This retirement-friendly holiday town has coastal property for R680 000

South African retirees looking to settle down at the coast should consider KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast.

The South Coast has gorgeous golden sand beaches and a growing community atmosphere. It is also undergoing major development.

But it also has something many other areas across South Africa’s vast coastline don’t: affordable property.

Property with sea views and sea breeze

Retirees who want to wake up to gorgeous sea views and a calm beach life should consider moving here for the affordable lifestyle it offers.

Umtentweni is in Port Shepstone, about an 80-minute drive south of Durban.

The average sale price for sectional titles in the area is R900 000.

However, more than a dozen listings are below R700 000, including sectional title units with breathtaking sea views.

According to one Pam Golding listing, a 2-bedroom flat with uninterrupted sea views of Umtentweni beach’s sparkling blue water is on the market for R685 000.

The flat’s upkeep is affordable, with levies and rates totalling R3 300.

If retirees need a bond, it will be below R7 000 a month, without a deposit.

Then there’s a RE/MAX listing for a 99-square-metre 2-bedroom flat with 3 parking bays, available for R620 000.

Levies and rates for this unit are R2 150.

Those who want to experience the classic South African holiday retreat can get a 1-bedroom cottage in Eden Park for R430 000, according to a listing by Mandated Property Group.

This unit’s rates and levies total R2 300.

But older residents could get a discount on their rates.

In Ray Nkonyeni District Municipality, where Umtentweni is located, residents over 60 can get R300 000 taken off their home’s value to lower rates.

Residents will also enjoy living close to Blue Flag beaches and the 4-kilometre stretch of Umtentweni Beach.

Then once a year, between May and June, residents with sea views will be treated to the Humpback and Southern Right Whale migration.

Pensioners exiting Port Shepstone

Retirees and older residents have been leaving Port Shepstone following a recent spate of crime.

Although over-65s make up 37.1% of owners in Umtentweni, they make up 48.4% of sellers.

The over-50 crowd appears to be more attracted to the area, accounting for 33.3% of buyers from the 79 sales recorded this year.