There’s been quite a lot of talk recently about Cape Town’s high cost of living and locals being up in arms over digital nomads from abroad driving gentrification and the escalation of housing prices.

Long-time residents can no longer afford the vast amounts the international blow-ins are prepared to pay, with the result that they are moving to other parts of the Western Cape and, even, other provinces.

The hikes are even propelling “reverse semigration”, where those who were originally from Joburg are returning home as they find they get more bang for their buck when purchasing property.

It’s an interesting trend that’s unfolding, but one that doesn’t surprise me.

In Gqeberha, we’re seeing more and more people from elsewhere arriving to take advantage of homes that offer great value for money – and fantastic schools and beaches to boot.

Few people outside of property experts will know that Numbeo’s price-to-rent ratio last year ranked GQ number one on the list of African cities where it makes more sense to own a home than rent one.

Abodes at the top-end of our market, such as this magnificent six-room equine estate in Lovemore Park, arguably offers more in terms of space and lifestyle than those stunners in Cape Town’s upmarket neighbourhood of Sea Point.

There, price tags of up to R40-million are enough to drive even the wealthy to tears. Personally, I prefer my clients to have a smile on their face when they meet their dream home.

Add the tranquil lifestyle that exists just beyond our fences and it’s hardly surprising that our city is prime property for those wanting to relocate.

Read here why the Numbeo findings are such a big deal for GQ.