Words: Candice Botha | Image: Stephen Pilbrough
Umdloti is a secluded gem on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Traditionally a resort town, many people from all over the country fondly remember happy beachside holidays here in years gone by.
“There has been a lot of growth in Umdloti over the last decade,” says Kerry Bailey, principal, Tyson Properties Umhlanga and Ballito. “Older homes have been beautifully renovated and vacant land in Bellamont Road has been developed. The development of the Sibaya Casino and the opening of the King Shaka Airport have had a positive impact making it more attractive to a potential buyer or investor.”
This upward trend is expected to continue with the suburb’s location becoming more in demand for its convenient position between Durban and Ballito and adjacent to the new development taking place at Sibaya.
“The current market is looking good,” says Colin Moses, manager principal, Lew Ge¬ffen Sotheby’s Realty Westbrook Beach. “There’s been a steady and firm increase in sales specifically in apartments, probably because of investment opportunities or second-home owners who may not live here but would like to have beach property. There have been more buyers aged 50 to 60 than sellers, followed by the age group of 36 to 49.”
“Properties in Umdloti range from entry-level apartments in the early R2 millions, to high-end homes that can sell for between R15m and R20m,” says Bailey. “There are free-standing houses, sectional-title units – both simplexes and duplexes – and apartments.” She adds that homes along Bellamont Road that o¬ffer bigger plots and beautiful sea views are sought after along with South Beach and Newsel roads. Moses says that in terms of complexes and apartments, Surf Side, Marginella, Telena, Lazy Lizard, Camarque, Donna Sierrax, Umdloti Resort and Club Mykonos are perennially popular.
Agents in the area are expecting even more interest in the sleepy seaside town as the development at Sibaya progresses. “Sibaya is booming business-wise,” says Moses. The market is buoyant and there’s considerable investor interest, Bailey notes. “Umdloti o¬ffers a quieter lifestyle than Umhlanga and is sometimes more attractive to the buyer who wants to
be out of the hustle and bustle.”
