South Africa is as diverse as it is beautiful. Situated on the southernmost tip of Africa, it is a nation rich in culture, history, and opportunity. For those looking to buy property in South Africa, it offers a range of lifestyle choices. You will find cosmopolitan urban areas, leafy suburban comfort, and even remote, exotic locations. All surrounded by the incomparable natural beauty of the country.
Known as the “Rainbow Nation“, South Africa is the beloved home of people groups from all over the globe. South Africa has 11 official languages; these include English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa and Zulu to name but a couple. People from all walks of life add to an exciting melting pot of cultures.
Those who relocate to South Africa are choosing a gorgeous climate. It is temperate in some regions of the country and subtropical in others. It’s no wonder that tourists keep coming back for more!
South Africa boasts one of the largest and most developed economies on the African continent. The nation has a history of innovation in business and industry. It is home to the offices of many leading corporations. South Africa is a top contributor toward Africa’s GDP and has the continent’s top stock exchange. South Africa is also a member of the G-20, and the only African country to be a member.
The province of Gauteng stands out as an economic powerhouse, with a major contribution to the annual GDP. This is disproportionate to the tiny size of the province itself. Estimates say that at least half of the top earners in South Africa live here. The real estate market in Gauteng is expanding, as the major metropolitan areas of Johannesburg and Pretoria continue to grow. This is owing to the ever-present demand for residential development in the province.
The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape are also leading contributors to South Africa’s economy. Kwazulu-Natal has bustling industry and high harbor throughput in the city of Durban; Western Cape has its thriving tourist trade and productive urban landscape. The Western Cape holds the top-performing real estate market in South Africa. Here you will find arguably the most luxurious and scenic luxury homes in the entire Southern African region.
Natural resources are plentiful in South Africa. An example is platinum, produced in the highest quantities worldwide. There are also major gold, palladium and other deposits. The world’s largest diamond was unearthed here, at Cullinan near Tshwane (Pretoria).
This nation offers a high standard of living at a relatively low cost. In recent years, we have seen a devaluation in the local currency, the South African Rand (ZAR). Foreign currency buyers will thus enjoy cheaper property prices in South Africa.
Homeowners in South Africa enjoy quality infrastructure and amenities. The country has a leading cellular and data network, ranking in the top 5 in the world for cell phone coverage.
South Africa is also unique in many other ways. It has a fascinating political history, which reached its pinnacle at the establishment of democracy in 1994. The late Nelson Mandela is a household name and an inspiration to people worldwide.
In sports, South Africa is a leading nation. It dominates in international rugby and cricket rankings. Along with England, it is only the second nation to have ever hosted the Soccer, Rugby, and Cricket World Cup tournaments. No other nations have hosted all three.
Aside from amazing and diverse wildlife and flora, you will see many wonders and world heritage sites here. These sites include the famous Table Mountain in Cape Town and the Vredefort Dome in Parys. Owning a home in South Africa means that you have a gateway into one of the most naturally beautiful regions found anywhere in the world! Explore South Africa Property now.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2017 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
