Reporter: How long have you been working in this area?
Carol: Pam Golding Properties has been active in Umdloti for more than 10 years.
What do you love about this area?
Umdloti is KwaZulu-Natal’s hidden gem – it is the most unique beach village, with a quaint, unspoilt atmosphere and a warm and friendly community spirit. It is a charming haven where everybody feels as though they belong to a big happy family. It is also unique in that the properties spread across the beachfront and there is only one access point in the area, which has kept it uncommercial and highly sought after.
Which is your favourite coffee spot?
Although Umdloti is small, it is renowned for its restaurants. The Sandbar is on the beach and lovely for a casual family meal. Casa Nostra is Italian dining at its best, so much so that it draws people to the area.
Who buys property here?
Umdloti has a wide spectrum of buyers. There are a lot of retirees looking to settle in this beach village; young families seeking an unbeatable lifestyle; and investors buying second homes as well as holiday homes.
What makes property here a good investment?
The average selling price in Umdloti is high. On average, a beach house will cost around R5m–R6m, and we achieve prices in excess of R10m for properties with sweeping sea views. Many investors choose to do holiday letting because there is demand all year-round for holidaymakers in Umdloti. Thanks to the balmy KZN climate, holidaymakers gravitate towards the area throughout the year.
What is the most interesting property you have sold in the past year or have on your books at the moment?
We have two spectacular upmarket luxury villas on our books at the moment. One is on the market for R18m and the other, for R16m. Both are designer homes with unsurpassed sea views with all the trimmings. They have both been featured in prominent magazines because of their unique setting and finishes.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
