KwaZulu-Natal has about R217 billion in planned investment across its main development corridors, The South African reported. Several property markets in the province could benefit from the spending.
The money is going into Durban’s port, big road networks, new tourism projects and new urban areas. The report said this could change where jobs, businesses and demand for homes are found.
The coastal strip from La Lucia and uMhlanga through Sibaya to Ballito is one of the strongest areas to watch, according to the report.
The Sibaya Coastal Precinct has drawn about R8 billion in investment so far. Another R48 billion in development is expected there over the next ten years.
The R2 billion Club Med resort at Tinley Manor has also opened along this stretch. Property experts said the resort has already brought in enquiries from overseas buyers, not only local ones.
On the Upper Highway, west of Durban, the Westown development is building a new urban centre. Westown Square has already drawn R1.3 billion in investment.
Close to R15 billion is planned for the area over the next 10 to 15 years. The wider Shongweni development plans about 20 000 homes, and work has started on a new hospital.
Durban’s Golden Mile is also getting new money. Southern Sun is spending R1 billion, linked to its new 50-year beachfront lease.
The money will pay for upgrades to the Elangeni and Maharani hotels, two more beachfront properties and the Sunken Gardens across the road. Estate agents said the investment is already bringing new interest in beachfront flats.
Projects further away from homes could also lift property demand over time. Dube TradePort’s Special Economic Zone has drawn more than R4.2 billion in private investment, according to its 2024/25 annual report.
The same report said the zone supports almost 37 000 permanent jobs across KwaZulu-Natal.
At Durban’s port, a new 25-year partnership with ICTSI will raise the capacity of Pier 2 at the Durban Container Terminal. It will grow from two million to 2.8 million containers a year.
SANRAL is also busy with upgrades on the N3 between Mooi River and Durban. The report said such projects can take years to affect home prices, but new jobs and better roads can add demand over time.
The South Coast is growing for a different reason. It keeps drawing buyers from Gauteng and other inland provinces because homes there cost less.
Sectional title units on the South Coast sell from about R700 000, while older houses start at about R1.1 million, the report said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by The South African. Image: The South African. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Business desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Anelisa Nkuna covers business and money news for Tzaneen Voice. Anelisa reports on the rand, fuel prices, interest rates, jobs, Eskom, Transnet, farming and company results. The aim is simple: explain what the numbers mean for household budgets, small businesses and workers in South Africa.