All indications are that more and more South Africans are hopping aboard the ‘semigration’ train.
According to a 2024 Lightstone Property report, one in four homeowners who sell their current home and then buy a new one opt to move to another province. This marks a considerable rise from 2019, when only 16% of such homeowners made interprovincial moves, now reaching 27%.
It’s not surprising relocation is popular. People are seeking more fulfilling lifestyles and can now easily relocate anywhere while still working remotely and earning a living. Areas like the Western Cape offer the promise of a better quality of life and an escape from crime and poor service delivery in regions like Gauteng.
Sounds idyllic, right?
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at the Fidelity ADT, warns, however, that crime remains a problem throughout the country.
“Every province has crime. Stats and trends vary from city to city and province to province but the truth is South Africa has a huge crime problem, especially violent and contact crimes, which include home invasions and hijackings.
“This is why people moving to new surroundings shouldn’t do so with rose-tinted glasses on. Not only should you take your good security habits with you, ideally take your current security service provider with you too. If you can’t, be sure to do your homework when finding a new security partner.”
So, what matters most when making this important decision?
- Response times – this comes down to sufficient resources.
- Visibility – serves as a very valuable deterrent.
- Results – are they getting criminals out of the area through arrests and working with other stakeholders to optimise successes?
- Technology – is the company an innovator and up to speed with the latest in crime-fighting tech?
- Experience – how long have they been in the game?
- PSIRA registration – any security provider worth their salt is registered with PSIRA. Use one that isn’t and you are literally putting your life at risk.
“Good sources for reliable information on crime trends and neighbourhood security will be your local police, CPF, security companies and the neighbours,” says Hattingh.
“Look closely at the existing security at the property you want to buy without letting the excitement of the move overshadow your judgement. Is that stunning sea view worth it through an expansive sliding door with no security barrier or the rolling expanse of lawn safe with no perimeter security or proper lighting?”
There are basic steps to take when moving into a new suburb:
- Ask the locals – estate agents, police, CPF, residents – about crime trends and how well these are being managed.
- Evaluate the property’s security from the perimeter inwards by checking fencing, walls, overgrown foliage and electric fencing and outside lighting. Do you need garden beams and additional sensor lights? Inside, check the quality of locks on doors and windows and the condition of burglar bars and security gates.
- If an alarm is already installed, make sure it is linked to the preferred armed response service provider for that area. This way you can be assured of regular patrols and visibility. Be sure to test the system fully, including panic buttons and the battery pack.
- Make sure the old owners return all the keys, locks and remotes.
- Introduce yourself to the neighbours and swap phone numbers. Neighbours are often the first to notice something amiss or respond to something on your property in an emergency.
- Join the suburb Whatsapp and neighbourhood watch groups to keep up with information about security trends.
“Whether you’re buying a new home in a bustling city or serene coastal region, integrating security into your planning isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Don’t let the excitement of a new chapter leave your family unprotected. Factor in security solutions early and ensure peace of mind in your new home,” Hattingh says.
