Property and Real Estate in the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands

• The Natal Midlands and Drakensberg
• Country Properties
• The Advantages of the Natal Midlands and Drakensberg Regions
• South African real estate is cheap
• Selection of country properties for sale
• Real Estate Agents in the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands
• Advertise your Drakensberg or Natal Midlands property on this page

The Natal Midlands and the Drakensberg

Rising in the south towards the majestic Drakensberg range, this unspoilt upland area of hills, woods, lakes and streams is very reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands - a similarity which no doubt accounts for many of the romantic-sounding place names and the local addiction to trout fishing, golf and convivial hospitality! Primarily an agricultural area, the Midlands offers visitors unrivalled facilities for eco-tourism activities such as hill walking, game viewing and birding. Fishing, wing shooting, horse riding and polo are also popular. For the less active, the fascinating Midlands Meander, one of the country's premier arts, crafts and hospitality routes, provides pleasurable opportunities for more leisurely pursuits.

Country Properties

The Natal Midlands is noted for its temperate climate and lush pastures. This has enabled the owners of larger commercial farms to raise some of the finest beef and dairy cattle in Africa. The area is also home to internationally renowned thoroughbred horse studs which attract owners and breeders from many overseas countries, most notably from the Arabian Gulf. These highly commercial agricultural properties range in size from about 500 up to 10, 000 hectares or more and a number, which have period homesteads of historic interest, have been in the uninterrupted possession of the original settler families since the early 1800's.

There is, however, a wide selection of smaller country estates, mainly from 20 to 80 hectares in extent. These will be of particular interest to investors who may not wish to farm commercially but seek an easy-going country life-style in an attractive, well appointed property where they can relax and enjoy horse riding, fishing, hobby farming or just plain loafing. These properties range from quite modestly priced smallholdings to properties falling unashamedly into the category of "gentleman's luxury estate"

In recent years the popularity of the Midlands Meander has also created an increased demand for properties suitable for use by artists and crafters or for conversion to country restaurants, guest-houses or wedding and conference venues. The high concentration of excellent private schools in the area has also motivated many parents to invest in property in the Midlands.

Natal Midlands and the Drakensberg - The Advantages

Living in the Natal Midlands doesn't mean being cut off from the rest of the world. We're a mere four hours by car, (less than an hour's flying time), from the commercial hub of Johannesburg and only an hour's drive from the cosmopolitan port of Durban. Language is no problem either; English is universally spoken and state of the art information technology brings the world to our doorstep.

So you see, when you invest in real estate in the Natal Midlands, you really can relax in old fashioned country comfort while you enjoy the best of both worlds!

South African Real Estate is Cheap

Now that the average price of a London property is over £250,000 and it is virtually impossible to purchase a country property of any quality for less than £350,000, where can one find an attractive country estate of 200 acres with a substantial farmhouse, stables and several well stocked trout dams for a mere £100,000?

Well, South Africa and more specifically, the Natal Midlands, is the place! The relative weakness of the South African Rand has reduced the price of good quality country properties, calculated in almost any other currency, to derisory levels. Here, in one of most beautiful and stable regions of Southern Africa, 50 acre smallholdings can still be purchased for as little as £30,000 and an investment of R200,000 will purchase an absolutely superb country estate!

The range of properties for sale is extremely wide and given the price of such properties calculated in Pounds, Dollars or Euros, no one should be surprised that sales to overseas buyers, many of whom are youthful pensioners, are now at record levels. What could be better than spending at least part of the bitter European winter in the warmth and relaxed atmosphere of the Natal Midlands summer? It's cheaper, and a lot more fun, than staying at home!

For foreign nationals there are few restrictions to purchasing property in South Africa. Purchasers who are not citizens and who do not have permanent residence may buy outright for cash. Applicants for permanent residence who can prove on-going income and verify that they already have funds in transit to SA may qualify for a mortgage bond for up to 50% of the value of a property they wish to buy.

The vast majority of properties in SA are held under freehold title and the process of purchase is simple and quick. The contract is normally drawn by the seller's estate agent, although purchasers may also nominate a buyer's agent to purchase property on their behalf. Intending purchasers should be aware, however, that a written offer, once accepted by the seller, becomes a binding legal document. It is wise, therefore, to choose your agent carefully!

Although the cost of living and maintaining property in South Africa is comparatively low, the costs associated with purchasing property are relatively high. On transactions up to R100, 000 no transfer duty is payable. From R100, 000 to R300, 000 duty of 5% becomes payable and from R300, 000 onwards this rises to 8%. These rates apply for sales to a "natural person" only and property registered in the name of a company, close corporation or trust attracts duty at a flat rate of 10%. In certain cases, such as the sale of a property and related business as a going concern, the purchaser may escape paying either transfer duty or VAT. Legislation now under consideration by Parliament may in future require that a duty of 10% becomes payable on all transactions other than sales to a natural person. These issues are complex and purchasers should seek professional advice before entering into a contract.

There are currently no municipal or other land taxes on country property although such a system is proposed for implementation at some time in the future. Labour and maintenance costs are extremely reasonable by any other standards and our electricity is among the cheapest in the world. Many country properties already have reliable, long-serving, resident staff who are excellent caretakers and owners may therefore feel confident in leaving their properties untenanted for long periods of time.

A Selection Of Country Properties For Sale

Real Estate Agents in the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands

• Acutts Estate Agents go out of their way to find what you are looking for. Its been established for 150 years. They handle cottages, houses, vacant land, small holdings and farms with integrity & efficiency. 033 / 7011359
  
• Peta Parker Properties sell dreams not nightmares. For professional property appraisels, selling & buying. www.ppproperties.co.za  tel:033 / 7011342
  
• Underberg Estate Agency are serious about your property. Friendly and efficient service too. www.underbergestateagency.co.za 033 / 7011563

Advertise your Drakensberg or Natal Midlands Property or Real Estate on this page

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