A number of buyers now head to coastal locations to recharge their batteries on a more permanent basis. Where can you invest in less centrally located dream homes, working remotely in more natural surroundings?
WORDS: KIM MAXWELL – PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Confidence in the South African property market is improving, if the latest Absa Homeowner Sentiment Index is any indication. The index ended Q4 2020 at 80% – a 4% improvement. And this positive sentiment towards buying property showed its third consecutive quarter of improvement. Many buyers are now heading to coastal locations to recharge their batteries on a more permanent basis. The KwaZulu Natal North Coast has always attracted interest. Now, as more homebuyers – including Gauteng – consider investing in this thriving region, property sales are edging further north, particularly with new schools and commercial developments in the pipeline for these areas, says Pam Golding Properties area principal Farrah Williamson.
“As a primary residential destination, coastal hamlets such as Shaka’s Rock, Salt Rock, Sheffield, Tinley Manor, Blythedale, Prince’s Grant and Zinkwazi are no longer perceived as ‘too far up the coast’, particularly since the rapid uptake of the work-from-home trend. These areas are extremely attractive to a cross section of home purchasers from various provinces,” says Williamson. “Generally speaking, as a first-time buyers or retiree looking to get into a secure lifestyle estate, you can purchase a home at around R1,8m, with access to excellent facilities, which is exceptional value for money. If you prefer to buy land to build your own home, a minimum spend – including construction – would be R3,5m to R4m.”
Premium residential
Development specialists Collins Residential is developing Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate in Sheffield on a stretch of KZN North Coast. “Phase 2 indicates at least 35% of buyers are from Gauteng, comprising largely of younger families aged between 35 and 55, says CEO Murray Collins. “With supreme connectivity on the estate, many residents can work fully or partially, or commute to nearby business and commercial hubs of Umhlanga, La Lucia and Ballito.”
Extra features
Catering to first-time apartment owners who want extra features and a great price, Izinga Eco Estate will be located in the hills just north of Umhlanga Ridge – coastal life with a sub-tropical climate, minutes from a bustling small commercial hub. Now selling off plan, the one , two- and three-bedroom apartments by developer Balwin Properties will include free eco-friendly appliances and solar supplemented electricity, plus prepaid electricity and water meters. They will be fibre- and DStv-ready. One bedroom units start from R1,33m while Izinga three-bed, two-bathrooms range from R2,65m.
Prime Plett
Kevin Engelsman, licensee for Seeff Plettenberg Bay, says the climate and amenities put Plett in prime position as a relocation destination. Engelsman says the market remains active and Plett is increasingly popular with people looking to escape big cities. Less widely known is Springerbaai, a 45-minute drive from George Airport. Pam Golding Properties agent Ruth Mills says Springerbaai Eco Estate is in a rural, coastal area near Mossel Bay, and it’s received great interest from a new work-from-home buyers since lockdown.
Stephen Murray, area manager for Pam Golding Properties in George and Wilderness, says this part of the world offers plentiful opportunities for nature lovers. “Wilderness is a hot proposition in that it offers the best of both worlds – a short drive to the beach, plus forest and mountain views.”
Near Somerset West
In Gordon’s Bay near Somerset West, developer Balwin Properties is planning a modern residential estate with 1,824 apartments. Studio and one- to three-bedroom open-plan units at Greenbay eco-estate will flow into a landscaped outdoor area with a communal core. The sustainability focus at Greenbay will extend to energy-efficient LED lighting and appliances, low flow-water fittings, solar PV electricity generation, and water treatment plants for The Barn and its apartment units. Pricing for this off-plan eco-estate starts from R514,900 for a studio, or R617,900 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit.
The Overberg is also increasing in popularity as families make the move from major metros. Hermanus offers water-based activities, fynbos and a wine valley on its doorstep. Curro Hermanus Private School and Northcliff College offer schooling. Seeff Hermanus MD Paul Kruger says Hermanus is popular with upcountry buyers and remote workers. “Some 70% of sales in Hermanus are too buyers from outside town,” he says.
