It’s a good time to find a seaside home
Property matters by: Greta Daniel. Article from the December 2012 issue of Country Life Magazine.
It’s a good time to find a seaside home. But take professional advice on market, location and price.
If you’re holidaying at the coast this December; and are considering investing in property there, you could have a look at what’s happening in the local property markets.
Along the popular KZN South Coast buyers are mostly looking in the price range of about R800 000 to around R1.2 million. In Port Edward, a three-bedroom home with garage can be bought from R650 000, while in Umtentweni homes are from R300 000. In Margate properties are generally priced under R1 million, with secure four-bedroom units in an eco-estate at St Michaels-on-Sea from R850 000.
Port Shepstone now attracts more young buyers, while the older generation is downscaling from family-sized homes but still looking for a home with comfort and security, and lower running costs. Here the demand for sectional title residential properties remains steady, as these convenient lock-up-and-go homes appeal to a wide cross-section of the community. Port Shepstone is also home to upmarket property, with a luxury mansion with five bedrooms, five bathrooms plus a one-bedroom flat marketed at R5 million.
The coastal areas north of Durban continue to attract home buyers, Umhlanga Rocks leading the way as the commercial node continues to grow, creating demand for residential property. Further north, Ballito, easily accessible from the King Shaka International Airport and with large residential estates, is becoming more of a permanent residential destination than a holiday location as the demand for housing continues to spread north.
Here the demand is driven from the bottom, with homes in the R800 000 to R1.5 million price range most sought after and, as seen by the success of some of the more affordable developments, where one- bedroom apartments start at R559 000 and range up to just under R1 million. Other gated estates offer units priced from R3 million to R10 million, while beachfront property and homes in Zimbali estate range from R1.8 million to around R12 million for apartments, and homes up to R40 million.
The scenic Garden Route also attracts domestic and international visitors, with tranquil and affordable Sedgefield earning global status as the first Cittaslow (Slowtown) in Africa, due to its relaxing lifestyle. Knysna, long considered the heart of the Garden Route, offers a choice of accommodation, from the well-known beaches of Buffalo Bay and Brenton on Sea, to Brenton on Lake and Belvidere to Thesen Islands with its Cape Cod atmosphere, and the sought after Leisure Isle. Suburbs such as Hunters Home, Rexford, Fisherhaven and Old Place also offer well-priced homes. There are attractions aplenty in the town, nature reserves along the river and golf courses, namely Simola Golf and Country Estate, Pezula Golf Estate and Pezula Private Estate, which have some of the country’s best golf, and superb homes with very good security. Homes in Knysna vary from R900 000 to R30 million.
At St Francis Links, plots are priced from just R160 000 and houses from around R1 million. In nearby Port Alfred, prices range from a R550 000 apartment to a house at up to R14.5 million and vacant stands from R275 000 to R5.5 million. At Kenton-on-Sea, with its two navigable rivers and miles of unspoilt beaches, including a Blue Flag beach and nearby Big Five game reserves, holiday cottages range from R750 000 to R2 million while top end riverfront properties are priced up to R11 million.
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