EDITORIAL VIEW
Reinvigoration of the property market
" While Covid-19 gave the South African tourism a sucker punch with international travel obliterated overnight , we ’ re finally starting to see a glimmer of something at the end of the tunnel that points towards recovery ,” says Jacques van Embden , MD at property development firm Blok
He adds that this is due in large part to the changing work paradigm - the catalyst in the ‘ semigration ’ wave . “ The protagonist of this trend is the digital nomad , who is essentially an individual who is able to work remotely and travel or live wherever they choose , for as long as they choose ,” he says .
The Western Cape specifically has embraced working from home and due to this reason has seen the biggest influx of “ semigrators ” to so-called “ Zoom Towns ”. The Western Cape provincial government has even formally requested the introduction of a ‘ remote working ’ visa , which will allow international visitors to stay longer and work remotely while travelling in the country .
Crossways Farm Village is the safe-haven for digital nomads looking to escape the bustle of the city and to embrace living off-the grid . Although , with Crossways ’ property management software , state-ofthe art security systems and fibre access to the entire village , you might need to curb your outdated understanding of what greener living really entails . With self-sufficient services and utilities the residence of Crossways Farm Village are their own municipality . See what else the visionary Dr Chris Mulder has in store for his decade long passion project in our cover feature .
The rising favour of moving away from central business districts has not necessarily been detrimental to businesses or residents who remain behind . Even with Covid and Lockdowns , the economy of the Cape Town CBD remained stable in 2020 . This is the key finding of the special Covid edition of the annual State of Cape Town Central City Report 2020 – A year in review ( SCCR ), published by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District ( CCID ).
The 72-page report is indispensable to investors , developers , business owners and retailers wanting to invest in what is arguably South Africa ’ s most dynamic and successful city centre . You can ready the full report here .
STAY SAFE & SUCCESSFUL INVESTING NICHOLA LOOCK GENERAL MANAGER
Steve Maraboli
“ Life doesn ’ t get easier or more forgiving , we get stronger and more resilient .”
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine OCT 2021 3