Real Life Stories Buying Case Study: South Africa

Date Published:

18/06/2008

Emigrating to warmer shores is a dream for many of us dwelling on this, often rain soaked island. Recently Jenni Lane, turned one such dream into a reality when she decided to start a new life in South Africa. This is her story...

A waterhole for animals a short distance from the house

'I have just bought a house in South Africa. I lived there as a child, and my sister still lives near Johannesburg...'

During the first half of last year my sister told me they were having a family holiday in a place called Marloth Park on the edge of the Kruger National Park. It was a place where properties were unfenced and animals roamed free so visitors were advised not to go out on foot after dark! Their visit was very good, and she told me that some folk even lived there year round. I decided to investigate and got on the 'net' - and a dream was born!

Jenni and her mother

In August I travelled out to South Africa with a friend on a planned trip (for my sister's 50th birthday). We managed to fit in a night at Marloth, and I loved it. After the holiday I searched the web frequently for suitable properties, and was amazed at the prices. Most were thatch roof which I did not really want - fire risk and cleanliness were my concerns. My mother lives with me so she had to be happy too, so in November I took her out for a quick visit. I also contacted some estate agents so we could view a few properties to give us an idea of what was available.

There were two which we liked, and a third possibility - and then another agent called on us to say he had something we might like. We saw this amazing four bedroom/three bathroom house and fell in love with it. Three bedrooms are on the ground floor, and the fourth on the first floor is virtually a self-contained flatlet with a kitchenette area on the landing, and a lovely big balcony. On top of that is a flat roof with a barbecue area and extensive views over the park and out to Kruger. There is a further barbecue area in the front 'garden'. The price of this dream home? Just £30,000!!!! (including all fees, etc!)

We made our offer there and then, and it was accepted. In South Africa that meant it was legal and binding from that date. On our way home we visited the solicitor and signed all the relevant papers. Once back in the UK I visited my bank and sorted out the financial side of things and the money was wired over.

The House

The official wheels moved slowly over the holiday period, but by mid-February the house was registered in my name. Now our only problem is that we cannot go out there to live until we sell our UK house. In the meanwhile the estate agent is happy to keep an eye on things for us.

Living expenses in South Africa are much lower - although cars are more expensive. Our 'council tax' plus standing charge for water and electricity will only be about £12 per month. For another £100 or so we can get a card which gives us unlimited access to all national reserves, and with two of the main Kruger gates within 30 minutes drive we will make good use of that. As there is only a fence and river between Marloth and Kruger it is also easy to go down and watch animals from our side of the fence. The area is also renowned for produce, so we will have access to good supplies of fruit and vegetables.

The Garden

Within Marloth there are two small supermarkets, a hardware store, and a garage/petrol station. Malelane and Komatipoort are within easy reach for more supplies, while Nelspruit is only about an hour away. Temperatures average mid-20s year round with highs of over 30 in summer, and occasional cold spells in winter.

Why not see how far your money might go if you buy abroad? Search for your dream overseas property on aplaceinthesun.com

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