Durban North has always been popular with savvy investors who are intent on capitalising on their investment.
About the area
The area is dominated by freehold properties (sectional-title units only make up 5,24% of the overall mix) and although many of the homes were built years ago, a fair number have been modernised. Lightstone statistics reveal that house prices have appreciated well over the years. In 2005 the average price of a sectional-tile unit was R980,000. Last year five units sold for an average price of R2,3m. Likewise, the average price paid for a freehold property 16 years ago was approximately R1,5m, and a total of 136 properties were sold last year for an average price of around R3,1m.
As with other popular suburbs the stats show that those who buy in Durban North are reluctant to leave, with 50% of the existing owners having lived in the area for longer than 11 years. The area attracts a mature (those aged between 50 and 64 years of age) and a middle aged (those aged between 36 and 49) mix of residents, although 63% of recent buyers fell into the middle age category.
Part of the suburb’s attraction is its location. It is midway between Durban and the business nodes in La Lucia and Umhlanga, enabling easy access to work, school and play. There are a number of sporting opportunities available, including Riverside Sports Club, which offers a soccer field, two Astroturf hockey fields, two rugby fields and two cricket fields. It's also home to the Riverside Harriers Running Club.
Things are certainly not quiet on the entertainment front in this vibrant suburb, and residents have a wide choice of restaurants, including Republik, Union Square and Spiga D’Oro. Popular with overnighting businesspeople, there are a number of high-end boutique hotels and upmarket B&B establishments in the area.
Transport plus:
- Durban is located approximately 11km from central Durban North and the city is easy accessible via the M12.
- La Lucia is approximately 7km away and is accessible via the M12.
It takes roughly 14 minutes to drive to Umhlanga and approximately 15 minutes to get to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Nearby hospitals:
Netcare Parklands Hospital is situated in Overport, Durban
- Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre is located midway between Durban and Umhlanga
- Durban North Medical Centre
Top schools:
- Durban North College
- Durban North Primary School
- Virginia Preparatory School
- Northwood School
- Northlands Girls’ High School
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
