STADIUM VIEWS IN DEMAND IN DURBAN

STADIUM VIEWS IN DEMAND IN DURBAN

2009/10/28 07:31:35 AM

STADIUM VIEWS IN DEMAND IN DURBAN, SAYS PGP

While home buyers still consider sea views a priority, stadium views are now the very next best feature they request, says Carol Reynolds, manager for Pam Golding Properties in the Durban and Durban North areas.

"Anticipation regarding the forthcoming 2010 Soccer World Cup is increasingly evident and along with it, there's a revived optimism in the marketplace, with the general sentiment being that we are being buffered to some extent from the severities of global recession because of this world-renowned event.

"Coupled with this is the fact that properties with views of the new Moses Mabhida Stadium – with its spectacular arch feature and innovative design – are already sought after. Areas such as Morningside and the Berea afford exceptional stadium views, with some of the luxury penthouses on the Berea providing sweeping vistas across the stadium and beyond," she says.

Reynolds reports that prices of properties with stadium views range from just R750 000 upwards, with two bedroom apartments priced at a competitive R700 000, and with penthouses fetching prices of over R2.5 million.

"We also believe that proximity to the stadium will be one of many factors taken into account by home buyers, along with access to the beach, CBD and shopping centres all going into the mix.

"The location of the stadium is ideal, very central and accessible to all and in the hub of the sporting capital of KwaZulu-Natal, as Durban has become the sports enthusiast's playground. The stadium is within walking distance of the sea and only a five-minute drive from the CBD. In addition, the vibrant Florida Road nightlife and al fresco dining is just around the corner, while general close proximity to shops and markets makes its positioning prime," says Reynolds.

She says Durban is gearing itself up to be South Africa's premier lifestyle hub – with its enviable year round climate and warm Indian Ocean. "The city is firmly on the radar of international buyers, with growing interest from home buyers further boosted by the soccer stadium. Our website is very active at present, with weekly hits from overseas buyers looking at residential property options here. We believe that the fact that the local property market has not been as hard hit by the recession as international markets have, has also contributed to foreign investor interest," she adds.

Issued by Gaye de Villiers