Luxury living in the Northern Suburbs

With the recent release of land in the Sibaya precinct in this northern development corridor outside Durban, the area is abuzz with local and international investors, developers and end-users all wanting a price of the action.

One of the reasons this coastal belt is expanding at such a pace is because of the multitude of mini-metros along the coast. This means one can choose to live, work and play in Durban North. 

Similarly, La Lucia is a self-sufficient hub with everything from commercial to retail to residential. Then of course, Umhlanga is fast becoming the "Sandton" of KZN as commercial players flock to the area, supported by a strong residential and development market. Finally, further along the coast to Umdloti, the promise of Sibaya has created a tremendous amount of hype. The vision is for this area to be a vibrant mix of commercial, retail and residential, resulting in convenient living par excellence.

The lifestyle offering in each of these mini-metros is enticing given the balmy climate, beaches and renowned shopping centres and restaurants. Durban North is perhaps the most family-driven market along this stretch because of its excellent schools. With over 10 schools within a five kilometre radius, parents are hard-pressed to live anywhere else. The average family home in Durban North will cost around R3.2 million while the upmarket areas fetch prices of over R10 million. This is the ideal suburb for young families, and many buyers only leave the area once their children have completed their schooling.

People who live in Durban North tend to stay in the area because it is the most conveniently situated area along the coast.

Just slightly north, La Lucia is also a highly sought-after area, but a newer suburb than Durban North with a more modern feel.

And so, while Durban North is home to very few estates and has a colonial feel with old, solid homes, La Lucia has more modern, contemporary architecture and a mix of estates, sectional title and freehold, she says. 

Currently the average selling price for freestanding homes in the area is R4.5 million and an average sectional title unit will cost R3.2 million.

Umhlanga is an even more diverse area, with mixed-use areas, commercial and retail hubs, traditional suburban pockets and a beachfront filled with apartment blocks and five star hotels. New Town, which is the Gateway area, has become a highly popular retail centre. Here the mixed-use concept has been implemented, enticing numerous young buyers who work in the area to enter the residential property market.

Sectional properties make up 96% of Gateway's offering, with the average selling price of an apartment around R1.5 million. Rental returns are good, and a unit with two bedrooms costing around R1.8 million will lease for between R8 000 and R10 500 per month. 44% of buyers in the area are between 18 and 35 years, indicating that this urban lifestyle suits young executives.

Umhlanga Rocks, which consists of the beachfront, lower Umhlanga and the Village area is perhaps the most sought after node in the area. Sectional title makes up 78% of this area’s properties, with 22% freehold. Most of the freehold homes sit in the Lower Umhlanga strip along the beach and in central Umhlanga. Apartment living spans the entire area and attracts a wide range of buyers, from investors and those seeking second homes to retirees and executives. The average selling price for a sectional title unit in this area is R3.8 million. However, sea facing apartments fetch over R10 million depending on location, size and finishes.

The average selling price for freestanding homes is R7 million, which indicates that Umhlanga is one of the most popular, and therefore most expensive, areas in KZN.

Estates are being developed all over the area, with the growing demand for security, and prices of homes in these estates start from R6 million and exceed R15 million. Demand is high and developers are seizing the opportunity.

We are experiencing exciting times in KZN with all the development and growth in this northern corridor. It seems commuters are flocking to the area because of its lifestyle offering, and KZN is set to become Cape Town's warmer, sunnier rival.