Property development gets a welcome boost on the KZN South Coast
The current property investment trends for retirees show a shift toward coastal living in small towns, with sustainability, natural surroundings and conservation areas in high demand.
The exquisite KZN South Coast, with its nature reserves, highest number of Blue Flag beaches, and world-class dive sites is fast meeting this demand through the establishment of eco-focused developments. Among them are Renishaw Coastal Precinct, Serenity Hills, Bahari Bay and Injabulo Lifestyle Estate.
Now these developments have been joined by a R2-billion investment in Umdoni Local Municipality: the Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate in Pennington.
“We’ve seen a surge in property developments on the KZN South Coast the past few years, with keen buyers noting the many advantages of these coastal investments,” comments Nkululeko Hlongwane, investment and development manager for the South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise.
“We have all the attributes of other South African coastal locations, with the added benefit of affordability, year-round sub-tropical climate and the warm Indian Ocean. For retirees, the region allows retirement funds to go further as they enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate is already attracting significant investor interest, and we anticipate this to continue into 2024.”
Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate is a pristine over-50s lifestyle development alongside an indigenous coastal forest in the tranquil village of Pennington. Umdoni Point is a prime piece of coastal land, extending 150 hectares from the ocean inland across the forest and grasslands, with spectacular sea views and access to Pennington Beach.
Sean Willis, finance and sales manager at Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate, confirms more than 40 homes have already been constructed within the secure estate during Phase 1, with new sales already launched in Phase 2. There will be two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in the eco-estate starting from R2.3 million, constructed with bespoke designs.
“We anticipate more than 800 homes to be built in the development, leaving around 70% of undeveloped land reserved for conservancy,” he comments. “This development offers discerning investors a unique opportunity to invest in an exclusive, eco-beach lifestyle situated close to the amenities of the KZN South Coast.”
Top-notch facilities for residents
The estate is ideal for golfers, as there are two world-class golf courses found in the Pennington area – with another nine in the region – as well as on-site amenities for those wanting an active, outdoor lifestyle. Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate plans to have various sports facilities as well as a clubhouse, restaurant and state-of-the-art gym.
The KZN South Coast offers incredible natural beauty, being home to several conservancy areas such as the nearby Pennington Conservancy as a key example. The estate is home to an abundance of wildlife including blue duiker, bushbuck, mongoose and over 250 species of birds. Pennington Beach, which residents can access, is an excellent fishing beach with a tidal pool flanked in the north, ideal for protected bathing.
Willis says security is one of the main features of this lifestyle village: “Plans are in place for the Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate and the beachfront area to be fully secured with electric fencing, backed up by thermal imaging cameras and 24/7 security guards. We offer a choice of upmarket architecturally designed homes and finishes to suit individual tastes.”
Development boom on KZN South Coast
Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate joins several other catalytic property developments along the KZN South Coast. The R800-million Serenity Hills eco-focused estate near Margate also offers secure living for all ages in a tranquil coastal setting.
Sam Wenger, Serenity Hills development director, says the development is on track, and that the dream for an affordable, quality estate is finally being realised: “The estate already attracted several international investors, and construction has already begun on homes, with buyers set to take residence this year. Other exciting new developments include the construction of our innovative Forest Pods, which are built into the flow of the natural landscape, with ocean views and coastal forest surrounds.
“On the KZN South Coast, you can still get unbeatable value for money, found nowhere else in South Africa. Alongside the subtropical weather, warm ocean, untouched beaches and access to all modern amenities and hospitals, we’re only anticipating investor interest to grow.”
Another large-scale development pioneering the revival of the KZN South Coast is the R15-billion Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh, which is on track to be a successful mixed-use precinct. Its successful Phase 1 development is the 25-hectare retirement estate Renishaw Hills which, in just five years, has seen house values escalate by 50%. This is likely set to continue as this 1 300ha mixed-use development unfolds.
The multibillion-rand Bahari Bay eco-estate in Shelly Beach is set to be a state-of-the-art luxury community with top-notch facilities and excellent amenities. More than half of the 100ha eco-estate remains untouched, promising a conservation-focused investment where peace and adventure collide. Plots start at R470 000, or a plot-and-plan option from R2.6 million.
The 32ha Injabulo Lifestyle Estate in Margate boasts an estimated investment value of R300 million, largely from international investors. There will be 254 free-standing, full-title homes with private gardens and ocean views, with zoning for medical and educational facilities. Property prices start from R995 500 for a two-bedroom unit and R1 192 500 for a three-bedroom unit.
