The Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast is positioning itself as one of South Africa’s most prominent property hotspots.

“The KZN South Coast has taken some time in gaining investor attention, but the recent infrastructural investments, estate developments, and the popularity of this laid-back lifestyle have seen a rise in property demand,” said Sam Wenger, Development Director for Serenity Hills.

“There are certainly a few property trends that we’ve noticed which we believe will continue to attract buyers to the KZN South Coast.”

Wenger, alongside local agents Barbara Jackson, Non-principal Property Practitioner of Seeff Hibiscus Coast, Danie Barnard, Property Practitioner of RE/MAX Coast and Country, and Trudie Koekemoer, Property Practitioner at KW Edge, have all explained why the South Coast has seen such a massive rise in demand.

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Security

Security remains one of the essential aspects when purchasing a property in South Africa, with high-security estates in high demand.

“Buyers are looking for state-of-the-art biometric access control and 24-hour security so that they can exercise and live outdoors with peace of mind,” Wenger said.

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High value

Buyers are also looking for value for money from their property, with many looking for well-priced properties with good-quality finishes and sustainable elements highly desired.

“With the recent announcement that The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee has decided to keep the repurchase rate at 8.25% per year, and with inflation easing to 5.4% in June, this is a good time to buy,” Wenger added.

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Top-class facilities

KW Edge’s Koekemoer said that a work-life balance remains a priority for many working individuals, which makes on-site facilities crucial.

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Healthcare facilities

Additionally, healthcare facilities are essential. For retirees, on-site frail care and private hospitals nearby are a huge plus.

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Connectivity

The rise in work-from-home has also made internet connectivity incredibly important for several investors.

“The access to fibre and connectivity is a priority as more and more people work partially or full-time from home. Because buyers have this freedom to work from home, they’re also looking to invest in a luxury home, such as Serenity Hills,” Koekemoer said.

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Laidback living

Seeff’s Jackson said that the trend of quieter living has also attracted people to the South Coast.

“People are wanting to get away from the busy city centres and coastal areas such as the North Coast, and move to areas where there is less noise and traffic so they can enjoy a quieter life, while still accessing all the modern-day amenities,” she said.

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Accessible and unique

RE/MAX’s Barnard added that people are looking into estates that offer high-quality facilities close to their homes.

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Hassle-free living

Barnard added that most of the purchases in the area are from people looking to escape the high costs of maintaining large homes and gardens.

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Sustainability

Wenger also noted that climate change and environmental awareness play a huge role in investors’ minds, with many looking for sustainable features, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.

“Overall, since Covid-19, buyers appreciate the outdoors more than ever, with all-year-round warm weather and access to all sorts of outdoor amenities and nature-based resources high on the priority list.”

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