The Pam Golding Property Group sees the Eastern Cape region of South Africa as a major strategic growth area, and in line with this, is significantly expanding its Port Elizabeth operation, which will become a flagship office and strong base for the PGP group in the region.

Since launching in the Eastern Cape / Garden Route 11 years ago, the group has established a network of 23 offices, covering all major centres along the coast as well as inland. A second PGP Port Elizabeth office recently opened in the prime beachfront area of Seaview, and further satellite offices are planned in neighbouring areas.

Comments Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the PGP group:  "Never before has there been such strong investor interest - both nationally and internationally - in the Eastern Cape, a region which is now beginning to take its rightful place as one of the country's premier real estate regions. The unspoilt beauty and tranquillity of its beaches and coastline, coupled with the value for money properties on offer, are resulting in an ever increasing demand for homes."

The company has already made several key appointments in Port Elizabeth, including that of prominent local attorney Michael White as director. White, who has been involved in the property market since 1988 and is a senior partner at Lexicon Attorneys, is also co-owner of Bellbuoy Property Administrators, the largest sectional title administrator company in the Eastern Cape. He also has a specialised knowledge of all aspects of property development law and considerable experience in both residential and commercial property developments.  PGP Port Elizabeth manager, Verity Bigara, has considerable real estate experience gained in the both the Eastern Cape/ Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal, and also owned and managed her own business in KZN for 15 years.

Says Patrick Maingard, MD of Pam Golding Franchise Services,:  "Their specialist skills and extensive knowledge of the local property market, backed up by the expertise and resources of the PGP global network, will enable us to substantially grow our market share in the area.  We are also currently in the process of negotiating with a number of top agents in order to boost our total number of agents to 20."

Commenting on the property market, White says that positive sentiment created through the Coega development is providing a positive catalyst for growth in the region, including the residential market. "Added to this is the key role played by eco-tourism, a major economic stimulus in the area and easily on a par with the eco-tourism industry in Mpumalanga.  In the 80s and 90s Port Elizabeth experienced a higher than average brain drain, which is now being reversed as successful young people in their thirties are moving back to South Africa - and to this area - bringing back with them their overseas currency, mainly pounds and dollars."

White says in line with national trends, Port Elizabeth is enjoying a strong demand for homes from the emergent market, as well as an increase in property values - particularly residential developments. PGP has secured a sole mandate to market several new developments, which will soon be launched to the marketplace.

Bigara adds that while properties marketed by PGP range from approximately R450 000 to R3 million, the bulk of their enquiries are for those priced from R600 000 to R1.5 million, and mainly for secure, lock-up-and-go homes.

Golf estates are particularly popular, and PGP has seen a high demand for properties at Little Walmer Golf Estate.

PGP is about to move into modern premises at 246 Cape Road, a prime location opposite Greenaces shopping centre.  This office will be equipped with the latest state of the art technology, and in addition to residential sales, bond origination and conveyancing services, will offer a full letting department.