While Ballito has always been known for its prestigious beaches, family adventure attractions and dolphins on the North Coast shoreline, the area has also grown exponentially in recent years and several new developments have either been completed or are well underway.
Tim Johnson, Principal of Seeff North Coast, says Ballito is now a sought-after investment destination and that their branch sees many people investing in property here - either to let out as short term or long term rentals or to reside here and commute to work weekly.
“Following the opening of King Shaka International Airport in 2010, there has been huge growth in air traffic where estimations now predict that passenger arrivals are expected to hit the million mark by 2025.
In May this year British Airways announced direct flights to and from King Shaka to the UK adding to the growing list of direct international flights which has encouraged many business people and investors to buy homes on the North Coast.
Interestingly Ballito’s permanent population has grown from 12 000 to 30 000 residents in just over ten years and even though over R2.7 billion in residential sales per annum has been achieved over the past few years, an additional R3 billion has also occurred within the new estates between Umhlanga and Ballito in the past 18 months”.
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Johnson continues that this upsurge in property sales and the substantial increase in population numbers were some of the mitigating factors that prompted the Collins Group and the Royal Shaka Property Group (who joined forces over a decade ago) to purchase one of the largest privately-owned stretches of coastal property in South Africa.
“The area - covering some 5 000 hectares between Sheffield Beach and Blythedale and boasting around 16km of coastline - has been earmarked for massive residential, resort and commercial property developments to the tune of approximately R76 billion”.
Their mega project vision encompasses seven development zones which will be developed over the next 20 to 25 years. Phase 1 of the first zone - Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate comprising of 140 ha - is now well underway.
This phase comprises 350 stands as well as several sectional title developments. Once these offerings have been taken up a second phase of Zululami will be launched.
A second 411 ha development named the Seaton - that is modelled on an equestrian theme - will also be launched by this champion development company.
Seaton is set to become one of South Africa’s most ground-breaking equestrian estates with about 3 776 homes, an equine district, a lifestyle village and a private school and college node. Part of the plan includes an Olympic-size indoor show-jumping arena, polo fields and a horse training venue”.
Johnson adds that even though both these developments are located on separate land, they will be strategically adjoined and together they will provide over 34 000 residential units.
“Other strategic opportunities will include beach resorts, retail developments, theme parks and commercial and mixed-use property developments.
The momentum for growth on the North Coast is further exemplified by an estate adjacent to Zululami - the Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate.
This 45 hectare bespoke development with large areas of natural forest and an abundance of flora and fauna comprises of 128 sites and will include two distinctive clubhouses that offer braai pods, a lap pool, a children’s pool, tennis court, and a children’s play area. Extensive walking paths and marked trail runs are also part of the offering”.
Johnson concludes that there are also several additional boutique estates still in the pipeline which further demonstrates that there is strong development leadership on the North Coast who are setting the benchmark by focusing on “design-led” liveable products with holistic long term views.
These estates will meet the rapid rise in consumer expectation for those wanting an unsurpassed quality of life in a vibrant coastal environment.
“Adding to this is the recent exciting announcement that Club Med is to debut on the North Coast with their first hotel ever to open in South Africa - construction is starting next year”.
