The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic change in the way we live, work and play and its ramifications will still be felt for years to come. One of the changes caused by the pandemic has been how people work and, as a result, where they choose to live.
According to Vernon Vogt, Principal of Jawitz Properties North Coast, the current economic situation combined with the fact that operating businesses virtually has become the norm are contributing factors to more and more families moving to KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast.
“The KZN North Coast has seen as much as 60% of buyers for new off-plan developments originating from Johannesburg and we have seen a spike in enquiries from Gauteng residents wanting to relocate to the North Coast, specifically to the greater Ballito area, now that they work remotely.
“There has also been a shift in interest from buyers looking for holiday homes. Earlier this year, the holiday home and investment markets were quite depressed but we are seeing a resurgence,” says Vogt.
Historically low interest rates are also contributing to the major drive in purchases in this area and provides investors and buyers with another reason to take the opportunity to invest or relocate.
Following is a snapshot of the average property price across 11 areas in KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast according to Property24 data.
| Average property price | Year-on-Year % Average Price change | 5-Year % average Price change | |
| Ballito | R 2.3m | 14% | 17% |
| Mount Edgecombe | R 3.035m | -19% | 9% |
| Umhlanga | R 2.4m | -14% | 2% |
| Tongaat | R 875k | 22% | 11% |
| La Mercy | R 1.3m | 19% | 21% |
| Richards Bay | R 1.05m | 5% | 25% |
| Umdloti | R 2.6m | -15% | 19% |
| Blythedale | R 2.2m | -26% | 45% |
| Empangeni | R 700k | -11% | 17% |
| Zinkwazi Beach | R 2.1m | 9% | 28% |
| Mtunzini | R 1.2m | 7% | 23% |
(Source: Property24 Data)
With the property market in the Ballito area being valued at more than R3 billion and rapid infrastructural development coupled with a desirable lifestyle creating sustained growth, buyers are taking advantage of low-interest rates and work from home conditions to experience the benefits of living at the coast.
“The North Coast has always been a popular holiday destination; however, it is in the process of reinventing itself as the lifestyle hot spot in South Africa,” concludes Vogt.
Take a look at some the individual listings listed in these North Coast suburbs - otherwise, refine your search for your dream home by setting up your own Property24 Alerts here.
Family bliss in Prestondale, Umhlanga for R2.995m
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