Property market trends lead the release of our North Coast Property Market Report for April 2025! This updated edition on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast offers valuable insights into this booming property market—one of South Africa’s most sought-after regions.
Since launching our inaugural edition of the Rainmaker Marketing Property Market Report in 2023 – also featuring the North Coast – we have been overwhelmed with positive feedback and the widespread use of the report. This edition covers the current market dynamics in key North Coast towns, Ballito, KwaDukuza Non-Urban, and Salt Rock and the investment drivers in the region.
It is important to note that KwaDukuza Non-Urban falls within the KwaDukuza Municipality and is recognised as a town, in addition to Salt Rock and Ballito. The non-urban status of this area indicates that there are still large areas of land yet to be developed, presenting a significant opportunity for future growth.
Rainmaker Marketing Insights & Expertise
At Rainmaker Marketing, we have been privileged to be part of the placemaking and planning of estates and developments across the region. Our research and expertise on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast provides a comprehensive overview of key market trends, tracking population growth, property market performance, and significant factors driving dynamic changes in the area. We pride ourselves on consistently delivering data-driven insights that guide our clients’ investment and development strategies.
Our North Coast Property Market Report is designed to provide investors, developers, and first-time buyers with clear, actionable insights into one of South Africa’s fastest-growing regions. Backed by in-depth research and real market data, the report equips you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, identify high-potential opportunities, and navigate the evolving property landscape with confidence.
Key Highlights From The Property Market Report
Semigration in South Africa
Semigration to KwaZulu-Natal has increased, as more people choose to move to the province for its warm, subtropical climate, stunning coastline, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. With excellent schools, modern infrastructure, and vibrant retail and leisure hubs, the province offers a family-friendly environment that balances natural beauty with urban convenience.
In 2024, 27% of South Africans who sold their homes chose to buy in a different province, up from 16% in 2019. This rise highlights a growing trend of semigration, where homeowners relocate within the country in search of economic opportunities or a better quality of life. KwaZulu-Natal continues to draw attention as a destination of choice, with 800 movers recorded as coming from Gauteng in 2024.
People are increasingly choosing to move to KwaZulu-Natal for its warm, subtropical climate, stunning coastline, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. With excellent schools, modern infrastructure, and vibrant retail and leisure hubs, the province offers a family-friendly environment that balances natural beauty with urban convenience.
Tracking Building Plans Passed in South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal led the country in growth, ranking among the top 3 provinces nationally for building plans passed. Residential building plans submitted and passed in KwaZulu-Natal increased by 32% from 2023 to 2024, reflecting positive sentiment in the sector.
Moving to the KZN North Coast
The North Coast offers a unique combination of coastal living, expanding infrastructure, and a warm, community-oriented environment that appeals to both families and professionals.
While national semigration trends show increasing movement between provinces—particularly from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal—the majority of actual relocations to the Greater North Coast still come from within KwaZulu-Natal itself, accounting for 58%, with 11% from Gauteng. This indicates that while inter-provincial semigration is gaining momentum, localised movement within the province remains the dominant force at a regional level. Similarly, interest in moving to the Greater North Coast is led by those already living in the region, with 59% of interested buyers coming from Ballito, KwaDukuza Non-Urban, and Salt Rock.
Population growth and market expansion
The population on the North Coast has surged since 2011, with an average of 193 families moving into the area each month. This influx has driven an increased demand for housing and development, further propelling the region’s expansion.
Stock in estates versus out of estates
The majority of new stock in the North Coast is within estates. Market stock in estates outperforms stock out of estates across both sectional title and freehold opportunities. Buyers are consistently paying premiums for the lifestyle, security, and long-term value that estate living offers. Ballito stands out as the top performer, with sectional title properties in estates averaging R3.612M, a 64% increase over those outside estates, while freehold homes average R5.642M, reflecting a 34% premium. Salt Rock follows closely, where sectional title units in estates command an average of R3.469M—62% more than their non-estate counterparts—and freehold homes reach R6.708M, a 24% premium. These figures reinforce the growing appeal and resilience of estate-located property in the North Coast market.
Volume and value
Between March 2024 and February 2025, the North Coast property market trends recorded 1,414 transactions, totalling R1.444 billion in sales value. This sustained level of activity highlights the region’s strength and ongoing demand, particularly for estate-located properties which continue to achieve significant price premiums across both sectional title and freehold opportunities.
Growing buyer demographics
Most recent buyers on the North Coast are between 36 and 49 years old, with many seeking secure, family-friendly estates. This trend aligns with the national average and it mirrors the North Coast’s appeal to established families looking for a safe and desirable coastal lifestyle.
The North Coast. The Ideal family destination
The North Coast offers the ideal family lifestyle with great weather, top schools, and vibrant retail hubs within an all-inclusive neighbourhood. Over 193 families are moving to the combined areas of Ballito, KwaDukuza Non-Urban, and Salt Rock each month. This remarkable growth is driven by a unique blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for both local and international buyers.
Looking ahead. The future of North Coast property
The future of the North Coast property market looks bright, with major infrastructure projects underway. Key developments such as the Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct and N2 interchange upgrades will enhance connectivity, making the region even more attractive to investors.
As investor confidence continues to build across KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, several key factors are driving sustained interest and long-term growth in the region. From large-scale tourism developments to improved infrastructure and strong demand for land, these drivers are shaping the North Coast into one of South Africa’s most compelling property and lifestyle investment destinations. Below are the core elements contributing to this ongoing momentum.
Property Market Trends & Investment drivers for the North Coast
Club Med South Africa Resort
A R2 billion development set to open in July 2026, expected to boost tourism, job creation, and international visitor traffic, reinforcing long-term investment confidence.
Education infrastructure growth
Steady family growth in the region continues to drive demand for quality schooling, with new institutions like Seaton House Independent School (opening 2027) helping to meet this need.
Ongoing infrastructure improvements
Recent and upcoming road upgrades, including the Salt Rock and Sheffield Beach road improvements and the R110 million Seaton Interchange project, are enhancing accessibility and stimulating local economic activity.
Sustained impact of privately managed elements
Over 50% of property stock is located within gated estates, supported by initiatives like the Ballito Urban Improvement Project, Siza Water, and community-led campaigns, ensuring a secure and well-maintained living environment.
Return on lifestyle
The region offers a compelling lifestyle with warm weather, coastal beauty, and high-quality, yet comparatively affordable, residential developments—attracting both primary homeowners and semigrants.
Strong demand for land
Robust land sales continue across key estates, including Seaton Estate (over R1.137 billion in sales) and Salt Rock City (100 land sales at launch), underscoring long-term buyer confidence in the area.
To Sum Up
The Rainmaker Marketing Property Market Report: North Coast Edition (April 2025) highlights strong growth across Ballito, Salt Rock, and KwaDukuza Non-Urban. Driven by semigration, estate living, and infrastructure investment, the North Coast Property Market continues to outperform, especially in gated estates. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand this high-performing region
What are the key findings from the April 2025 Rainmaker Marketing Property Market Report on the North Coast?
The report reveals robust market activity, with 1,414 transactions recorded between March 2024 and February 2025, totalling R1.444 billion in value. Estate properties are leading in both volume and price, with high buyer demand driven by lifestyle appeal, security, and semigration. Ballito and Salt Rock show the strongest performance in both sectional title and freehold sectors.