Semigrating in SA: What you need to know

Have you ever dreamed of what it might be like to move from a fast-paced life in the city to a quiet spot on the coast or in the countryside?

Well, you're not alone. And many South Africans have stopped dreaming. They've taken the plunge and decided to "semigrate".

What is semigration?

Semigration, short for semi-emigration, can be described as moving to another location within your home country.

In one way, it's just another fancy term for moving. But there's more to semigration than meets the eye.

People relocate for many reasons. Better work opportunities, affordability and property-related preferences are some of the driving forces behind a person's decision to move either locally or overseas (emigrating).

However, what distinguishes semigration from a "normal" move often lies in motivation.

Factors such as a better quality of life and safety and security are often cited as reasons. And when these factors are at play, the relocation is known as a semigration.

Tips on how to semigrate

1. Budget:

Besides calculating the cost of living in your new destination town, you will also need to consider the cost of other expenses.

2. Think with your head, not your heart:

Just because a place is great for holidays, does not mean it's a great place to live. You have a totally different set of needs for the place where you live and work, as opposed to the place where you lie on the beach and drink cocktails. Make a list of your key priorities for your new home, and stick to them.

3. Consider renting before you buy:

This will allow you to experience the area as a resident, find out what the people are like, what the weather is like, and what local amenities are available.

Contact the SAProperty Rental Team today, click here to view our Rentals Available

Check out the amenities: If you're going to be doing remote work, a reasonable internet connection is non-negotiable. But take some time to weigh up the broader amenities in the area. How near are you from schools, hospitals, shopping centres, entertainment and airports? If you have to be driving 90 minutes just to get to a doctor, this may be a problem.

4. Access to friends, family and support structures:

Living in a small town often means you are far away from your friends and family, and it is only when things go wrong that you realise the value of a support network. If you don't have one in your new town, you may struggle.

5. Start settling in:

After you've unpacked, meet your new neighbours, explore the sights and sounds of your new neighbourhood, and stick your toes in the sand.

The Western Cape is still top choice for semigrants

The Western Cape remains South Africa's favourite destination for semigrants. Most of the property sectors in Cape Town have fared well this year compared with some of the country's inland cities.

The pandemic has initiated a trend of people moving away from the larger metros to smaller towns and coastal areas, due to their new-found ability to work from home, sparking a new wave of semigration to the Western Cape.

The hybrid work model implemented by many companies still allows people to live a few hours away from their work places as they need to be in the office for only part of the week. This continues to bode well for the Western Cape which remains the one province that is still able to deliver.

The ability of the City of Cape Town to keep businesses and residents at stage 1 when Eskom has everyone else in the country at stage 2, 3 or 4, will reinforce its appeal.

For those not able to afford a home in the Cape Town metro housing market, second tier and coastal towns in the Western Cape will remain appealing as desirable lifestyle destinations. These include areas on the Cape's Whale Coast such as Hermanus and Onrus, and Boland towns like Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Wellington, as well as George on the Garden Route.

Conclusion

For professionals, a successful semigration is achievable. It's a great way to unplug from the rat race, focus on the small things and live intentionally.

Contact the SAProperty Team today, our Area Specialists are available to make your semigration as smooth as possible

CAPE TOWN OFFICE 

SAPROPERTY.COM House
9 Boundary Road
Waterford Place
Century City
Cape Town

MIDRAND (GAUTENG OFFICE) 

Carlswald Decor Centre - Office 1
Cnr Harry Galaun & 5th Street
Halfway Gardens
Midrand