South Africans are semigrating – and their destination might surprise you
Fresh data from the Absa Homeowner Sentiment Index shows that South Africans have picked a new top destination for semigration.
Absa’s Homeowner Sentiment Index (HSI) for Q1 2025 shows that South Africa’s semigration trend is shifting.
Although the Western Cape has long led the internal migration wave, the latest data suggests its dominance is weakening.
More South Africans are now choosing to semigrate to the Eastern Cape instead.
The shift in semigration patterns
The HSI, a quarterly gauge of consumer confidence in the property market, revealed that although the Western Cape continues to attract more people than it loses, its net inward migration has slowed compared to the last three quarters.
The Eastern Cape gained traction in the first quarter of 2025, recording a clear rise in new residents.
At the same time, semigration to the Western Cape, particularly Cape Town, slowed down, mainly because of soaring property prices and growing urban congestion.
Experts say the high cost of living is driving many potential property buyers to seek out areas that offer a similar lifestyle without the steep big-city costs.
“Affordability is key. Buyers are increasingly prioritising value for money, and the Eastern Cape offers larger properties at lower prices than major metros,” Giovanni Gaggia, CEO of Real Estate Services South Africa, said in an interview with BusinessTech.
The Eastern Cape’s growing appeal
Gaggia also said that the Eastern Cape was becoming a strong semigration alternative for professionals, families, and retirees alike, thanks in part to the rise of hybrid and remote work.
Smaller towns across the province offer not only better affordability but also a slower pace of life, access to nature, and strong community ties.
The appeal is broad too, with coastal hubs like Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), East London, Jeffreys Bay, Kenton-on-Sea, Hogsback, and St Francis Bay drawing in semigrating remote workers and retirees.
Inland areas such as Queenstown and Stutterheim are seeing growth too, especially among semigrating families looking for better schooling and safety.
“Young families from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are choosing the Eastern Cape for its lifestyle, schools, and sense of security,” Gaggia noted.