South Africans and foreigners flocking to this retirement jewel

Howick, a beautiful town in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has emerged as a top retirement destination for South Africans and foreign buyers seeking affordability, natural beauty, and a peaceful lifestyle.

While Gauteng and the Western Cape continue to dominate the semigration market, affordability concerns have pushed many retirees to consider alternatives like Howick, which offers an attractive combination of quality living and reasonable property prices.

A recent Lightstone Property report highlights that one in four homeowners who sell their property and buy another move to a different province.

This migration trend, involving around 50,000 homeowners in recent years, has largely favoured Gauteng and the Western Cape, which account for 48% and 23% of the sell-to-buy market, respectively.

However, Harcourts South Africa told BusinessTech that as property prices soar in these regions, many retirees are looking for better value in KwaZulu-Natal, with Howick standing out as a hotspot.

Howick is a small town just off the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban. It’s about 25 minutes from Pietermaritzburg and is the starting point of the famous Midlands Meander, a scenic route full of arts, crafts, and great food spots.

The town is also close to some of KwaZulu-Natal’s best attractions, including stunning beaches, the uKhahlamba Drakensberg mountains, historic battlefields, and beautiful nature reserves.

Midmar Dam, a well-known spot for sailing and water sports, is also nearby. People who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, golf, and birdwatching will find plenty to do in the area.

The town has experienced significant growth in retirement developments, particularly in the northern areas, which have been dubbed a “retirement city.”

A cluster of retirement villages along Karkloof Falls Road has drawn retirees from across the country and abroad.

Prominent among these are Amberfield, Amberglen, Amber Valley, Amber Ridge, BrandonsField, and Amber Lakes.

These places are designed for retirees and offer great facilities, social activities, and a sense of community.

Amberglen, for example, has a large dining hall, a bar, and many planned events to keep residents active and connected.

The Midlands region, with its cooler but not extreme winters, provides an ideal climate for retirees compared to the sometimes harsh conditions in Gauteng or the Western Cape.

This, combined with more affordable property prices, makes Howick an attractive option. Buyers in this segment typically spend between R2 million and R3 million on homes in the area.

According to Harcourts South Africa CEO Richard Gray, the town is attracting a diverse range of buyers, including people from Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as South Africans returning home after immigrating abroad.

Additionally, some international buyers, particularly from the UK, are recognising the value Howick offers as a retirement destination.

With its affordability, beautiful surroundings, and strong retirement communities, Howick is becoming a top choice for retirees.

It offers a peaceful, comfortable lifestyle with all the necessary amenities, making it the perfect place for people to enjoy their golden years.