Buyers line up for island property


Over 150 stands have sold at Thesen Islands, the private estate of 19 Islands in the Knysna Lagoon, since December last year. The redevelopment of Thesen Islands, which started in mid 2000, is set for completion by the middle of 2004.

During December and January 52 stands were sold. February & March saw the pace continuing with 50 sales. In April and May 51 stands were sold. In addition there are an average of three to four re-sales a month. Over 85% of the re-sales have been at the listed price.

Says Thesen Islands Sales Manager, Ken Rutherford: “Due to inflation in construction costs the stands in the later phases cost more. Buyers in the early phases can price their stands according to the prices asked in the later phases. By doing this, they show a good return.”

The reason is simple, according toRutherford: “People love Thesen Islands. Friends bring friends to buy. Families bring other family members. Now word is out that we are coming to the end of the project. It is a case of buy now or be prepared to pay a lot more later”. Notable is the number of Knysna residents who have bought recently. Many of the first residents on Thesen Islands have moved here from other parts of Knysna, but now there has been a second wave of Knysna buyers. More and more Knysna people are recognising the quality and uniqueness of Thesen Islands. It is 5 minutes from the town centre, yet is a private estate with excellent security and away from the hustle and bustle.”

Home building continues at a fast pace. Nearly 31 homes are now complete. Another 52 are under construction and 115 house plans have been approved.

On most of the stands on the waterways there is a private jetty at the bottom of the garden. Other stands overlook the 11ha park and bird reserve. If you live there, you can keep your boat at a nearby communal jetty. There are also stands with their very own private beach. The first Boat House stands on Saffron Island are due for release soon.

Photo: Discovering SA - Henry Greyling