Choosing a neighbourhood for your family is a big decision. There are so many factors to consider – lifestyle, convenience, distance to school and work and, of course, price. It’s not always easy to know what you’re getting in a new neighbourhood, especially if you’re not familiar with the city.
David Hitch, Rawson Property Group’s franchisee for Kloof, highly recommends the Upper Highway area for families who enjoy a lush, natural environment with plenty of room to play.
“It’s an affluent area, out of the humid Durban climate, and is green and treed with lots of great facilities,” he describes. “We have everything from golf clubs, to equestrian and lifestyle estates, as well as wonderful shops and restaurants and, of course, great schools.”
Largely centred in Hillcrest and Kloof, schools include Kloof Junior and Senior Primary, Kloof High, Thomas More College, St Mary’s DSG, Hillcrest Primary and High, Winston Park Primary, Highbury Preparatory, Curro Hillcrest, Waterfall College and Kearsney College.
“Property prices average at around R1.8 – 2million,” says Hitch, “with anything under 2million moving very fast. There is a slight shortage of stock,” he continues, “and an increasing demand for lock-up-and-go type properties. The rental market is also strong, with an average family home renting for between R12,000 – R15,000.”
While residents are very mixed, many are drawn to the area for its space and natural beauty, and the hikes, birdlife, horse-riding and cycling opportunities are a strong draw for active families.
Closer to Durban central, but still outside the city proper is Berea. This cosmopolitan suburb is developed along a ridge and many of its properties offer spectacular views over the Indian Ocean.
“Buyers here tend to be split into three main groups,” says Bradley Bougardt, the Rawson Property Group franchisee in Berea. “There are quite a few retired couples living in big, old-style Durban homes, then there are wealthy businessmen buying properties in the area to renovate, and finally, there are young, first-time buyers with families who are drawn to the area because of its convenient location, excellent nightlife and restaurants, and numerous schools.”
Well-known schools in the area include Marris Stella, Durban Girl’s High, DHS, Glenwood, Gordon Road Girl’s, Clifton and Penzance, among others.
“It’s a good investment as well as a great place to live,” Bougardt reveals, “and first-time buyers often see the best returns in the area – 8 to 9% at the lower end of the market.” As for prices, they range from R550,000 all the way to R7million, depending largely on the size of the property and any views it may offer.
“There is also a huge demand for rental properties, but nowhere near enough stock,” Bougardt adds. Rentals for a typical family home range from R14,000 – R16,000 per month and buy-to-let owners are seeing returns of around 4.5%.
For families looking to be close to the beachfront, Durban North comes highly recommended by Robert Kermack, Rawson Property Group’s Principal for Durban North.
“There is a huge variety of schools in and around Durban North,” Kermack explains, “including Chelsea Preparatory, Northwood Boys’, Northlands Girls’, Crawford College, Danville Park Girls High, Our Lady of Fatima and Victory Christian Academy.”
The neighbourhood is made up of several smaller suburbs, all of which are conveniently located with easy freeway access, shops, restaurants and entertainment nearby.
“The La Lucia area is at the top end of the Durban North market,” says Kermack, “with Red Hill and Park Hill at the lower end. It is generally an upmarket neighbourhood,” he adds, “and average prices sit at around R1.8million. The core market, however, is between R2.2 and R3.5million.”
“Rentals are also popular,” Kermack reveals, “and you’ll find everything from flats, duplexes and townhouses to freestanding homes to rent. You’ll pay between R12,000 – R15,000 per month to rent an average house, but you can find properties renting for up to R50,000.”
Durban North’s suburbs are all well-established and leafy, with an average stand size of 1000m2, and several original houses going back 60 to 70 years. “There is a lot of upgrading happening” says Kermack of the neighbourhood, “and there’s plenty of variety.”
That variety extends to the suburbs’ residents as well, and the average age of owners in the area has dropped from 50 to 30. “We’re seeing a lot of up-and-coming young people moving in. It’s a very family-oriented area,” says Kermack.
Whatever your preferences, Durban has plenty of diverse suburbs and schools to choose from. To find out more, contact the Rawson Property Group’s franchisee in your area of interest, and get the inside scoop from the people who know and love their neighbourhoods best.
