Direct flights from Johannesburg to Margate boost buyer interest
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast remains one of the country’s most affordable and lifestyle-oriented coastal regions, attracting home buyers not only for its glittering Blue Flag beaches, year-round sub-tropical climate and quality golf courses, but also for its relaxed way of life and strong community spirit.
Coupled with this, Margate Airport’s revival, offering direct, daily flights to OR Tambo International Airport, is a game-changer for Gauteng buyers.
Growing interest from semigrants and young families continues to underline the region’s long-term potential as both a lifestyle and investment destination, says Pam Golding Properties Port Shepstone-based area principal, Mohammed Valodia.
“Approximately half of our home buyers are looking for primary residences or retirement homes, with the remainder purchasing holiday apartments or second homes with rental income potential. We are also seeing more families relocating here permanently than before, while many retirees first use their homes part-time before transitioning to full-time coastal living.
“There’s been a notable increase in semigration from Gauteng and other inland provinces. Many buyers are seeking immediate or future retirement properties, while others are making permanent moves to enjoy coastal living, supported by the flexibility of remote work. Younger families are also entering the market, drawn by good schools, a more secure and slower pace of life, and the convenience of being within easy reach of Durban. Holiday investors remain active too, particularly in Margate, Uvongo and St Michaels-on-Sea, where demand for short-term rentals is consistent year-round.
“For Gauteng purchasers, the proximity of Margate Airport is proving a significant advantage, enabling quick, stress-free trips to and from Johannesburg. This accessibility adds major value for buyers who still work inland but want to own a coastal home, while also making weekend getaways and school holiday breaks easy for leisure homeowners.”
Valodia says the residential property market along the lower South Coast - from Mtwalume through to Margate, including Hibberdene, Umtentweni, Port Shepstone, Shelley Beach and Uvongo, continues to show healthy, steady activity.
“While this region hasn’t experienced the sharp price surges seen in major metros, it offers a balanced and dependable market where both permanent residents and holiday homeowners can still find strong opportunities. Vacant stands in areas such as Hibberdene, Mtwalume and Umtentweni remain well-priced, ranging from R80 000 to R250 000 for erven of ±1500 sqm, offering buyers the opportunity to build custom homes. Sectional title apartments set slightly back from the beachfront also present good value, with two-bedroom units tending to start around R700 000. Meanwhile, established homes in need of modernisation are appealing for those looking to buy from around R1.1 million and unlock long-term value through renovation.”
Valodia says secure sectional title units are currently among the most sought-after properties, particularly those in the R900 000 to R1.5 million range. These appeal to both holiday home buyers and permanent residents wanting lock-up-and-go convenience. Family homes with three to four bedrooms and outdoor space also continue to attract solid interest, typically priced between R1.2 million and R2.5 million, depending on sea views and proximity to the coast. Vacant land in growth nodes such as Hibberdene and Umtentweni is likewise gaining traction among buyers wanting to build from scratch.
Adds Valodia: “Beachfront homes naturally command a premium: freehold properties generally start from around R2.5 million, while sectional title apartments directly on the beach are available from approximately R1.2 million. Homes and apartments within walking distance of the shoreline offer more accessible pricing, with freehold options often starting at around R1.6 million and sectional title units from approximately R850 000. This price differential highlights the strong value proposition for buyers who are willing to purchase just one street back from the beachfront.
“The recent announcement that Port Shepstone will become the country’s first small town to receive a new harbour is extremely positive news for the local economy, signalling future job creation, enhanced infrastructure investment, and fresh opportunities for growth in both industry and tourism.”
A little further south in Port Edward, Pam Golding Properties area principal Cath Molyneaux reports strong demand for vacant land priced between R150 000 and R190 000, with the majority of buyers coming from the Eastern Cape.
“Beachfront homes in the area typically sell for between R3.5 million and R6 million, while beachfront sectional title apartments range from R1.2 million to R3 million. Homes within easy walking distance of the beach achieve prices from R1.8 million to R4 million. In fact, we recently concluded the sale of a six-bedroom home located two roads back from the beach, combined with an adjoining vacant stand and offering sweeping sea views, for R4.9 million,” she notes.
“While there is steady demand for sea-facing residential properties for permanent living, the majority of our buyers are securing homes for holiday use with a view to future retirement. San Lameer continues to stand out as a highly sought-after and sound investment option, thanks to its golf course, spa, gym, outdoor sporting facilities, and the convenience of an in-house rental pool.”
Development activity in and around Port Edward is also gathering momentum. This includes a new shopping centre and medical suites, as well as a proposed private hospital currently in the planning phase. In addition, significant progress is being made on the Msikaba and Mtentu bridges, which will form part of the new road link to the Eastern Cape.
Looking north of Mtwalume on the KZN South Coast, the appealing village of Pennington is experiencing a steady upswing in residential property interest, particularly from semigrants from Gauteng and inland KZN who are drawn by the same qualities seen across the region – an attractive coastal lifestyle and accessibly priced homes.
With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and proximity to top golf courses, Pennington appeals equally to primary residents, buy-to-let investors, and leisure home buyers. Rental demand remains strong, especially for short-term holiday accommodation and homes within secure estates.
Stef Nel, Pam Golding Properties area principal for Pennington, notes: “Recent trends show that 40% of our buyers are purchasing for primary residence, 30% for holiday homes - many of whom gradually transition to permanent residents, and 30% for immediate or future retirement. With excellent value for money on offer, younger families are increasingly relocating to the area, supported by good schools nearby and the flexibility of remote work. This younger generation is also showing strong preference for eco-conscious features and smart home technology.
“Pennington offers notable value across various property categories. Vacant stands in Kelso and Penn Valley, many with sea views and ideal for custom builds, are priced from R230 000 to R400 000. Sectional title units set back from the beach – ideal for lock-up-and-go living or starter homes – range from R800 000 to R1.2 million. Older homes in emerging neighbourhoods, well-suited for renovation, are generally priced between R1.3 million and R1.6 million.”
Nel adds that properties popular with primary residents and those planning for retirement fall within the R1.2 million to R1.6 million bracket, while freehold homes in quieter residential pockets can extend up to R2.5 million. Sectional title units in secure estates such as Penn Valley or Selborne Golf Estate are priced between R950 000 and R1.6 million, with larger family homes or estate residences offering dual-living potential ranging from R2.5 million to R4 million.
“For prime frontline beachfront homes or apartments, prices range from R3.5 million to R7.7 million, depending on size and exclusivity. Homes within walking distance of the beach offer strong value and similar lifestyle benefits, with prices from R1.6 million to R2.9 million. Golf estate homes, often featuring sea views and dual-living layouts, are typically priced between R2.5 million and R3.5 million,” says Nel.
Within easy reach of Durban, Amanzimtoti’s residential property market, which comprises predominantly sectional title units, continues to draw mainly local buyers, who account for about 80% of recent activity. A further 15% of purchases are made by holidaymakers, with the remaining 5% driven by those seeking retirement options.
Tony Penfold, Pam Golding Properties area principal in Amanzimtoti, says: “While we are seeing a slight uptick in activity, particularly in the R750 000 to R1.8 million range, a standard three-bedroom beachfront sectional title unit generally sells from the early R1 millions up to the high R2 millions. That said, one of the most sought-after streets in the area, Ipahla Drive, commands premium prices, with exceptional homes offering spectacular sea views achieving between R3 million and R20 million.”
For further information visit www.pamgolding.co.za
