Thatch, Tides, and Top Returns: The St Francis Bay Q4 Digest

🏡 Property Market Snapshot: Strong Performance Continues

The property market in St Francis Bay remains a beacon of strength and resilience, heading into the final months of the year. Our coastal haven continues to attract buyers, not just for the unparalleled lifestyle, but also for its proven investment value.

Key Property Trends:

• Exceptional Long-Term Value: St Francis Bay properties have demonstrated a robust median return of 8% per annum over the last decade for plots sold more than once, significantly outperforming the South African residential property average of around 4.5%.
• High-Demand Areas: Specific precincts are showing particularly strong growth:
• • Marina Village: Plots in this area have shown an impressive median return of 12% per annum.
  • Santareme: This area has also seen notable price increases in the very recent past.
• Lifestyle Investment: While the figures indicate a sound financial investment, the core driver remains the unique St Francis Bay lifestyle—from the canals to the Links. Demand continues to exceed supply in many segments.

🏗️ Coastal Protection Update: The Spit and Groynes Project

We are pleased to share a progress report on the critical Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme (LTCPS), which includes the construction of the rock groynes and beach nourishment to safeguard our coastline and the vital Spit.

Project Progress:

• Groynes Construction: The first of the strategically placed rock groynes is actively under construction, marking a significant step in stabilising our beachfront. These groynes work to trap sand and counter erosion.
• Beach Nourishment: The comprehensive sand replenishment program is underway, involving the dredging of sand from the Kromme River and its pumping to various discharge points along the beach. This soft engineering approach works in tandem with the hard structures.
• The Spit Protection: A primary focus is fortifying the Spit, the narrow sandy barrier protecting the canal system, by positioning the initial groyne near its northern end and replenishing adjacent areas with sand.

Holiday Season Access:

Please Note: To minimise disruption during the peak holiday season, construction on the groynes will be temporarily suspended from December 11, 2025, to January 6, 2026. Beach access will remain open to residents and visitors throughout this period, with contractors demobilising safely. Full operations are set to resume promptly in the New Year.

📅 Upcoming Events: November & December 2025

The end of the year brings a host of exciting events, perfect for residents and visitors alike.

Here are some holiday activities to look forward...

💡 Area Spotlight: A Unique Coastal Gem

Did you know that St Francis Bay is often nicknamed "South Africa's Little Venice"?

The town is famous for its unique architecture, featuring white walls and black-thatched roofs, and is home to the largest network of man-made canals and waterways in the country, providing spectacular waterfront living and recreation. The Kromme River and the Port St Francis harbour further cement the town’s reputation as a watersports paradise.

🎣 Kobtober Competition Wrap-Up

We are pleased to share the wrap-up of our First Annual Kobtober Fishing Competition, which recently concluded in mid-November after the end date was postponed to allow participants more valuable time on the water. While challenging and inclement weather meant the major catches we hoped for did not materialise, we are still counting a few notable catches! The process of verifying the winners and finalising the results is currently underway, and we look forward to announcing the champions and handing out the exciting prizes very soon. This inaugural event would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. Our most heartfelt thanks go out to Bodotex, Super Spar Village Square, Garmin, Albert Saunders Attorneys and Conveyancers, Gam Garrick, and River Club for their support in making Kobtober a successful community event. We are already looking forward to bigger catches and clearer skies for Kobtober next year!

Wishing all a successful, joyful and festive season

Leandri Osborne and your team of St Francis Bay Property Experts