Investing in Zoom Towns For residential purposes , those moving to zoom towns are seeking convenience and are looking opportunities to cut costs . This means there are many considerations and list of requirements that possible investors and developers should make before investing in these towns .
“ There is the potential for ‘ Green Living ’ to become increasingly important , as well as self-support on food supply .”
“ To benefit from an influx of semigrants , an investor would need to offer ( in addition to more affordable homes , greater security and a better quality of life ) good telecommunications and connectivity , easy proximity to and from malls and entertainment , good educational institutions and decent medical facilities ,” Dr Golding says .
Golding believes that the development of good retail outlets in many towns , previously considered to be holiday or retirement destinations , has made a growing number of towns and villages appealing to potential semigrants .
Semigration also appeals to ecowarriors who value more sustainable and green living . “ There is the potential for ‘ Green Living ’ to become increasingly important , as well as self-support on food supply . So , a bigger piece of ground where homeowners can grow their own vegetables and become self-sufficient is very crucial for this type of an investment ,” He adds .
Many developers foresaw sustainability and community centered trends , but none as much as Dr Chris Mulder . The award-winning , internationally renowned landscape architect and the mastermind behind uber-successful Thesen Islands in Knysna has created a vision as solid as the mountains circling his new development .
As South Africa ’ s first contemporary new rural town , Crossways Farm Village offers an opportunity to get back to the good life . Back to being neighbourly , to safety and security , to a lifestyle long lost in the city .
“ I made a few sums upon researching about what is happening around the country . I found that 44 % of the people in South Africa lived in rural areas . I looked at how humankind settled around the world and I identified a rural settlement in the Eastern Cape where I could change the lives of the people ,” says Dr Mulder .
“ Back to being neighbourly , to safety and security , to a lifestyle long lost in the city .”
As a visionary of self-sustainable developments , which uplift the surrounding communities , Dr Mulder has ensured the longevity of Crossways , as it is immune to external political and economic factors . Dr Mulder says : “ We are our own municipality here . The regional municipality said they can ’ t give us services and we took it upon ourselves to provide services to the people of Knysna . We have our own water , own sewage , own electricity , and our own roads .”
14 FEBRUARY 2021 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine