Umhlanga at a glance
The coastal city of Durban is a thriving place boasting sparkling seas, delicious food, and people with a zest for life. The laidback surfers' paradise is a favourite holiday destination for out of towners, and "home" for Durbanites.
Durban is the headquarters of South Africa's sugar industry and a centre of highly diversified manufacturing activity.
Property in Durban comprises an array of designs. From stylish Victorian-era houses, skyscraping apartments, to luxury villas, Durban has a house waiting for the perfect owner.
History of the area
Founded in 1835 on the site of Port Natal, Durban was named after Sir Benjamin D'Urban, the governor of the Cape Colony. It became a town in 1854 with the development of Durban's harbour, one of the world's major commercial ports, beginning in 1855. After World War I (1918), Durban changed from a prim Victorian town to a modern metropolis with skyscrapers and multistoried buildings. Durban officially became a city in 1935.
Climate
Known as the warmest place to be, Durban's climate is warm and temperate with an average annual temperature of 26.9 °C. With an average of 24.5 °C, February is the warmest month. July has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is 16.8 °C. The city has a significant amount of rainfall during the year, even for the driest month. The rainfall here reaches around 975 mm per year.
Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)
Durban's King Shaka International Airport is approximately 30 km away from the Durban CBD. This journey will take approximately one hour and 26 minutes in average traffic.
Schools in the area
There is an abundance of great schooling facilities in Durban. Durban Girls' High School, George Campbell School of Technology, Durban Preparatory High School, Eden College, Maris Stella School, and Sastri College are some of the renowned schools guaranteed to give children the best education.
Hospitals nearby
There are a host of public and private hospitals with world-class doctors in Durban. These include the Addington Hospital, King Edward VIII Hospital, Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital, Netcare Parklands Hospital, Life Westville Hospital, and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.
Shopping malls
Durban might be a laid-back city, but it is also home to some of the best shopping malls in the country. Malls such as Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Pavilion Shopping Centre, Musgrave Centre, Cornubia Mall, and Westwood Mall make the perfect day out for all the family.
Restaurants
Durban is famous for its star bunny chow dish. Restaurants such as Hollywood Bunny Bar and Cane Cutters specialise in this delicacy, but you can pretty much get a bunny at any spot that has curry on the menu.
Other prominent restaurants include Havana Grill, Jimmy's Killer Prawns, Roma Revolving Restaurant, as well as Daruma.
Special attractions
Moses Mabhida Stadium
The iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium is more than just a pretty sight in Durban. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful 360-degree views of Durban aboard a ride on the Sky Car or do the 550 steps adventure walk to the top of the stadium arch. Adrenaline junkies can also try the world's only stadium Big Rush Swing and the largest bungee swing in the world.
Ushaka Marine World
The uShaka Marine World boasts being amongst the largest aquariums in the world. Fun for the whole family, it is one of the most exciting places to visit in Durban. Visitors can look forward to mysteries of the ocean, the thrill of Wet 'n Wild, kiddies play paradise, as well as the Chimp & Zee rope adventure park.
Why invest in Durban?
Durban is popular for first-time buyers because of its value-for-money properties. The rental market in the city is also thriving, making buy-to-lets a great opportunity for investors.
Property in Durban Central is almost exclusively sectional title. They are spread across the CBD, the Esplanade, Point Waterfront, and North and South Beach. Prices tend to be more affordable than suburbs such as Umhlanga and La Lucia.
There is a huge amount of redevelopment going on in Durban Central. The Point Waterfront is undergoing a massive facelift with mixed-use development underway.
Find your next address in Durban
If you are looking for your next home or perhaps an investment opportunity, contact Lifelizabeth Properties today. Our agents specialise in moving real estate forward and will assist you in making your property dreams come true.
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