Will KZN experience the next property boom?

For years, the Western Cape has been the hot spot in South Africa’s residential property market. However, this high demand has come at a cost. Rapid property price inflation has made homeownership in the province increasingly unaffordable for many South Africans. With affordability becoming a key driver of buyer behaviour, attention is beginning to shift toward alternative markets that offer greater value for money.

Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa commented in the Q1 2025 RE/MAX National Housing Report that house price growth in the Western Cape has been among the most robust in the country over recent years, driven by strong demand, perceived lifestyle advantages, and relatively stable municipal governance. “However, this sustained price escalation appears to be having a dampening effect on demand,” he noted.

The question is, where will buyers turn once the Western Cape proves to be too unaffordable? Weighing up the options, KwaZulu-Natal stands out as a compelling coastal alternative, and the data backs this up — according to the same REMAX Housing Report, two of the five most searched suburbs in Q1 2025 are in this province, with Westville coming in at number two and Bluff at number three.

Boasting warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a growing number of lifestyle estates, KZN—particularly the North Coast corridor—is undergoing significant residential development. This has positioned the province as a strong contender to become South Africa’s next property hot spot.

According to Grant Gavin, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Panache, the KZN North Coast has re-emerged as the new property hot spot. He explains that the relocation of the King Shaka Airport started the emergence, and this was boosted further during the pandemic for those looking at moving to the area for lifestyle reasons.

Unfortunately, the region was rocked by the riots in 2021 and then the terrible floods shortly after, which affected activity within the housing market. But, according to Gavin, the fundamentals of what the area offers have never changed, and the KZN North Coast lifestyle simply cannot be matched. “The region has weathered the storms, so to speak, and the investment into continued development is testament to the potential it has to offer,” says Gavin.

Elaborating on this, he explains that there is so much planned development for the KZN North Coast. “In the Sibaya / Salta district, there is an entire new suburb that will be built over the next 5-10 years. I have no doubt that KZN will become the next destination choice for residential semigration, business relocation and tourism,” he states.

What makes the opportunity even more attractive is that, despite its growing appeal, property prices in the region have remained relatively restrained—largely due to its recent challenges. This presents a prime investment opportunity for buyers who enter the market now—before prices begin to reflect the area’s full potential.

“The area has so much to offer for anyone who wants to enjoy a good quality of life, as opposed to the hustle and bustle of a big city – it’s paradise in South Africa. The lifestyle elements are a huge attraction, from the warm year-round climate, warm sea water, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the airport and North Coast Game Reserves,” he explains.

Gavin notes that buyers are looking for primary residence purchases mainly, but the area is also popular for holiday homes for those who live up-country. “Because of the close proximity to JHB – the airport is 10 min away – this makes weekend-living by the coast possible for JHB businesspeople,” Gavin notes.

Buyers are also spoiled for choice with various gated estates and continued development of schools, business parks and retail centres to cater for the families moving to the area. “With so much to offer, and with all the development happening in the area, the future looks bright for this province,” Gavin concludes.

Issued by: Kayla Ferguson