The once-small coastal town of La Lucia, situated between Glenashley and Umhlanga, has taken full advantage of the increasing number of tourists visiting the area. One of the main attractions that this once-small upmarket town has to offer is its central locality to the major centres such as Durban and Umhlanga, as well as distinguished shopping centres and good schools.
Dotted with some of the most magnificent displays of stylish architecture, coupled with a history of being an area of choice to live in within the upper echelons of society, La Lucia’s luscious sub-tropical surrounds add to the magic and many of the streets have an almost rural feel about them.
As with many of the towns and villages in this unique part of the world, the area has been built on the back of the sugar industry with sugar barons earning their fortunes throughout the 19th century and investing in property in the surrounding areas. The grandeur of the area has been maintained by those who live here. Upmarket estates and large homes are a common feature that runs throughout the area and, as such, anyone investing in property can expect to pay a premium for the privilege.
Although the beaches surrounding La Lucia are ideal for fishing, generally speaking, those who are looking for a swimming beach go to nearby Umhlanga. In addition to its pristine beaches, this nearby town offers a wealth of entertainment, both before and after the sun sets. The nearby Sibaya and Sun Coast Casino complexes are also a mere stone’s throw from La Lucia, as is the popular uShaka Marine World which has become a key attraction on Durban’s Golden Mile.
The La Lucia Shopping Mall is an attractive, exclusive shopping destination for discerning shoppers and has over the years become a recognised landmark. The mall prides itself as being the very first of its kind in Kwazulu-Natal and opened its doors to the public in 1974, when it featured 45 shops. The centre has over the decade’s undergone four major upgrades since inception and now features over 130 retailers, keeping pace with the rapid growth of neighbouring Umhlanga Ridge. This stylish shopping centre literally offers shoppers a one-stop shopping solution and features a number of big brands in restaurants, boutiques and salons.
Residential property in this exclusive suburb comes in at a premium, with over R481-million in property sales in the last 12 months. Recent statistics released by Lightstone reveal that the average price paid for a freehold property in La Lucia was R2 604-million and the price average for sectional title property came in at a moderately lower R2 289-million. Whether buyers are looking for a freehold property or a sectional title property in the area, the market stock depicts a healthy mix of property available in both sectors, offering a good choice in both categories.
Surrounded by business parks, excellent schools, prestigious shopping centres and access to up-market accommodation, La Lucia’s in-vogue, trendy appeal seems to have kept the suburb firmly on the list as one of the more popular places to live in KwaZulu-Natal.
