Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, the picturesque Underberg region in KwaZulu-Natal is drawing growing interest from home buyers seeking space, tranquillity, and excellent value compared to city house prices.
Angela Walker, Pam Golding Properties area principal in Underberg, elaborates: “Freestanding homes on large 2 000sqm to 4 000sqm stands in Underberg and nearby Himeville – just 5km away – are in high demand. These properties offer exceptional value, typically selling between R1.5 million and R4 million.”
A renowned trout-fishing haven with over 160km of rivers and 60 dams, Underberg also offers canoeing, rafting, tubing, hiking, cycling, horse trails, and easy access to the famous Sani Pass into Lesotho. Just two hours from Pietermaritzburg and about three from Durban, it’s a peaceful escape within easy reach of the city.
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Currently underway, the resurfacing of the R617 between Underberg and the N3 will further enhance accessibility and boost the region’s appeal in the future.
Walker says positively, younger buyers are moving into the area, relocating their families from cities such as Johannesburg and Durban, and some from the Western Cape, acquiring homes in the R1.5 million to R2 million mark, while retirees tend to purchase up to around R3 million.
According to Quay 1 International Realty, Cape Town’s property market continues to show contrasting trends across different suburbs. As affordability improves and spring approaches, activity is expected to pick up across a range of segments. These are the suburbs showing the most promise - and those that are lagging - as buyers and investors plan their next moves in this dynamic market.
Premium areas like Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno, Sea Point and Green Point are among the fastest growing in the country, with annual price increases ranging from 10% to 20% in some suburbs. Llandudno values have soared 135% since 2019, reaching R27 million by 2025. Strong demand from wealthy local, semigrant and international buyers continues to fuel yields and capital growth, says Quay 1.
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Knysna, further along the Western Cape coast, offers more than just property appeal. It is a forested sanctuary, sparkling lagoon playground, foodie’s paradise, artist’s muse, and above all, a community that treasures its natural surroundings. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast, culture buff, family looking for a coastal base, or an investor exploring the market, Knysna has a way of feeling like “the one,” says Hamilton’s Property Portfolio.
“Consider the fact that one can acquire a four-bedroom, 246sqm sectional title unit with spectacular ‘Berg views for just R1.495 million, and it’s no surprise that young families are increasingly choosing to settle in Underberg, drawn by accessibly priced homes, coupled with excellent primary and pre-school options and a strong sense of community. Many are relocating for new job opportunities, which is positive news for the local economy, while others benefit from the flexibility of working from home,” says Walker.
“With farming forming the backbone of the region, Underberg continues to attract employees across key industries, including dairy farming, the large-scale Underberg Dairies plant which buys and processes locally produced milk, agricultural co-ops and support services, and local supermarkets.
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“Often, newcomers rent before buying, creating healthy demand in the rental market. Adding to this sense of growth and confidence is the opening of a new shopping centre, anchored by national retailers such as Clicks, Boxer Supermarket, and Debonairs.”
Walker notes that smallholdings remain highly sought-after in the Underberg region, with properties selling across a broad price spectrum, from around R3.2 million to R12 million, depending on size, position and features.
In Himeville, a three-bedroom home plus rentable cottage and staff cottage, and set on 4 047sqm bordering the nature reserve is currently on the market priced at R1.25 million, while a three-bedroom, facebrick home with two separate cottages ideal for rental income and with a garden entertainment lapa is for sale at R2.075 million.
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Local activities and attractions in Underberg include the Drak Descent cycling event, Sani2C, the Drak Challenge Paddling Race, polo and polocrosse, a food and wine show, and various clubs for fishing, hiking, tennis and bowling, while the Underberg Country Club offers golf, squash, padel, swimming, touch rugby, and cricket.
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