Back in the sunshine

13 May 2016 - 09:12 By SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER

Plush homes, pristine beaches and world-class golf courses have turned the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast into the latest property hot spot for wealthy Europeans and Gautengers.Property specialists have seen a shift from the popular north coast - where demand is outweighing supply - to the south, where people are splurging on more affordable but prime, beachfront real estate.Experts believe the commercialisation of the north coast is resulting in a "semigration" down the coastline of those with cash to splash but who are in search of better value for money.Seaside towns such as Southbroom, dubbed "the Sandton of the south coast", Uvongo, Margate, Leisure Bay and Port Edward are growing in popularity.Up-and-coming Southbroom, in particular, has luxury homes and flats for sale from R2-million to R20-million.Direct flights from Johannesburg to Margate are also fuelling the property boom.Privately owned airline CemAir has had a 500% increase in demand for tickets since it started flying the route three years ago.CemAir sales and marketing manager Shaniel Singh said demand had grown from three flights a week to 14 off-peak and 20 a week during peak season."The route started three years ago for the leisure market but now it has turned into an even split between corporate and leisure," Singh said.Pam Golding Properties' Mohammed Amra said: "This scenic, unspoilt coastline has arguably the best Blue Flag beaches in the country. The reintroduction of direct flights from OR Tambo International in Joburg to Margate has favourably influenced the demand for homes." Upcountry buyers are the mainstay of our market and they are finding considerable value in beautiful apartments with spectacular views, which can be acquired at prices from R1.3-million to R2.5-million."Amra hopes developers will capitalise on the trend."We are optimistic that developers with vision will capitalise on opportunities in the marketplace to create a Zimbali- or Simbithi-type estate on the lower south coast," he said.Estate agent Cathy Molyneaux said there was a "definite up-tick" in the market.Seasoned south coast estate agent Fred Lemmer said the coast's top-notch golf courses were a big drawcard. Six golf courses along the south coast are ranked in South Africa's top 100."There's also the beautiful, tranquil beaches," Lemmer said...

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