White River retains rural charm
July 2006
The property market in White River in Mpumalanga is getting a boost from buyers who are "going back to their roots".
Chas Everitt International area specialist Jenny Pote says the serene Lowveld town has an established farming community and that a younger generation who went to seek their fortunes elsewhere are increasingly returning to the town of their childhood.
"Many are returning from sojourns overseas and are setting up small businesses in town, stimulating the local economy and boosting the residential property market.
"And they are being joined by 'emigres' from big South African cities. The newcomers are attracted by the less hectic lifestyle and the various excellent schools in White River, notably Uplands Preparatory and Uplands College. In many cases, the buyers are successful career people who commute to their offices in the big cities and join their families at weekends."
Although White River retains its slow, peaceful pace, the town also competes favourably with many larger centres as far as attractions go. Pote says all the pleasures of a big city are on offer. "All the major shops are represented and the large Riverside Mall on the way to neighbouring Nelspruit is a mere 20 minutes' drive away.
"And, for shopping with a difference, Casterbridge Farm on the outskirts of town offers patrons an experience in the best French village tradition. The specialty shops includes the famous Chocolate Factory Shop."
The town itself offers a rich cultural scene, including live performances at the Barnyard Theatre and cinemas showing art films, says Pote. The whole area is also a drawcard for artists who find inspiration in the surrounding natural beauty.
Until recently, the town was subjected to strict water restrictions, which were however lifted after good rains. Pote says development was somewhat hampered while the restrictions were in force but that they indirectly benefited the town in that the rural atmosphere was retained.
"The restrictions made high density development unfeasible and developers were restricted to the so-called rural estate developments with stand sizes of at least 1ha, each with its own borehole to supply water. The five rural estates enjoyed a quick uptake and only a few stands are still available art prices ranging from R600 000 to R900 000."
Now security estates with smaller units are also very popular, she says.
Units in Country Estate, a golf development, offers units comparable to Dainfern
in Johannesburg but at prices ranging from just R1,8-million to R4,5-million.
The neighbouring Lake Longmore Estate is popular because of its position on
the lake shore. Home prices here start at R2,5-million.
Entry-level properties in White River cost about R500 000, which will typically buy a 95sqm two-bedroom unit. Pote says property at the mid-level is starting to hit the R1,3-million mark. "This still presents excellent value though as you can buy a property in a good area that offers four bedrooms, a swimming pool, granny flat and perhaps even a games room."
The top end of the local market is represented by Ricoletta Estates where 1ha stands cost from R4,5-million to R6-million. Bed-and-breakfast undertakings range from small establishments that cost from R1,5-million upwards, to five-star country lodges at around R15-million.
For retirees, units in the Macadamia Village retirement home are available from R650 000. Frail care facilities are available.
Issued by Chas Everitt International
For further information call Brenda Smith at
Chas Everitt International Bryanston on 011 463 2033
or visit www.chaseveritt.com