Sentiment in the residential property market along the coastal areas north of Durban has significantly improved since the beginning of 2025, says Carol Reynolds, Pam Golding Properties’ area principal for Durban Coastal.
This positive trend is supported by a series of high-profile investments in the region. These 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.
Additionally, local and multinational companies have pledged to invest approximately R75.8 billion into new property developments and manufacturing plants across KwaZulu-Natal over the next two years.
These commitments were announced during the recent KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference.
“We have seen a noticeable uptick in residential market activity across all price bands – including the luxury market – since January this year (2025). In fact, January was one of our busiest months, which is unusual for this time of year when buyers are typically more focused on settling back into their school routines,” Reynolds said.
“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, and other amenities.”
“Currently, we have interest from Dubai residents in the Sibaya precinct, especially from those looking at frontline sites in Signature Estate. We’re also seeing a return of Johannesburg buyers who are finding Cape Town prices too high and are revisiting the value proposition offered here in KZN.”
There are also signs of recovery in residential building activity in KwaZulu-Natal, with the total number of plans passed rising by just over 39% in 2024.
This has boosted the region’s share of the national total for residential plans passed to 11.6%, up from just 7.2% in 2023, according to Statistics SA.
Reynolds said that activity isn’t limited to the lower to middle price bands – “we’re seeing activity across the entire housing market”.
Many buyers from upcountry are seeking homes in coastal estates for security, sea views, and proximity to the airport, with price bands between R7 million and R12 million. Estates like Hawaan Forest, Izinga, and Gold Coast are attracting significant interest.
“Some of our clients who built homes in new estates like Gold Coast have seen strong capital appreciation and have successfully flipped properties for a profit. The key is to buy well and add value smartly to maximize returns.”
Reynolds added: “We’re also seeing considerable movement from Durban’s Morningside and the Berea into Durban North, with the area’s schools continuing to drive demand. These are typically families looking for larger homes close to schools. Upper Durban North retains its appeal with its security patrols and spacious, elegant homes.”
Umhlanga continues to attract a mix of retirees, investors, and young professionals. Frontline blocks like The Pearls and Edge of the Sea are popular with both local and upcountry buyers.
“We’ve seen interest from German buyers and buyers from Dubai. We’re hopeful that with Club Med coming soon and the addition of new international flights like Air France, we will see the province gaining momentum on the global stage.”
Highlighting the value for money in the region’s residential property market, Pam Golding Properties recently sold a four-bedroom luxury beachfront mansion in uMhlanga to a local buyer for nearly R17 million.
“Had this exquisite home been situated in Clifton, Cape Town, it would likely have sold for over R100 million. We also recently sold an exceptional six-bedroom home in the sought-after Executive Estate in La Lucia, which offers sweeping scenic views, for R20 million. This property was also acquired by a local buyer,” said Reynolds.
