Property

Investors pump billions into luxury coastal estate in South Africa

Kirsten Minnaar • 31 October 2025

Zimbali Lakes has achieved record-breaking sales of R280 million in 2025, with IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR) investing an additional R1.2 billion to fast-track the luxury North Coast estate’s expansion.

Zimbali Lakes, the North Coast’s flagship master-planned luxury estate, continues to surge with unprecedented momentum.

For Zimbali Lakes, 2025 has marked a series of landmark milestones, from the opening of the 18-hole Ernie Els Signature Course to the launch of Avanti Residences and the TSC Supercar-centric development.

On-site progress is transformative, from major earthworks and services to the construction of the highly anticipated Zimbali Lakes Clubhouse.

Confidence across both market and industry continues to soar, bolstered by IFAHR reaffirming its long-term commitment through a significant reinvestment into the estate.

All bulk earthworks and services are projected for completion by December 2026. Major progress is already visible across Phase 3A, scheduled for delivery by December 2025, paving the way for property transfers to begin in early 2026.

IFAHR, the master developer’s principal investor, has deepened its commitment with a further R1.2 billion investment into Zimbali Lakes. This strategic funding will accelerate development across the estate over the next 18 months.

It will fast-track key assets, including the Clubhouse, Zimbali Square Retail Centre, Zimbali Sports Club, Ernie Els Suites, Avanti Residences, and the TSC Supercar Showroom & Vault, all set for completion by 2028.

Zimbali Lakes has achieved its highest-ever sales, recording a historic R280 million in the first nine months of 2025 alone.

With a strong pipeline of deals under negotiation and only 161 land opportunities remaining, demand for this exclusive coastal estate intensifies.

“Zimbali Lakes is exponentially growing and expanding,” said IFAHR SA CEO Werner Burger. “We feel the euphoria.”

“More importantly, we are demonstrating our commitment through immense financial and resource investment to create an estate that offers both luxury and legacy – a destination that will serve the North Coast community for generations to come.”

Somaya Joshua, Managing Executive of Commercial Property Finance, Absa CIB, said Absa is proud to partner with Zimbali Lakes Resort, which reflects its commitment to unlocking growth in South Africa’s property market.

“Our R1 billion funding underscores our confidence in the project and its potential to redefine living and investment on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast,” Joshua said.

Developments continue at Zimbali Lakes

The Ernie Els Suites, a collection of 57 luxury residences, were launched at the beginning of 2025. Now, 80% of these units have been sold.

Priced from R1.75 million, and with no transfer duty when purchased directly from the master developer, these residences continue to attract investors.

In April 2025, Zimbali Lakes held the grand opening of its Ernie Els Signature Course, which has already been visited by 7,800 golfers.

High-profile tournaments have also been held here, including the Sharks vs Saracens Charity Day, SA Rugby Union Invitational, and the BCX SuperSport Shootout, solidifying Zimbali Lakes’ reputation as one of South Africa’s premier golfing venues.

In August 2025, Zimbali Lakes unveiled Avanti Residences alongside the TSC Supercar Showroom & Vault – a first-of-its-kind, supercar-centric lifestyle concept in South Africa.

Setting a new benchmark of R60,000/m², Avanti Residences’ development redefines North Coast luxury real estate.

The collection features one-bedroom units, two-bedroom duplexes, and two- and three-bedroom penthouses, with prices ranging from R2.45 million to R17.5 million.

Central to this bold vision is the TSC Supercar Vault, a climate-controlled facility. The Vault is operated by RACE!, which offers supercar storage, detailing, and asset management.

RACE! also operates Ducati’s flagship dealership in Johannesburg in collaboration with Volkswagen Group Africa. Its partnership with Zimbali Lakes cements the estate’s position as a hub of global luxury lifestyle.

Even more developments are underway at Zimbali Lakes. One such development is Zimbali Square, which will feature 15,000 m² of contemporary, open-air retail and dining space.

Anchored by Checkers, Dis-Chem, and Woolworths, the precinct will feature a curated selection of premium tenants, blending shopping, leisure, and lifestyle in one destination.

Zimbali Square is strategically positioned alongside Avanti Residences and the TSC Supercar Vault, making shopping accessible for residents.