Coastal & Inland Hotspots: Where South Africa’s property demand Is heading

By Neale Petersen

August 21, 2025

Residential

KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast drives demand with estate living, coastal lifestyle, and 53.6% surge in building completions.
Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West deliver affordability, strong rental yields, and double-digit 5-year house price growth.
Hidden gems across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and KZN offer early-entry value for investors seeking long-term upside.

Introduction: Why South Africans are on the Move

‍South Africa’s property market continues to evolve around lifestyle, affordability, and economic opportunity. While the Western Cape still leads semigration trends, new hotspots are drawing attention, offering investors the chance to diversify portfolios and ride regional growth.

From KwaZulu-Natal’s booming North Coast to mining towns in the interior, as well as overlooked coastal enclaves, demand is being fuelled by a mix of lifestyle estates, infrastructure upgrades, and affordable entry points.

KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast: Lifestyle Estates and high demand

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‍KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast has become the jewel beyond Durban. “Localised movement is picking up with homeowners moving away from Durban to coastal areas that offer better living conditions and improved infrastructure,” says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s National Head of Sales.

Stats highlight the surge: Rainmaker Marketing reports nearly 60% of relocations to the Greater North Coast come from within KZN, while Umhlanga has seen the metro’s fastest residential stock growth, with R4 billion in property sales in 2022 (Lightstone).
Estate dominance: In Salt Rock, 67% of homes are in estates. Sectional title homes in estates fetch 64% more than outside, while freehold homes in estates are valued 34% higher.
Infrastructure boom: The Sibaya Coastal Precinct will deliver 12,000 new residential units, strengthening long-term demand.

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“KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast offers modern infrastructure, excellent schools, and a coastal lifestyle – and all for good value,” Bendall adds. With sectional title entry points around R1.1 million and luxury properties topping R20 million, the market caters to both first-time buyers and wealthy investors.

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Way forward:

‍With demand outpacing even the Western Cape in building completions (53.6% YoY rise vs 32%), developers are expanding estates like Lalela in Sheffield. Rental growth (+4.5%) and robust bond applications (+13%) confirm the North Coast’s future as South Africa’s estate capital.

Mpumalanga, Limpopo & North West: Inland strength and affordability

‍Inland provinces are quietly generating significant volumes. According to Seeff, nearly 21,317 transactions worth R21.4 billion were recorded in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West last year.

Mpumalanga: Strong growth hubs include Mbombela (53% 10-year price rise), Middelburg (87% rise), and eMalahleni. “Demand is strongest below R2 million, with stock shortages common. High rentals make buying more sensible than renting,” says Anthony McGuire, Seeff Mbombela.
Limpopo: Polokwane has seen a staggering 158% 10-year price growth, with most activity below R1.5 million. “Overpriced listings hold back sales, but realistic pricing delivers results,” says Oliver Moorcroft, Seeff Polokwane.
North West: Rustenburg and Hartbeespoort dominate. “Luxury homes can rent for up to R45,000 per month, but the market remains affordable under R2 million,” note Jannie and Joelandi Minnaar, Seeff Rustenburg.

Way forward:

‍With estates already accounting for one-third of provincial transaction values, further demand will centre on secure estates, mining hubs, and affordable commuter towns, offering investors strong rental yields and capital growth potential.

Hidden Gems: The Next Wave of Opportunity

‍While metros grab headlines, savvy investors are looking to lesser-known hotspots for the next cycle of growth.

Western Cape Whale Coast: Towns like Gansbaai, Kleinmond, and Franskraal are benefiting from remote workers and retirees. “These towns combine affordability with eco-conscious lifestyle appeal,” says Barbara Larney, RE/MAX Wine and Whales.
Eastern Cape’s Westbrook (Gqeberha): “Westbrook isn’t just an emerging hotspot, it’s a long-term ecosystem. It could redefine Gqeberha’s western suburbs,” says Kobie Potgieter, RE/MAX Independent Properties.
KZN North Coast fringes: Nodes such as Shakaskraal, Tinley Manor, and Umhlali Village offer affordable entry points with strong upside. “As Ballito fills up, demand will push into these areas,” notes Kim Peacock, RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors.
Gauteng South: Meyersdal and Thaba Eco Village are gaining traction. “These areas attract investors seeking sustainability, security, and proximity to major routes,” says Nadia Aucamp, RE/MAX All Stars.

Way forward:

Investors who enter these markets early will benefit from growing infrastructure, rising buyer migration, and sustainable lifestyle developments.

Where Investors should look next

‍South Africa’s property market is increasingly regionalised. The Western Cape may still dominate semigration stories, but KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, mining-rich inland provinces, and overlooked coastal and suburban gems are rising fast.

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As Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX Southern Africa, advises: “Opportunities often lie where few think to look and that’s where the guidance of an experienced real estate professional becomes invaluable.”

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For investors, the lesson is clear: broaden the search, look beyond the headlines, and secure positions in areas where infrastructure, lifestyle, and affordability converge. Those who spot tomorrow’s demand today will shape the next wave of property success.
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