With great wealth comes great options, and that includes where you choose to live. In South Africa, Cape Town and Johannesburg are typically synonymous with the affluent. However, the Umhlanga area is cementing its reputation for those who enjoy the finer things in life. According to The Africa Wealth Report 2021, Umhlanga makes the property A-list for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with a wealth of R14 million or more. Century 21 Umhlanga shines a gilded light on why the well-heeled are loving this exclusive town on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast.
Umhlanga insights from the Africa Wealth Report 2021
The Africa Wealth Report 2021 provides a comprehensive review of the wealth sector in Africa including HNWI trends, luxury trends, and wealth management on the continent. It defines wealth as the net assets of the individual including property, cash, equities, business interests - less any liabilities.
The report finds that there are 3 400 HNWIs living in Durban and Umhlanga with net assets of US$ 1 million (about R15 million or more). Umhlanga was found to be one of the fastest growing towns in terms of wealth growth over the past decade. The apartments on Lagoon Drive in Umhlanga are some of the most exclusive in the country - notable top-end complexes include the Pearls, Edge of the Sea, and the Bermudas. Umhlanga is also highlighted as a major luxury tourist destination in Africa for HNWIs.
Factors driving HNWIs to Umhlanga
Upmarket Umhlanga perfectly encapsulates the live, play, work lifestyle. The coastal town provides an array of properties, top amenities, and endless recreational opportunities right on your doorstep. Tranquil but vibrant, the area has been the source of major development over the years. Here are 10 factors having HNWIs flocking to the area:
1. Semigration and remote working trends: Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, HNWIs are seeking out Umhlanga's secure gated estate living or upmarket sectional title properties close to the beach and amenities. Freestanding homes near the beachfront with gorgeous views are also popular. As COVID-19 has spurred remote working, Umhlanga is suitable with its many exceptional coworking spaces like Spaces Umhlanga, The Sett, and Connect Space.
2. Weather: Umhlanga's subtropical climate ensures warm weather all year round. Temperatures hover around the mid-20s on average during the day and sink to the high teens during the night. This 'slops and shorts' weather makes Umhlanga ideal to explore the beach and nature reserve pursuits available in the area.
3. Lifestyle: With so many things to do in Umhlanga, HNWIs are seeing the value of the area's vibrant lifestyle. You can hit the beach for a range of water sports or simply stroll the promenade and take Instagram-ready pictures at the Whalebone Pier. For trails and wildlife spotting, head to the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Restaurants like The Oyster Box are excellent for meals and cocktails with gorgeous sunset views. be.UP Park's indoor trampoline and climbing park and Mindgame Escape's escape room experience up the fun factor. Umhlanga is also home to the swanky, members-only club, The Pencil Club, which offers bespoke facilities for business people.
4. Properties: With a range of residential real estate on offer, Umhlanga ensures HNWIs find their ideal home. There are freehold houses (full title) and sectional title properties, flats, duplexes, simplexes, and vacant stands. New developments like the Umhlanga Arch, Oceans Umhlanga, and the Pearls provide luxury living spaces.
5. Business hub: Umhlanga has become a mecca for business with its office parks and local and international corporates setting up shop in the area. The presence of residential spaces and luxury hotels ensures both residents and business travellers can stay close to their place of work.
6. Safety: As an elite area, Umhlanga's safety is attractive to HNWIs. The area has its own dedicated police station in Prestondale. The uMhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) has helped keep public spaces in Umhlanga clean and safe. The Durban North and Umhlanga Community Policing Forum also works to control crime, reduce fears of crime, and improve police services in the area.
7. Healthcare: Umhlanga has developed a reputation as a healthcare capital in KwaZulu-Natal. HNWIs are able to reap the benefits of living near these world-class medical centres: Netcare uMhlanga Hospital, Busamed Gateway Private Hospital, and Nurture uMhlanga Hospital, to name a few.
8. Schools: HNWIs value Umhlanga for its superb education options. From primary schools like Atholton Primary School and Umhlanga Primary School, secondary schools like Hamptons High, to combined schools like Reddam House Umhlanga and Crawford International La Lucia, your child can achieve their maximum potential in nurturing environments. Higher education institutions like Pearson, Boston City Campus, and Vega can help them further their educational goals.
9. Shopping: Whether you're after luxury goods or daily essentials, Umhlanga provides the retail foundation for all your needs. Popular shopping centres include the iconic Gateway Theatre of Shopping, The Crescent Umhlanga Ridge, the Pearls Mall, and Umhlanga Plaza.
10. Transport infrastructure: With its excellent accessibility, Umhlanga allows quick access to the wider Durban area. It is served by two highways - the M4 and M41, and the N2 freeway. By also being minutes away from the King Shaka International Airport, Umhlanga is thriving as a commercial and tourist hotspot.
Eyeing up Umhlanga property? Contact us
HNWIs have made Umhlanga their home, and the area continues to draw in the wealthy for its exceptional real estate offerings, lifestyle, and appeal. With Century 21 Umhlanga, you can find your primary home, holiday getaway, retirement property, or next investment opportunity. View our Umhlanga properties for sale or properties to let, and reach out today.