South Africa is one of the top destination choices and most people interested in relocating to South Africa are considering of opening their businesses or wanting to retire in South Africa, says Greg James, managing director of JAG Investment Group, which recently acquired Constantia-based Macleod Properties.
Macleod Properties and Leana Nel International Relocations recently attended a number of property relocation exhibitions in the UK. “Overseas visitors wanting to set up their businesses in South Africa create the sought after target audience the country needs at the moment,” say James and Nel.
“They initially invest a lot of money as the entry level for opening a business is R2.5 million. They also create an increased demand in the local job market and they further support the South African economy once the business is up and running. Many UK investors showed interest in opening businesses in tourism, construction, retail, office technology and hair dressing.” Macleod Properties and Leana Nel International Relocations promoted “the African dream” at three shows in Surrey, York and London during October.
In the run-up to the shows they formed alliances with developers and other property professionals, which resulted in an extensive property portfolio covering all the major areas of South Africa and housing options from mansions in Constantia and properties suited as family/second homes, to lock-up-and-go developments and lifestyle estates in prime locations.
UK national statistics on emigration show that 204 000 British citizens immigrated in 2004 to destinations amongst which South Africa was one of the top choices. James says this was a deciding factor in creating an overseas presence for Macleod Properties. Nel says South Africa is one of the new countries that offer affordable, permanent visas, so it is a popular choice for British nationals who want to turn dreams of a life abroad into a reality.
A survey carried out by one of Britain’s leading independent providers of emigration information found out that a better quality of life (39.9%) was the number one motivation for British citizens to pack up and fly away. Research shows the US is the top choice for British citizens making a permanent move overseas to an English speaking country. Other popular choices are Australia, New Zealand and Canada, and South Africa has welcomed several hundred British citizens as permanent residents.
Source: Sunday Argus, November 19, 2006
Author: Sarah Jane Bosch
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