The tumultuous nature of 2020 has brought about unique trends, with the property sector seeing a massive increase in sales in the latter part of the year, particularly within nature-based locations that prioritise quality of life. The KZN South Coast, which offers investors affordable coastal properties and year-round temperate climates, is one area that is receiving some well-deserved interest.
“The KZN South Coast is an incredible place to live, and we’re finally seeing the anticipated interest in investors from all over South Africa,” explained Jeff Evans of Tyson Property Group. “The past few months we’ve seen double the interest in property compared with the same time last year. This is definitely connected to Covid-19 and the lockdown measures, as well as the area’s affordability and the lowest interest rates in the past 60 years.”
According to Pam Thomassen of Seeff, there has been a ‘huge upsurge’ in people trying to get out of the cities and into regions, such as the KZN South Coast: “Even within KZN, many people are buying property on the coast, for both long-term and holiday use. With borders and inter-provincial travel being closed, even people from within the province are discovering the KZN South Coast, and they’ve been blown away by the restaurants and facilities here. People are even happy to live here and commute to Durban or Joburg for work, once a month or once a week.”
Thomassen added that Seeff on the KZN South Coast, as well as other branches nationwide, had noticed a number of ex-pat South Africans inquiring about properties in South Africa: “From the UK, USA and elsewhere, South Africans living abroad were asking about properties in the hopes of re-locating back to the country. One couple made contact in May, attended a number of virtual show houses, and finally arrived two weeks ago, having lived in the UK for 22 years. It’s been very interesting to note.”
Michelle Harris, principal licensee at Seeff, Mid-South Coast, said the breakdown of buyers was just under a fifth from the Gauteng region, 76% from around KwaZulu-Natal, and around 5% from overseas, mostly residing in the UK.
“There has been a bit of a boom, mainly due to the low interest rate, which has resulted in people looking for holiday homes, buying investments for future retirement and first-time buyers,” said Harris. “People are finding it cheaper to buy than to rent, which has had a knock-on effect with the rental market taking some strain.”
Phil Barker of Renishaw Property Developments, developers of Renishaw Hills noted the upsurge in interest from buyers: “Throughout the hard lockdown period, one of the most notable comments from residents here was how they valued being in a secure place that is surrounded by nature. With the easing of lockdown measures, we’ve been contacted by a number of Gauteng residents looking for retirement opportunities on the KZN South Coast, citing the climate, quality of lifestyle, and realistic pricing as main reasons for choosing this area.”
Renishaw Hills is offering physical tours – as well as continuing with the online virtual tours – of the mature lifestyle village. All precautionary health and safety measures will be adhered to, with tours conducted by Julieann Hampson, Head of Sales at Renishaw Hills. For more information or to book a tour, email info@renishawhills.co.za or visit www.renishawhills.co.za
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