Hear from local property experts what makes Durban’s Berea such a popular place to live in.
What amenities are available in the Berea area?
Berea has a wide range of primary and high schools as well as creches and colleges. The area is notably also home to the Durban University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The five major hospitals in Durban are located here. Modern shopping centres and malls are dotted all over Berea, for your shopping pleasure, with popular restaurants within. Major venues nearby include the Greyville Race Course, Royal Durban Golf Club as well as the Westridge Tennis Stadium. The many sporting clubs in the area cater for different sporting codes. The area also boasts the Botanical Gardens, Jameson Park and Mitchell Park/Zoo.
Dinesh Dookan, Residential Sales Agent, Maxprop.
What draws people to the Berea area?
The Berea was once a sedate suburb dominated by large freehold colonial homes, but over the years it has transformed to become one of Durban's most vibrant and eclectic suburbs. The property landscape is now a mix of freehold houses and secure cluster developments which have attracted younger buyers, resulting in a wide residential demographic. It is also home to some of Durban's best shopping malls, such as Musgrave Centre and Windermere Centre, and is in close proximity to several excellent schools as well as the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Berea is conveniently located, and offers easy access to most major highways.
Marco Accolla and Michelle Hing, Joint principals, Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty.
What can buyers expect to pay for a property in Berea?
The majority of first-time buyers with two reasonable incomes and a clean credit profile can purchase their dream home in Berea. If both parties service the bond jointly they could qualify for a bond of up to R2m, allowing them to purchase a renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom home. Although the price depends heavily on the locality of the home, modern properties with en-suite bathrooms on all of the bedrooms, a pool and additional parking range from R3m. Ultra-modern homes in sought-after roads with five or more bedrooms, a guest apartment, tennis courts and a pool are generally valued between R10m and R18m.
