Isaac Moledi

Isaac Moledi

Many of us are eager to invest in property with long-term growth potential to hand over to our children in 20 years time - but just where are you likely to see the best long-term returns?

In the current market turmoil, are there still areas for any property investments?

Barak Geffen, executive director of Sotheby's International Realty SA, believes that there are such places.

"I would definitely look at investing in Stellenbosch. This is still a small town which can only increase in size as people relocate from the city in favour of the outdoor lifestyle this area offers.

"In 20 years time, I expect Stellenbosch to be a metropolitan area and the fact that it has its own university will help this process along, adding to and creating demand," says Geffen.

The second area he would focus on would be the west coast areas such as Langebaan.

"Expansion up this coast is already taking place and will continue as less space becomes available along the coast closer to Cape Town, and people look for less cluttered living space.

"Langebaan, Paternoster and Ysterfontein will no doubt become like Knysna is today - a buzzing town where there is little developable space left," he says.

So investing anywhere along the Garden Route, even the most derelict properties, will appreciate in value, Geffen argues.

"In Gauteng, residential and CBD areas tend to spread in a northerly direction.

"Property in the vicinity of Bryanston, Dainfern, Randburg and Midrand would be great to buy now and sell off in 20 years," says Geffen.