A modest property sleeping two to four people in an average area can be let for only around R3,000 (€310) per week even in high season, which generally includes the months of December and January, and possibly school holiday times. On the other hand, a luxury property in a popular area (for example, the much sought-after Camp’s Bay on the Cape Peninsular) with a pool and accommodation for eight to twelve can be let for several tens of thousands of Rand per week in high season.
The mid-season usually comprises October, November, March and April (except Easter, which is often counted as high season), when rents are around 20 to 25 per cent lower than the high season; the rest of the year is the low season, although parts of South Africa are popular all year and don’t have a low season.
Increasing your Rental Income
Rental income can be increased outside high season by offering special interest or package holidays – which can be organised in conjunction with local businesses or tour operators – to broaden the property’s appeal and cater for larger parties. These include:
- Sporting activities such as golf, tennis, cycling or hiking;
- Visits to sporting events, notably international cricket and rugby matches;
- Cooking, gastronomy and wine tours/tasting;
- Arts and crafts such as painting, sculpture, photography and writing courses;
- Wildlife spotting, e.g. visits to game parks and reserves, and whale-watching.
You don’t need to be an expert or conduct courses yourself, but can employ someone to do it for you.