Famed for its golden beaches, pumping nightlife and laid back atmosphere, the small town of Ballito has always proved popular both with those merely visiting and those who live there on a permanent basis. The opening of the nearby King Shaka International Airport seemingly fuelled demand and what was once a sleepy seaside village has been transformed into a commercial and residential paradise.
Caught up in the property boom, demand for property was high and there were 294 sales recorded during 2004. Interestingly, the price average only peaked in 2008, when the average price achieved topped the R1.6-million mark. Sales numbers during that year however dropped and only 133 sales were concluded. Although the numbers have fluctuated since then, there hasn’t been a significant increase in the number of properties sold and Lightstone’s statistics indicate that there were 142 transfers in 2011.
Perhaps surprisingly, given that the area has a large number of second home owners, the freehold sector continues to dominate. In 2011, 94 freehold properties were sold while only 48 sectional title units were transferred. Despite the numbers, it appears that the sectional title sector has remained pretty constant. Although there was a drop in the number of units sold during 2009, with only 28 changing hands, this figure rose sharply in 2010 when 52 sales took place.
Popular with well-heeled folk from Gauteng, the town is an ideal holiday destination. Situated approximately 30kms from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and with a wealth of shopping emporiums, eateries and entertainment facilities on its doorstep, the town is always going to appeal to those looking for a little fun in the sun. Willard Beach enjoys Blue Flag status and features a 2.5km promenade used by walkers and joggers alike. Nearby Boulder, a well-known surfer hangout, hosts the ASP Prime Mr Price Pro (previously the Gunston 500) on an annual basis.
The area is home to some 15 hotels as well as a wealth of guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments. Hot summers and mild winters ensure that tourists are drawn to the area all year round. Commonly referred to as the Pearl of the North Coast, Ballito is often the resting place for those wending their way up the coast to visit the battlefields or game farms that have become synonymous with this part of South Africa.
