'Mossel Bay is No 1 destination'

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay is the number one destination in the Western Cape for people moving out of Gauteng.

This is according an online article by Business Tech, which refers to a presentation by data analytics company, Lightstone Properties.

The second most sought-after destination in the Western Cape is Milnerton in Cape Town and the third, Cape Town itself.

More and more Gauteng residents were leaving dysfunctional, bankrupt municipalities to live in the Western Cape, which statistically, is home to the municipalities which achieve the most acceptable financial audits annually.

Mossel Bay has been rated the best municipality in South Africa by an independent ratings agency a number of times and it has also received awards for being the most environmentally friendly municipality.

Semigration is a term used for people leaving one province to go to another province.

The Business Tech article notes that most people moving from Gauteng are in the 49 to 64 age group, and most of that group are moving to the Western Cape.

The 36 to 49 age group makes up the second-largest category and again the Western Cape is the preferred destination.

Interestingly, 46% of buyers moving to the Western Cape are more likely to move to a new property of greater value and smaller size, while 34% will downgrade size and value and 20% will upgrade the size and downgrade value, Lightstone says.

Renewed, increased interest

On enquiry from the Mossel Bay Advertiser, director: Planning and Economic Development at the municipality, Carel Venter, said: "Covid-19 resulted in a renewed and increased interest in Mossel Bay as a permanent residence, across all income levels. "More and more, Mossel Bay is becoming a place to live and work in, rather than only a holiday destination.

"This is especially evident in the increase in building plan submissions for residential developments beyond the normal retirement and holiday developments.

"The municipality is experiencing a renewed interest in commercial and industrial land and developments, with Voorbaai being almost fully developed and some exciting proposals and plans being submitted for developments at Mossdustria.

"The increase in re-developments and upgrading of existing properties across various land uses is promising, indicating faith in the local economy and the Mossel Bay area as being a place which sustains investments.

"For planning purposes the municipality works with processes and tools such as the integrated development plan (IDP), Spatial Development Framework (SDF), the Financial Plan and Infrastructure Development Plans.

"These processes and plans all give credit to and acknowledge the latest development in growth, such as the current increase in semigration and possible closure and opening of major economic industries in and around our towns and rural areas.

"These plans work with well-calculated estimates and the municipality is making certain its infrastructure provision keeps up with the growing demands and the municipality remains financially sustainable. Annual budget allocations approved by council are done according to these plans and growth patterns."

Carel Venter