Learn more about Glen Hills and Glen Anil from local property experts.
Who is buying property in the area, and what types of properties are available?
I’ve found that buyers in Glen Hills/Glen Anil are generally married couples with families who require more space. The prices of homes in the Glen Hills and Glen Anil areas are more within their budget. The other attraction is the fact that the houses in the area are newer, but in saying so, they are slightly smaller than those “over the hill”: Glenashley.
Glenashley is considered on a par with Durban North in terms of pricing. I’ve found that people who have lived in Glen Hills and Glen Anil and have progressed in their careers have a desire to be “over the hill”, often giving them spectacular sea views, a slightly bigger piece of land and a more modern house. The infrastructure of Glenashley is far better than Glen Hills and Glen Anil. Schools are easily accessible, and shopping centres and restaurants are just around the corner.
Daphne de Marigny: Principal, Tyson Properties Durban North
What attracts buyers to the area?
I think Glenashley is an attractive and perfect area for buyers mainly because of the price of the homes. The prices in this area are relatively the same in comparison to homes in Glenwood. They are also big homes, so you get value for your money, whilst being close to good schools, all the major malls (La Lucia Mall and Gateway), restaurants and beaches. You are also close enough to enjoy the whole Umhlanga/La Lucia vibe without having to pay astronomical prices for your dream home. It's the best of both worlds!
Michaela Soukop: Agent at Soukop Property Group
How has the Glen Anil and Glen Hills area changed over the past five years?
I actually grew up in Glen Anil and have very fond memories of my time growing up here. What is interesting is that over the years, the average selling prices for properties in Glen Anil and Glen Hills have remained fairly similar. However, in 2015, we saw a noticeable gap starting to develop with the average property in Glen Anil selling for just under R2m, whereas the average property in Glen Hills sold for a little under R1,7m in the same 12-month period. Buyers looking for property across all suburbs in north Durban will be seeing good value for their money with properties in these two suburbs versus the higher-priced suburbs of Durban North, Glenashley and La Lucia, all now averaging over the R3m mark.
Grant Gavin: Principal, RE/MAX Panache
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
