Luxury real estate is booming on the north coast of South Africa, with Umhlanga Ballito and Durban becoming one of South Africa’s wealthiest regions.
This comes as Business Tech reports that the area is expected to see four or five new developments worth around R80 million over the next few years as Umhlanga spends R20 billion to unlock investments in the next three years.
EThekwini city manager, Musa Mbhele announced this at the launch of the North Oceans Tower at the Oceans mixed-use development.
The R1.4 billion towers are the latest to open in the R4.3 billion (US$240 million) luxury oceans development.
Mbhele also announced additional projects worth 80 billion that are expected to launch in the region in the coming years.
Durban and its neighbouring areas have also attracted over 3,500 high net worth individuals according to a 2024 Africa Wealth Report published by Helney & Partners and New World Wealth.
The region is also home to Zimbali, one of South Africa’s most prestigious estates and has attracted international buyers from the U.K. and Northern Europe.
This trend of international buyers has boosted demand for real estate on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, where property prices range from R13 million to R15 million, with elite estates reaching up to R40 million.
Due to the expansion of real estate and resort infrastructure in the area, residents are also experiencing significant rises in income growth.
In Ballito, the average monthly income has risen from a range of R12,500 - R25,500 to R91,500 - R124,000, causing 50% of households in the area to fall into the high-income category while the rest are classified as upper-middle or middle income.
International brands have also taken note of the shift, with global luxury resort group Club Med opening R2 billion beach and safari resort in the area in 2026.
The resort, located in Tinley Manor near Ballito, is set to open its doors in July 2026, with bookings available from September 2025.
It is also expected to welcome as many as 1,000 international guests on its first day alone.
