Investors are flocking to this coastal province in South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is emerging as a top property investment hotspot, offering strong returns, lifestyle amenities, and growing appeal for sectional title buyers.

According to RE/MAX, South Africans are increasingly recognising the benefits of sectional title living, specifically in KZN.

On the KZN North Coast, estates such as Palm Lakes Estate, Ballito Hills, Simbithi Eco Estate, Zululami, and Elaleni are standout examples of this lifestyle.

They are attracting buyers seeking comfort, community and flexibility, where security, convenience, and estate living are top priorities.

Sectional title properties allow owners to enjoy full ownership of their individual home, whether an apartment or townhouse, while sharing maintained communal spaces like gardens, driveways, pools, and clubhouses. Monthly levies typically cover maintenance, security, and insurance.

“Many buyers are pleasantly surprised to learn that levies often include building and common property insurance, offering a valuable saving compared to freestanding homes,” said RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors broker Kim Peacock.

Sectional titles could offer a number of benefits for owners, including –

• Low-maintenance living: Shared responsibilities mean owners do not have to spend a lot of time on upkeep.
• Lifestyle extras: Many estates offer pools, clubhouses, walking trails, and other amenities.
• Lock-up-and-go convenience: This could appeal to busy professionals, investors, or retirees who want freedom and flexibility.
• Value protection: Well-managed estates tend to maintain their appeal, helping preserve and grow property values.

However, before investing in a sectional title property, there are several factors buyers should consider, such as levies and body corporate rules.

While these can be a considerable monthly expense, Peacock said they are part of what keeps estates running smoothly and ensure a high standard of living.

“Even with these considerations, well-managed sectional title estates consistently deliver excellent value and strong capital growth,” said RE/MAX Southern Africa regional director and CEO Adrian Goslett.

Goslett encouraged prospective buyers to review financial statements, levy schedules, AGM minutes, and conduct rules to make an informed decision.

“Buying into sectional title isn’t just about owning a unit; it’s about becoming jointly liable for the common areas that form the sectional title scheme – so you need to be sure that it is well run and that it protects your investment,” he said.

Renishaw Hills

Some areas in KZN are standouts on the property market. KZN’s Mid-South Coast, for example, is fast becoming one of the country’s most attractive property investment destinations.

One of the most notable developments helping drive this growth is Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle village within the Renishaw Coastal Precinct.

Since its inception in 2016, this secure estate has demonstrated remarkable return on investment, the developers explained.

“Renishaw Hills has been one of the standout performers in both the KwaZulu-Natal and national property markets,” said Renishaw Property Developments managing director Barto van der Merwe.

Renishaw Property Developments, the group behind this estate, is a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Crookes Brothers.

“Since its launch, buyers have enjoyed a 94% growth in property values. This is a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%, significantly outperforming leading property markets, as well as traditional investment channels such as the JSE,” Van der Merwe said.

To put this into perspective, data sourced from Stats SA, Property24, and Ooba Home Loans shows that the Western Cape property values recorded a 78% increase, or a 7.47% CAGR, since 2016.

Gauteng and KZN combined achieved only a 29.5% increase (3.3% CAGR). The JSE All Share Index, including reinvested dividends, delivered a 73% increase (7.25% CAGR).

KZN’s mid-market properties, priced R950,000 to R2.5 million, averaged a modest 4.1% year-on-year growth. “This highlights the significant potential of the KZN Mid-South Coast,” Van der Merwe said.

“With Renishaw Hills already demonstrating exceptional growth and several major developments underway, the region is well-positioned for similar strong performance in the years ahead.”