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Properties on the Bluff to the south of Durban offer investors the best of both worlds – good value for money and easy access to the city itself.Situated a mere 20 minute drive from Durban’s city centre, the Bluff has become an attractive option for those who enjoy a slower pace of life, but still require easy access to facilities and amenities that city living offers.The first recorded human settlement on the Bluff was the Luthuli Tribe. The strategic importance of the headland led to the development of various military bases dating as far back as the Crimean War and the area remained a strategic military post during both the First and Second World Wars. The region is also known for its whaling station that operated from 1907 until mid-1975 when due to complaints from locals regarding the smells omitted from the site as well as an on-going conservation effort, the station closed.There are a number of tourist attractions available in and around the Bluff, the suburb offers pristine beaches, the Bluff’s 18 hole golf course, a well-established local yacht club as well as a nature reserve.Property statistics released by Lightstone, indicate that moderate sales volumes took place in the Wentworth and Grosvenor suburbs of the Bluff. A total of 48 sales have taken place in the Wentworth area over the past 12 months, and 57 sales in Grosvenor. Freehold property has proved to be the more popular choice for purchasers buying in Grosvenor while sectional title sales came up trumps in Wentworth. The average price that a purchaser could expect to pay for a freehold property in Grosvenor is R815 000, whilst Wentworth’s sectional title sector indicated that purchasers would have to invest an average of R556 000.The fact that these suburbs are close to Durban’s CBD and are ideally priced for first time ownership appears to have been the main driver behind the sales. This fact is highlighted by the stats which indicate that 38.33% of recent purchasers in Grosvenor and 35.56% of buyers in Wentworth, were aged between the ages of 18 to 35 years old. The recently redeveloped, Bluff Towers which is centrally situated and close to the beach offers discerning shoppers a wide choice of shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities. Recognised for the value that it brings to the area, the mall was awarded the Southlands Suns Absolute Best Shopping Mall for 2007, 2008 and 2009.This coupled with a number of excellent schools in the area and surrounds, continues to prove attractive to potential residents. Grosvenor Girls High School currently has an approximate 800 pupils. Likewise Grosvenor Boys High School has proven a popular choice based on the history of the schools solid reputation. The establishment offers a wide range of academic, sports and cultural events to its learners.