Family buyers fuel Durban North residential market

Durban North is one of the oldest and most well-established family-orientated areas in KwaZulu-Natal. It overlooks beautiful beaches and boasts excellent schools and amenities that make it the perfect place for homebuyers with children.

So says Greg Harris, owner of the Chas Everitt International franchise in uMhlanga, who adds that families have consistently been moving into the area since the early 2000s when new residential development began to intensify.

Bordered by La Lucia to the north and the uMgeni River to the south, Durban North was once a coastal dune forest that has been transformed into a vibrant residential node with a high appeal for families. Its main residential suburbs are Glen Anil, Glen Ashley, Glen Hills, Virginia and Park Hill, all centrally located between uMhlanga and Durban central, which are respectively 15 and 18 minutes' drive away, and can easily be accessed via the N2 freeway and the Ruth First Highway (M4)."

However, according to Harris, the main reason families continue to move here is the presence of top schools such as Crawford, Durban North Primary, Northlands Girls' High and Northwood. "With schools on the doorstep, residents can also drop off and fetch their children in less than 10 minutes."

Another factor adding to the appeal of Durban North is its proximity to new commercial precincts such as La Lucia Ridge Office Park, uMhlanga New Town Centre and uMhlanga Ridge Town Centre, he says. "Travel times to these precincts are about 10-15 minutes, and this means that residents can get to and from work quickly and conveniently and save time and money."

In addition, the area is an adventure haven for families to enjoy during weekends and holidays, and boasts beautiful attractions such as warm beaches, nature reserves, animal parks and zoos. "Even amid massive development, Durban North has many natural and unspoiled features with the most notable being the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve. This 76ha reserve has the biggest population of mangrove trees in Durban, and it is home to many species of bird and marine life."

The area also offers residents a choice of several shopping malls as well as hospitals and medical centres that complete the family-friendly environment, Harris says. "For shopping, residents have access to La Lucia Mall, Kensington Square, Virginia Shopping Centre and Northway Centre," Harris says,"and most of the hospitals and medical centres are located just a short distance away in uMhlanga. They include Busamed Gateway Private Hospital, Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, Docnor Centre, and Sunningdale Medical and Dental Centre.

"Meanwhile the local property market offers a wide range of options, including big freehold homes with spacious yards, secure yet luxurious sectional-title units and contemporary estate homes, but families generally prefer lock-up-and-go homes in security estates with a minimum of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a double garage and an onsite swimming pool."