The entire Eastern Cape and Garden Route region is poised for growth, with increased investment and a growing tourism market further boosted by projects such as Coega and the positive contribution the Mandela Bay Development Agency is making towards upgrading Port Elizabeth.

So says Louis van Niekerk, recently appointed regional director for Pam Golding Properties.

"There are selective opportunities available for future residential developments which we are currently investigating, for example, in terms of locations in smaller towns or within a one- to two-hour radius of the hub of Port Elizabeth, areas where there has been an increase in real estate activity," said Van Niekerk.

"Here demand is mainly driven by those seeking leisure or getaway investment opportunities in secure, gated environments and increased interest in coastal hamlets which are increasingly appealing to city dwellers.

"This is coupled with opportunities and a concomitant growing demand for wildlife and eco-tourism developments, particularly given the fact that this is a malaria-free environment."

Van Niekerk says while the Garden Route is already renowned as a golfing mecca, there is also an increasing trend towards lifestyle developments and equestrian estates with a strong "working" agricultural element.

These offer employment and participation spin-offs for communities.