Ask any property professional for the three most important components in determining the value of a property and the answer will be “Location, location and location.” Exclusivity, benefits, demand, and availability all determine the value of a specific location. It is therefore no surprise that Knysna, that offers all these elements, has, and always will, place a premium on properties in this Jewell of the Garden Route.
Prior to the current recession owner expectations placed properties in Knysna beyond the reach of most would be property owners. The recession, the escalations in rates and taxes, holding costs, and other cost escalations have however changed the situation dramatically, and anyone who has ever aspired to owning property in this beautiful coastal town would be well advised to take advantage of the current financial climate and drastically reduced asking prices, to realise that goal.
Vacant stands on exclusive lifestyle estates are changing hands at 50% of the 2005 / 06 acquisition cost. Town houses and other properties are being auctioned and sold for less than the outstanding bonds, and property owners will readily enter into negotiations at a lot less than their 2008 /09 asking prices.
But cost is only one component of any decision to relocate to Knysna, and in most cases it is not the critical consideration. What is important is the lifestyle that Knysna affords the residents. The choices of being close to the water or tucked against indigenous forest, being in or near the CBD, or a little further in a rural environment, choosing an amazing view or simply being in a community where walking and cycling are a delight, provide enough scope for the most discerning tastes. And no matter what the choice is, one is always just a few minutes scenic and uncontested drive, from town. Even peak hour travelling is no longer a hassle now that the new lagoon drive has been built.
Easy access to mountains, forests, rivers, beaches, with walks and cycle facilities that bring thousands of people to the town every year.
The pace is slow, the climate mild Mediterranean. The air is refreshing and clean and the frenetic urgency of city life non existent.
Many of those who visit this incredible town as tourists or visitors eventually become residents, and those who do seldom have any desire to return to their previous places of residence, with the exception of those who fail to take informed decisions about the business environment in Knysna.
There is a magic to the town and it’s surroundings, and the jaded, stressed, deadline chasing executives and employees who seek the balm of silence, the subtle enchantment of waves and sand, forests and streams, or the exhilaration of the view from a mountain top after an enchanting hike, are easily convinced to stay, and live, in this tiny piece of paradise.
Contributed by Peter Dijkstra who offers information on property investments in Knysna and who runs a web site Knysna Properties for Sale
