Sa market witnesses world cup effect

It was marketed as South Africa's opportunity to sell itself to the world - now it seems that UK property hunters looking to move overseas like what they saw during this summer's World Cup, as interest in South African properties is up 48% on a year ago according to Primelocation.com...

The rise meant South Africa was a bigger emigration hotspot than destinations traditionally popular with Brits such as Canada, New Zealand, Ireland or Thailand.

25,000 Britons are believed to have travelled to South Africa to cheer on England at the World Cup. During a typical off-season month South Africa receives around 30,000 British visitors, so this is equivalent to almost an extra month's worth of British tourists visiting the country.

Primelocation, which tracks enquiries about international properties via its website, revealed the finding in its latest Primelocation International Search Index.

Ann Wright, International Development Manager of Primelocation International said: "In recent years South Africa has suffered somewhat from worries about crime, and indeed this was still a concern for many football fans visiting in the summer. But those who did go to the World Cup got a chance to see the beauty of the country for themselves, and the smooth-running of the tournament has helped Change people's attitudes."