Property

South Africans flocking to this coastal suburb

Kirsten Minnaar • 26 November 2025

A growing number of South Africans, especially younger buyers, are flocking to Westville in KwaZulu-Natal for its strong community, family-friendly lifestyle, and exceptional value for money.

According to Lightstone, buyers under the age of 35 accounted for nearly a quarter of all residential purchases between November 2024 and October 2025, many of them first-time homeowners.

The most active price range for freestanding homes is between R2 million and R2.5 million, typically for properties on generous 2,000 m² erven, often with cottages or the potential to add one later.

Just over a quarter of current homeowners are retirees, and the majority of recent buyers fall within the 36 to 49 age group.

However, younger buyers are now also taking advantage of the suburb’s relative affordability and investment potential.

According to Pam Golding Properties Westville area manager Ebrahim Desai, median sales prices of freehold homes have risen by 26.9% from 2020 to 2025. Over the past 15 years, from 2010 to 2025, it has increased by 39.5%.

“Westville’s enduring appeal lies in its accessibility to central Durban (10.4 km), major transport routes north and south, and King Shaka International Airport (40.5 km),” Desai said.

“Yet it retains the character of an elegant, peaceful suburb with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community.”

He said that with 82% of properties being freehold and set on spacious erven, Westville is also ideal for young families.

The area offers top schools such as Westville Boys’ and Girls’ High, and convenient access to Westville Mall, The Pavilion and Westwood Mall.

It also offers proximity to sports clubs, community activities, and major arterial routes, such as the M13 and N3, all while maintaining relatively low traffic levels.

Over the years, Westville has also developed into a thriving business hub, home to major professional firms and business parks, such as Westway Office Park and Derby Downs.

The nearby Westmead industrial node adds further economic vitality. The result is a desirable “live, work, play” lifestyle that appeals to Westville’s diverse and multicultural population.

Sectional title market

Desai said most of Westville’s sectional title properties are duplexes, with average prices ranging between R2.3 million and R2.7 million for three-bedroom units, depending on condition.

Modern sectional title units in the area can command higher prices. Two-bedroom duplexes are less frequently available.

According to Lightstone statistics, the median sales price for sectional title apartments has increased by 8.1% over the past five years and by 31.6% over the past 10 years.

Vacant land has seen robust growth, which is up by 71.8% over the past five years and 145.8% over the past 10 years.

“Younger buyers are particularly drawn to sectional title living for the security, lower maintenance, and modern lock-up-and-go lifestyle it offers,” Desai said.

“A two-bedroom apartment of around 80 m² can be found in Westwood Estate for approximately R1.3 million to R1.4 million.”

A three-bedroom apartment typically sells for between R1.8 million and R2.3 million, depending on its size and condition, Desai noted.

“A nearby new development offers similar two-bedroom units at around R1.35 million, with both estates providing 24-hour security,” he said.

“Occasionally, one-bedroom apartments become available in Blue Heights, though these are older units priced between R800,000 and R900,000.”

Freehold homes and family living

For buyers seeking freestanding homes, Desai recommended central Westville and areas such as Beverley Hills, Dawncliffe, Berea West, and Greyleigh, where starter homes range between R2.2 million and R2.5 million.

These typically include three bedrooms, a garage, and possibly a one-bedroom cottage on an erf of approximately 2,000 m². “At this price, the land may be sloped, so properties on level stands generally offer better value,” he said.

“Alternatively, buyers can find a three-bedroom duplex in popular complexes such as Cedar Ridge or Loerie Park for around R2.5 million, though these homes may require some modernisation.”

For those with a budget around R1.8 million, Desai said Westville North and Atholl Heights offer excellent value for money.

At the upper end of the market, luxury duplexes in complexes such as Le Verseau, Robin Hill Estate, La Toscana, and La Fontana are priced between R5 million and R6 million.

Desai added that there is a shortage of supply of sectional title units in the local market, creating opportunities for developers, particularly for simplexes in gated estates.

These are increasingly in demand among older buyers seeking to downsize from larger homes to secure, low-maintenance properties without stairs.

For a well-maintained freehold home on level land, with a pristine garden and swimming pool, Desai said buyers can expect to pay between R3 million and R6 million.

“Some of Westville’s most sought-after addresses include Kings Avenue, Salisbury Avenue, Wandsbeck Road, Nordene Road, Sylvania Avenue, and Westville Road,” he said.

“Westville offers impressive luxury homes that provide exceptional value compared to areas like uMhlanga. It’s a suburb that truly delivers on quality of life, investment potential, and a welcoming sense of community.”