Property

The Western Cape’s cheaper sister

Kirsten Minnaar • 9 September 2025

KwaZulu-Natal’s northern coast is fast emerging as South Africa’s next property hotspot, with key areas seeing double-digit price growth and lifestyle estates selling rapidly, offering a more affordable coastal alternative to the Western Cape.

Coastal sales continue to outperform inland markets in South Africa. For years, semigrants and international buyers have been flocking to the Western Cape for its coastal lifestyle.

As a result, property prices have boomed in the province. However, KwaZulu-Natal’s property market is also starting to make waves.

Recent market data reveals that property for sale on KwaZulu-Natal’s northern coast, including Umhlanga and Ballito, has witnessed a staggering 19% price increase, significantly outpacing national averages.

In particular, property prices in Ballito are increasing by an average of 8% annually due to infrastructure development and strong demand for holiday rentals.

While the province still offers many of the same lifestyle benefits as the Western Cape, its property prices are much more affordable. As a result, property developers and buyers have also been tapping into this market.

This phenomenon can be witnessed in KZN’s Salta Sibaya estate. One month after its public launch, Solara Salta, located within Salta Sibaya, had sold 65% of its homesites.

With its blend of resort-style living, coastal design, and multigenerational functionality, Solara Salta has been building steady, sustained demand, indicating market confidence and long-term value.

Solara Salta marks the final release within the estate, located on one of the last prime parcels of developable land within the Sibaya Coastal Precinct.

“We’re seeing continued momentum post-launch, and it’s not just about owning land,” said Pamela Naidu, Director of Sales & Marketing at Devmco Realty.

“Buyers are responding to a full lifestyle proposition. From access to neighbouring equestrian offerings, walking trails, giving it multigenerational appeal.”

Solara Salta

Over 60% of the estate is dedicated to rehabilitated green space, including forest corridors, river frontage, and nature-integrated amenities.

Residents will soon enjoy direct access to curated walking and cycling trails, clubhouses, play zones, and wellness areas. They can enjoy the amenities in the greater Salta estate, including:

Swimming pools
Sports Centre & gym
Restaurant
Adventure zones
Braai pods
Marine Walk Shopping Centre

One of Solara’s most distinctive features is its access to the existing adjacent equestrian offering – a first within the Sibaya Coastal Precinct.

Coastal architecture is also central to the experience. Homes within Solara are designed with seamless indoor-outdoor flow, natural textures, and forms that embrace the surrounding landscape.

Many homes enjoy uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean, Umdloti River, and La Mercy estuary.

“Solara Salta represents the final chapter of a decade-long vision,” said Brad Winstanley, Commercial Director at Devmco Group. “It delivers everything we’ve envisioned for Salta Sibaya and elevates it.”

“With robust infrastructure already in place, the growing resident base living in the greater estate benefits from a fulfilling lifestyle offering. This is one of the few coastal developments offering immediate and long-term value.”

With plot-and-plan packages starting from R4.45 million and land-only stands starting from R1.2 million, Solara offers buyers the flexibility to shape their homes around their lifestyle.

For investors, the strong post-launch sales signal a market that continues to seek secure, well-managed, lifestyle-rich coastal property.

As demand for secure, lifestyle-focused estates shows no signs of slowing, Solara Salta offers an opportunity to invest in a location where value is both immediate and enduring.