Uptick in demand for residential estate properties in Gqeberha

A significant lifestyle trend spurred on by the pandemic is the desire among South Africans to live in smaller urban areas, rural towns and villages, rather than in the biggest cities in the country. The trend has come about both because of the work-from-home phenomenon and the focus on quality of life that arose following the pandemic.

One location that has benefited from the trend is Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, which is the sixth most populous city in the country. Being a city, it has all the amenities typical of an urban environment, yet it is far smaller and less densely populated than a city like Johannesburg. In addition, its coastal location means those living in the area benefit from the natural beauty and opportunities for water sports that are characteristics of an area with attractive beaches and warm seas.

Having identified the demand for more residential property in the city, property developer Amdec Group embarked on the development of a large residential estate, Westbrook Country Estate, on Gqeberha’s western edge. The entire completed development will comprise nine residential estates serviced by a bustling town centre offering retail, commercial, leisure and entertainment facilities.

Westbrook is set on 128 hectares of lush parkland teeming with birds and indigenous plant life. It occupies a prime location in Gqeberha, conveniently close to Bay West Mall, with easy access to the N2, beachfront and the central business district.

The first village in the estate, The Ridge, comprising 150 houses, was completed in 2018 and is sold out. Construction of the next part of the estate, River Dale, commenced mid-2019, and phase 1 homes sold out within the year.

The success of these two developments highlights the demand for secure residential estate properties in the city. What is interesting is that the majority of buyers are local people from Gqeberha itself and from nearby places like Uitenhage, for whom the appeal is that the estate offers good starter homes at affordable prices in a secure environment. Many buyers are middle-class black families and professionals, and some purchasers are executives and their families relocating from other centres for work opportunities in the insurance, automotive and shipping industries at Coega and at the ports.

With the popularity of the first phases proving that the developer is providing for a need in the residential property market, the Amdec Group has now announced the launch of phase 2 homes at River Dale.

“Based on the success and rapid sellout of the first phase, phase 2 at River Dale introduces a further 24 brand-new move-in-ready designer homes for discerning buyers who are looking for quality craftsmanship, value-for-money and excellent returns on investment,” says Kobie Potgieter, CEO of Remax Independent, the sales consultant for the scheme.

River Dale is configured around an expansive communal village green with playgrounds, pathways, picnic areas and public pause areas. Now launching are a selection of single-storey free-standing three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes, and double-storey semi-detached three- and four-bedroom, two-bathroom units. All homes are fibre-ready and come complete with a garden, terraced covered patio and double garage.

“When designing River Dale, we sought to combine 21st century convenience with modern yet timeless styling, enhanced by superior craftsmanship. Every home includes a solar-powered geyser and there is energy-saving LED lighting throughout,” explains Gerard Dreyer, senior project manager of Westbrook Residential Developments. “The development aims to provide secure family-friendly living in affordable designer homes on an expansive estate criss-crossed with footpaths, running and cycling tracks. It’s a perfect blend of town and country living, lending itself to an active, healthy, community-oriented lifestyle.”

All generations are catered for at Westbrook. A Curro private school, located within the estate, accommodates learners from three months through to Grade 12. In addition, there has been significant interest from empty nesters downsizing, and even people in or nearing retirement. An Evergreen Lifestyle retirement village is also planned for Westbrook, so seniors and grandparents can enjoy a carefree retirement lifestyle while living close to their children and grandchildren.

Potgieter says, “Westbrook offers an unrivalled property asset and an excellent investment in Gqeberha’s most iconic lifestyle estate.” Investor confidence is strengthened by the fact that Westbrook is developed, owned and operated by the Amdec Group, which has a 35-year track record in the development of large-scale developments both locally and abroad.

The development brings much-needed investment into the Eastern Cape. Starting with the R200 million invested in the first construction project, The Ridge, another R450 million will be spent on River Dale. This, coupled with the 1 500 jobs created during the construction of the estate is all good news for the Eastern Cape, which so desperately needs to attract greater investment.