Strong demand for farms

AGRICULTURAL properties along the Southern Cape, especially around the Riversdale area is in strong demand, says Seeff agent, Eugene Truter. In the last year, about 59 properties have been sold, ranging in price from around R300000 for 3ha to R16.7-million at the top end for 550ha. Prices of agricultural land in the area have not only stabilised, but have climbed by about 10% over the last year on the back of this strong demand, says the agent. Cattle and sheep farms are most in demand right now.

Aside from the good value and investment potential, there is diversity in terms of farming operations, scenic beauty, close proximity to the sea and relative safety of the area. The Riversdale area is located just off the N2 highway between Cape Town and George, about a two-and-a-half hour's drive from the city. With the Langeberg Mountains as a backdrop and the sea to the front, the area is scenic with an abundance of Cape Coastal Fynbos.

Farming is the main industry of the region with activities that range from cattle, sheep and dairy farming to Lucerne/ grazing, wheat and grain, fruit, game, export flower farms and honeybush tea production.

There is a great diversity of agricultural property options in the area that range from large farms that sell for around R150000/ha for high potential irrigated land to R1500/ha for veld.

Smaller commercial and lifestyle farms sell for around R100000/ha to R500000/ha.