Property experts discuss the lifestyle and property available to buyers in the Midands of Kwazulu Natal.
What draws buyers to the Hilton area?
A big attraction for buyers is the village atmosphere, but the community still embraces change and the development necessary to maintain growth in the local economy. The addition of Life Hilton Private Hospital, office space and the hugely successful Garlington Estate have been an effective drawcard for homeowners and investors alike. Hilton is also particularly convenient to some of the best private schools in the country, which makes the “lock up and go” market for parents who have children at boarding school very active. Another aspect that makes living in Hilton so attractive is the proximity of the village to both Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands.
Clint Wahl, Broker manager, RE/MAX Midlands and Hilton
What type of buyers are attracted to the area?
The Midlands stretches from Hilton to the foot of the Drakensberg mountains and attracts a wide variety of buyers – retirees, private school parents, weekend getaway visitors, creative and spiritual people as well as business owners. Some of the best artisan food producers in the country live here! The move towards a safer, healthier way to raise a family away from the city has attracted younger buyers. If you are looking for a place to explore, slow down and enjoy life where the breezes blow and your soul is restored while your property value grows, the Midlands is the place to be.
Gwyneth Nortje, Estate agent, Gwyneth Gosling Properties
What amenities are available in the Midlands?
The Midlands is such a beautiful area and has so much to offer for those in search of a quieter country lifestyle. The launch of the Amber Valley sparked a great demand for retirement homes, attracting retirees from Johannesburg and Cape Town, and this has certainly opened up a lot of opportunities for medical practitioners. We now have two private hospitals, one in Howick and the one in Hilton. Shopping is improving, with new developments on the horizon, and the existing supermarkets are expanding due to the increased demand. We boast some of the best schools in the country, with fantastic sporting facilities.
