North Coast: the new property capital?

With King Shaka International Airport (and nine international flight routes including the recent addition of three weekly BA flights from Heathrow Airport) on its doorstep, KwaZuluNatal’s North Coast is well placed to attract residential investors from around SA and globally.

“Semigration to this coastal belt between Durban North and Ballito remains a recurring trend, particularly in Sibaya, Umdloti and Umhlanga,” says Pam Golding Properties Durban Coastal area principal Carol Reynolds. “This includes Gauteng commuters seeking

an unbeatable lifestyle while the main breadwinner travels to work Monday to Friday or as needed.”

Durban was named Mercer Index’s best lifestyle city in SA for the past few years. There is ongoing commercial property investment in hubs such as Umhlanga Ridge and La Lucia Ridge. The region is also benefiting from a growing retirement market.

Ballito itself has grown exponentially. Seeff North Coast principal Tim Johnson says it is a sought-after area, with many investing in property to let as short- or long-term rentals, or to use as a base while commuting.

Ballito’s permanent population has grown to 30,000 residents.

“With R2.7bn in residential sales per annum achieved in recent years, an additional R3bn has occurred within new estates between Umhlanga and Ballito in the past 18 months,” says Johnson.

Developments selling well in Umhlanga, an area with about 70% sectional title units, include Coral Point and Le Boulevard, says Reynolds.

In Durban North, all 26 units in Stonehurst, a new development, sold out within a few weeks, priced at less than R1.5m each.