Hermanus draws more permanent residents

7/12/2012 1:23:04 PM

Hermanus, one of the most favourite choices for holiday investors and retirees, is now displaying strong signs of a more stable economy as the town draws more permanent residents.  

Hermanus is situated  on the Southern coast of the Western Cape province has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world.  Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December and can be viewed from aboard a boat or the shore. Hermanus is home to the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route.

With its unmatched picturesque beauty, modern infrastructure and endless adventure options, it’s little wonder that visitors from near and far come to the town to enjoy its many charms while local residents and homeowners savour the privilege of living in this unique region.

Ludwig Schulenburg of the Aida Executive Hermanus agency reports a definite increase in homebuyers leaving large cities to relocate to Hermanus, mainly due to the secure lifestyle in astonishing surroundings. Hermanus is a sophisticated town but has retained some of its historical fisherman’s village heritage.

 
Historically, the town had a holiday economy, but this has now changed due to greater industrial activity. Many mini-manufacturers are setting up shop in Hermanus and exporting products to the rest of the country and even penetrating international markets. Opportunities opened up in the services sector as well  and many professionals which include attorneys, medical practitioners and consultants have opened offices in Hermanus.  
 
According to Ludwig Schulenburg the infrastructure development is keeping pace with the growing town. The national road is being upgraded, while the lanes of the access road to town are being doubled, which will improve traffic congestion especially in the busy high season.  A large shopping centre with Checkers as anchor tenant opened last year, and another with Woolworths Food as anchor is expected to open its doors at the end of the year.  Another benefit for permanent residents is the Curro school with its international curriculum that opened in Sandbaai this year. Schulenburg says it was widely welcomed since local schools were finding it difficult to accommodate the inflow of new families with school-going children.
 

He adds that the property market was remarkably active at the beginning of the year and that although sales have slowed somewhat with the onset of winter, the agency is currently listing many quality properties and gearing up for the expected rush when the weather warms up.  "Sales so far this year have far exceeded the number of transactions in the corresponding months of the past three years and we view it as a very healthy development that prices have remained stable in the same period.
 
Prices start at around R550 000 for small apartments, while two-bedroom units in secure developments sell from around R900 000. Comfortable family homes in the price range from around R1,2m to R2,8m also find ready buyers.
 
For further information you can contact:
Aida head office: 012 682 9600
Contact: Ester Odendaal
Aida Executive Hermanus: 028 313 1897
Contact: Ludwig Schulenburg