“Many expat purchasers appreciate Makhanda’s heritage architecture, strong sense of community and renowned educational institutions, and often purchase in the upper mid-market to premium price ranges.”
Top suburbs
Calitz said several Makhanda suburbs – usually close to leading schools, with attractive architecture and large erven – consistently attract strong buyer interest.
West Hill, known for its historic homes interspersed with modern residences and situated near the independent schools and Rhodes University, typically records prices ranging from about R2.1 million to R3.4 million.
The suburb of Oatlands, popular among families seeking larger properties, generally offers homes priced between R1.8 million and R2.5 million.
In Hill 60, an elevated residential area to the north-west of the town offering scenic views, homes can typically be acquired in the R1.5 million to R2 million range.
Calitz said lifestyle buyers often seek charming character homes, properties with views or homes with large gardens, typically in the R2 million to R2.5 million price range.
“There is also renewed interest in areas where buyers are recognising the potential of refurbishing older homes in neighbourhoods with strong long-term appeal,” she said.
“Refurbished character homes in these areas typically range between R1.1 million and R1.8 million, depending on location and the extent of the upgrades.” These areas include –
Oatlands North, which offers family homes and larger modern or luxury residences, often with scenic views, priced from around R1.3 million to R1.6 million.
Somerset Heights comprises mainly large freestanding homes, which are generally priced between R1.5 million and R1.7 million.
Kingswood, where much of the market consists of one- to four-bedroom townhouses in secure gated developments, priced from approximately R1.2 million to R1.8 million.
Sunnyside, known for its older character homes, sees prices typically range from about R990,000 to R1.3 million.
“First-time buyers – often young professionals or couples, many of whom are locals entering the property market, tend to look in the R650,000 to R1.5 million price bracket,” Calitz said.
“Demand in this segment has remained relatively steady, supported by employment linked to the education sector, government and local businesses.”
Calitz said investors also remain active in the market, particularly where rental demand is strong in central areas of town.
“This includes both student accommodation and long-term family rentals. Investment purchases commonly fall in the R750,000 to R1.4 million price range, where buyers can secure properties with good rental potential,” she said.
“Investors typically take a medium- to long-term view, often holding properties for between five and 12 years to benefit from both rental income and capital growth.”
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