WITH billions of rand being invested in new property development and manufacturing plants on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, estate agents are seeing increased interest in the residential property market.
Investments in this region include the R2-billion Club Med South Africa beach resort development in Tinley Manor and the R20 billion expansion of the Sibaya precinct by Devmco – who have taken over this development.
Local and multi-national companies have also recently pledged to invest some R75.8 billion in new property developments and manufacturing plants across the province over the next two years.
Club Med South Africa Beach is scheduled to open in July 2026.
Carol Reynolds, Pam Golding Properties area principal for Durban Coastal, said they have seen a noticeable uptick in residential market activity across all price bands – including the luxury market – since January.
She added that January was one of their busiest months.
“Overall, market sentiment has improved with the positive news about Club Med and the Sibaya precinct. Sibaya is set to become a secure precinct offering a mix of retail, commercial and residential outlets as well as iconic five-star hotels.
“The plans for the precinct are very exciting for KZN, with private walking trails, secure beach clubs, sports facilities, a new school, among other amenities,” said Reynolds.
She said the Sibaya precinct, especially some of the frontline sites in Signature Estate, was currently attracting interest from people in Dubai.
“We are also seeing the return of Johannesburg buyers who are finding Cape Town prices too high and hence are revisiting the value proposition offered here in KZN.
“Many upcountry buyers are seeking homes in coastal estates, as they want security, sea views and proximity to the airport, and are looking in the price band between R7-million and R12-million,” said Reynolds.
She said Umhlanga continues to attract a mix of retirees, investors and young professionals, with the frontline blocks like the Pearls and Edge of the Sea popular with both local and upcountry buyers.
“Here we have seen interest from German buyers as well as buyers from Dubai. We are hopeful that with Club Med coming soon, and the addition of new direct international flights like Air France, we will start to see our province gaining momentum on the international stage,” she said.
She added that estates like Hawaan Forest, Izinga and Gold Coast were also attracting interest.
“The areas of uMhlanga, La Lucia and Durban North are extremely well-positioned to benefit from heightened interest and investment in the region, being prime coastal areas which offer centrally located, highly appealing locations with an ideal year-round climate. These provide easy access to all the varied attractions the province offers including beaches, game reserves, the Drakensberg Mountains, and numerous others,” she said.
Reynolds said for first-time buyers, such as young professionals, they have options in the Gateway area that start at just over R1 million.
She said Pam Golding Properties recently sold to local buyers a four-bedroom luxury mansion on the Umhlanga beachfront for close to R17 million, as well as a six-bedroom home in The Executive Estate in La Lucia for R20 million.
Andreas Wassenaar, licensee of Seeff KZN North Coast, said the Club Med development and the expected direct flights with Air France to King Shaka International Airport would be big for tourism, investment and interest in property in the region.
“There has been an increased interest in people looking to buy. Properties offer very good value at the moment and the buyers are getting a very good deal.
“A number of people are moving from Gauteng to KZN, while a segment are looking for holiday homes,” he said.Wassenaar said their sales have been in the region of R13 to R15-million, adding that they do have listings at R38-million and R40-million.
“There has been an uptick from people from Europe, the UK, France, Belgium and Netherlands expressing an interest, especially in larger gated estates. KZN offers good value, has beautiful places and is relatively easy to access.
“Buyers are looking to KZN because Cape Town is so expensive. But it will take a long time before KZN will be able to compete with the Western Cape,” said Wassenaar.
