The seaside location, subtropical climate, and competitive pricing has seen massive investor interest in real estate along the KZN South Coast. And investor confidence in this region is continuing to climb as massive real estate developments are being launched along the coast.
“There’s no doubt that the dominating ‘semigration’ trend has increased interest in the KZN South Coast’s real estate, as we’re seeing the area shift from a dominant holiday destination to a first choice for homeowners,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “This is beneficial for the local economy as the value in the region continues to grow, and SCTIE is working to ensure developers and investors are operating in an environment conducive to such growth.”
The lifestyle offerings are a massive drawcard, with the KZN South Coast home to the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province, as well as being a surfing and watersport haven. Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, two Marine Protected Areas, are considered some of the globe’s top dive sites; and the many indigenous forests offer incredible hiking and trail biking excursions.
There are also world-class facilities, 11 quality golf courses and private medical care facilities throughout. In addition to the laidback lifestyle on offer, the KZN South Coast benefits from its proximity to Durban, with the re-launch of the revamped Margate Airport increasing accessibility for those who travel for work.
Multi-million-rand developments
With eco-estates living even more in demand, the KZN South Coast is the ideal location. In Margate, internationally-renowned organisations, Vida Capital, Constructionize and local partner, the Wenger Family, have launched the 120-hectare Serenity Hills. This R800-million sustainable development will consist of 600 residential units, on-site medical care, an award-winning restaurant (The Packshed), a clubhouse and more.
Commenting on the location, Sam Wenger, Development Director of Serenity Hills, said: “The South Coast is experiencing a significant uptrend! People are relocating from all over South Africa – and even overseas – to call the South Coast home. And this is not only due to the nationwide semigration trend. You can get exceptional value for money with the stunning warm weather throughout the year, offering all sorts of water and land-based activities for the perfect work-life balance. It is also not as crowded as places around big cities, but yet still within easy reach of King Shaka International Airport and direct flights from Margate to Johannesburg.”
Wenger said the private sector is working with local municipalities and SCTIE to upgrade and maintain infrastructure through organisations like Tidy Towns.
“Beaches are clean and open, the Margate Airport has been revamped with further plans to extend. More entrepreneurs are eyeing opportunities and coming up with modern concepts. The South Coast is a best-kept secret and will soon be the place to be.”
These sentiments are shared by Barto van der Merwe, MD of Renishaw Coastal Precinct, a mixed-use development in Scottburgh which, at 1 300 hectares, is set to be one of the country’s biggest and most anticipated developments. It will include residential, retail, light industrial, educational, healthcare and mixed-use. The hugely popular mature lifestyle estate, Renishaw Hills, is the first development within this precinct located in the first of five nodes.
“We have witnessed an incredible 50% escalation in estate house prices in the region over the past five years,” commented Van der Merwe. “This is a tangible indicator of the interest in property along the KZN South Coast and a good indicator for interested parties why now is the time to invest. It’s best to get a foot in the door in a prime real estate location while the prices are still incredibly competitive.”
He explained that the 25-hectare Renishaw Hills, which is also the area’s first billion-rand development, has proven incredibly popular with more than R400 million in sales in just six years. “This is a great example of what we’re setting out to achieve with Renishaw Coastal Precinct, and the secure, laidback lifestyle that it affords. The focus on conservation will extend throughout the five-phase development, all of which will be self-reliant and sustainable.”
Perfect time for investing in prime property
Joleen Giraudeau, Non-principal Property Practitioner at Seeff, said these developments bode well for investment on the KZN South Coast.
“Developments such as Serenity Hills cater for all age groups as well as the secluded retirement division by supplying all the basic needs the current city and town life may be lacking. Stretching north towards Pennington and Scottburgh, several lifestyle and retirement facilities are being developed, supplying luxury homes to those wanting to settle in our pristine Mid-South Coast – Renishaw Hills being part of the highly-anticipated and newly formed Renishaw Coastal Precinct, is part of a much bigger picture that works seamlessly to deliver the combination of coastal investment, lifestyle, and convenience.”
Commenting on Renishaw Coastal Precinct, the ‘first of its scale in the area’, Giraudeau said: “This development brings massive economic potential through a series of interconnected nodes, from Scottburgh to Umkomaas covering the pristine coastal landscape. This is every developer and investor’s dream package waiting to be unravelled!”
She advised those looking to expand their ‘investment portfolios’ to get in early: “The benefit of these small towns is that the communities get driven by the expansion propositions, with local businesses pulling together to make a difference and restore their towns!”
