A look at the R38 million luxury ‘marvel’ for sale in one of South Africa’s hottest estates

Estates are the fastest-growing property sector in terms of new developments in South Africa, with popular developments achieving some of the best capital appreciation rates in the last five years.

Property group Seeff says prices in estate homes have grown on average faster than other property types.

Lightstone data shows that around 16% of all property transactions last year were concluded in the estates.

The average price for estate homes in South Africa increased by 28% to R2.3 million in just five years. Comparatively, the national average price only increased for homes not in estates grew by only 8% over the same time.

While only 2% of all transactions nationally are over R3 million, this has increased to 8.5% for homes located in estates, Seeff said.

The group noted that at least 20 estates in country have achieved some of the best capital growth of upwards of 22% to 37% over five years.

It attributed this growth to a surge in demand for estate lifestyles, which are anchored by enhanced security and reliable services—especially in areas where municipalities struggle to deliver.

According to Seeff, sales data for last year shows that the highest number of estate transactions totalling 13,997 were concluded in Gauteng.

Western Cape estate transactions were slightly lower at 12,265 transactions but achieved the highest overall value of R34.4 billion.

KwaZulu-Natal achieved the highest average price at R3 million.

“Overall, the best price growth was achieved in estates in the Cape Town Metro area, largely in keeping with the general price growth patterns observed over the last decade in the Cape,” the group said.

These include estates in Blouberg and Somerset West, two popular areas with semigration buyers.

Gauteng estates with the best growth are located in Pretoria East and Centurion, as well as the Bedfordview/Edenvale area.

KZN estates with the best growth were those in Umhlanga and Hillcrest.

According to Andreas Wassenaar, licensee for Seeff Zimbali, an influx of buyers from Gauteng and international buyers from the UK and Northern Europe has also boosted demand for estates in the KZN North Coast area with sales mostly in the R13 million to R15 million.

High-end estate homes are now listing for up to R40 million.

The property group highlighted one such high-end listing, with a R38 million 4-bedroom “beachfront marvel” up for sale in the Zimbali Estate.

Zimbali has developed into South Africa’s premier and exclusive lifestyle estate in one of the country’s most naturally beautiful locations.

The property already stands out in the luxury estate, offering 180-degree sea views, surrounded by a coastal forest.

Feeding into the semigration trend, the house itself is built for work-from-home living—with a specific focus on luxury living and entertainment.

R38 million luxury estate home outside

A look at the luxury home inside