Property

South Africans are flocking to this affordable coastal hotspot

Kirsten Minnaar • 8 December 2025

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast has quickly become the country’s new semigration hotspot, as South Africans seek affordable coastal properties and strong good for money.

The area continues to draw buyers not just for its Blue Flag beaches, warm sub-tropical climate and popular golf courses, but also for its laid-back lifestyle and strong sense of community.

With the added boost of Margate Airport’s revival – now offering daily direct flights to OR Tambo International – Gauteng purchasers have an even greater incentive.

Pam Golding Properties area principal Cath Molyneaux reported that in Port Edward, there is strong demand for vacant land priced between R150,000 and R190,000, with the majority of buyers coming from the Eastern Cape.

“Beachfront homes in the area typically sell for between R3.5 million and R6 million, while beachfront sectional title apartments range from R1.2 million to R3 million,” Molyneaux said.

She explained that homes that are within easy walking distance of the beach achieve prices from R1.8 million to R4 million.

“In fact, we recently concluded the sale of a six-bedroom home located two roads back from the beach, combined with an adjoining vacant stand and offering sweeping sea views, for R4.9 million,” she said.

While there is steady demand for sea-facing residential properties for permanent living, Molyneaux said the majority of our buyers are securing homes for holiday use with a view to future retirement.

“San Lameer continues to stand out as a highly sought-after and sound investment option, thanks to its golf course, spa, gym, outdoor sporting facilities, and the convenience of an in-house rental pool,” she said.

Development activity in and around Port Edward is also gathering momentum. This includes a new shopping centre and medical suites, as well as a proposed private hospital currently in the planning phase.

In addition, significant progress is being made on the Msikaba and Mtentu bridges, which will form part of the new road link to the Eastern Cape.

Pennington

Looking north of Mtwalume on the KZN South Coast, the appealing village of Pennington is experiencing a steady upswing in residential property interest.

This demand is particularly from semigrants from Gauteng and inland KZN who are drawn by the same qualities seen across the region, an attractive coastal lifestyle and accessibly priced homes.

With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and proximity to top golf courses, Pennington appeals equally to primary residents, buy-to-let investors, and leisure home buyers.

Rental demand also remains strong, especially for short-term holiday accommodation and homes within secure estates.

Pam Golding Property’s area principal for Pennington, Stef Nel, said recent trends show that most of their buyers (40%) in the area are purchasing for primary residence.

Another 30% are buying holiday homes – many of whom gradually transition to permanent residents – and 30% for immediate or future retirement.

“With excellent value for money on offer, younger families are increasingly relocating to the area, supported by good schools nearby and the flexibility of remote work,” Nel said.

“This younger generation is also showing strong preference for eco-conscious features and smart home technology.”

He explained that Pennington offers notable value across various property categories. Vacant stands in Kelso and Penn Valley, many with sea views and ideal for custom builds, are priced from R230,000 to R400,000.

“Sectional title units set back from the beach – ideal for lock-up-and-go living or starter homes – range from R800,000 to R1.2 million,” Nel said.

“Older homes in emerging neighbourhoods, well-suited for renovation, are generally priced between R1.3 million and R1.6 million.”

Nel added that properties popular with primary residents and those planning for retirement fall within the R1.2 million to R1.6 million bracket, while freehold homes in quieter residential pockets can extend up to R2.5 million.

Sectional title units in secure estates, such as Penn Valley or Selborne Golf Estate, are priced between R950,000 and R1.6 million.

Prices for larger family homes or estate residences, which offer dual-living potential, range from R2.5 million to R4 million.

“For prime frontline beachfront homes or apartments, prices range from R3.5 million to R7.7 million, depending on size and exclusivity,” Nel said.

“Homes within walking distance of the beach offer strong value and similar lifestyle benefits, with prices from R1.6 million to R2.9 million.”

Nel said golf estate homes, which often feature sea views and dual-living layouts, are typically priced between R2.5 million and R3.5 million.

Amanzimtoti

Within easy reach of Durban, Amanzimtoti’s residential property market, which comprises predominantly sectional title units, continues to draw mainly local buyers, who account for about 80% of recent activity.

A further 15% of purchases are made by holidaymakers, with the remaining 5% driven by those seeking retirement options.

Pam Golding Property’s area principal in Amanzimtoti, Tony Penfold, explained that they have seen a slight uptick in activity, particularly in the R750,000 to R1.8 million range.

However, a standard three-bedroom beachfront sectional title unit generally sells from the early R1 millions up to the high R2 millions.

“That said, one of the most sought-after streets in the area, Ipahla Drive, commands premium prices, with exceptional homes offering spectacular sea views achieving between R3 million and R20 million,” Penfold added.