Young families and retirees alike find value and lifestyle appeal in Underberg homes
With its mountain views, spacious properties, and vibrant outdoor lifestyle, Underberg is attracting both young families and retirees. Offering homes from R1.5m to R4m, excellent schools, and growing amenities, this Drakensberg gem combines value, community, and tranquillity just a few hours from Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, the picturesque Underberg region in KwaZulu-Natal is drawing growing interest from home buyers seeking space, tranquillity, and excellent value compared to city house prices.
Angela Walker, Pam Golding Properties area principal in Underberg, elaborates: “Freestanding homes on large 2 000sqm to 4 000sqm stands in Underberg and nearby Himeville – just 5km away – are in high demand. These properties offer exceptional value, typically selling between R1.5m and R4m.”
A renowned trout-fishing haven with over 160km of rivers and 60 dams, Underberg also offers canoeing, rafting, tubing, hiking, cycling, horse trails, and easy access to the famous Sani Pass into Lesotho. Just two hours from Pietermaritzburg and about three from Durban, it’s a peaceful escape within easy reach of the city.
Currently underway, the resurfacing of the R617 between Underberg and the N3 will further enhance accessibility and boost the region’s appeal in the future.
Walker says positively, younger buyers are moving into the area, relocating their families from cities such as Johannesburg and Durban, and some from the Western Cape, acquiring homes in the R1.5m to R2m mark, while retirees tend to purchase up to around R3m.
“Consider the fact that one can acquire a four-bedroom, 246sqm sectional title unit with spectacular ‘Berg views for just R1.495m and it’s no surprise that young families are increasingly choosing to settle in Underberg, drawn by accessibly priced homes, coupled with excellent primary and pre-school options and a strong sense of community. Many are relocating for new job opportunities, which is positive news for the local economy, while others benefit from the flexibility of working from home,” says Walker.
“With farming forming the backbone of the region, Underberg continues to attract employees across key industries, including dairy farming, the large-scale Underberg Dairies plant which buys and processes locally produced milk, agricultural co-ops and support services, and local supermarkets.
“Often, newcomers rent before buying, creating healthy demand in the rental market. Adding to this sense of growth and confidence is the opening of a new shopping centre, anchored by national retailers such as Clicks, Boxer Supermarket, and Debonairs.”
Walker notes that smallholdings remain highly sought-after in the Underberg region, with properties selling across a broad price spectrum, from around R3.2m to R12m, depending on size, position and features.
In Himeville, a three-bedroom home plus rentable cottage and staff cottage, and set on 4 047sqm bordering the nature reserve is currently on the market priced at R1.25m, while a three-bedroom, facebrick home with two separate cottages ideal for rental income and with a garden entertainment lapa is for sale at R2.075m.
Local activities and attractions in Underberg include the Drak Descent cycling event, Sani2C, the Drak Challenge Paddling Race, polo and polocrosse, a food and wine show, and various clubs for fishing, hiking, tennis and bowling, while the Underberg Country Club offers golf, squash, padel, swimming, touch rugby, and cricket.
Issued by Gaye de Villiers on behalf of Pam Golding Properties
