Durban's centrally located suburbs remain popular among family home buyers

The area offers large, spacious family homes, usually with a garden and swimming pool for children to play. Currently, houses on the market range from R1.59 million to R4.5 million. In addition, the area is home to many grand, character-filled homes that are being restored and upgraded. Key features of these homes are the high ceilings and original wooden floors, while some offer sweeping views over the city and harbour.

Eclectic mix of stately mansions and trendy, modernised homes

Centrally located, within easy reach of the city, beachfront and key routes to the north, south and inland, Durban has its own eclectic mix of stately mansions and trendy, modernised homes, coupled with vibrant restaurants and boutiques - and with the newly revamped Musgrave Centre in the hub of it all. For families looking for quality living, this is an obvious choice as there are 15 high schools and 26 primary schools situated in the Durban area and easily accessible, as well as the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban University of Technology. Just some of the schools in Durban include: Durban High School, Durban Girls High School, Glenwood High School, Glenwood Preparatory School and Penzance Primary School.

For over 20 years Pam Golding Properties has been selling property in Durban - including the Berea, Morningside, Glenwood and the beachfront. We've seen the area not only retain its unique character and appeal, but also come into its own as an extremely sought-after, "green" residential area. Durban really has it all, and something to cater for all home buyers - from large, upmarket residences with beautiful gardens to low-maintenance apartments and affordable bachelor pads.

Vibrant nodes, both business and social

Over the past two decades we've seen an entire generation grow up in this area, go to school, further their education, and start careers of their own - and then acquire their first apartment or starter home and even begin a family of their own. Durban successfully blends the past with the future in terms of architectural design of homes. It's matured into an area with its own identity, with successful, vibrant nodes, both business and social, and it caters for people of all ages, from the younger to an older generation, some of whom have remained in the area most of their lives.

Others, including professionals and singles, continue to relocate here for the convenient location and lifestyle, where you can have a business meeting at a street coffee shop or offices, meet up with friends or colleagues after work at a pub or restaurant, or jog or cycle along the upgraded beachfront promenade, then return home - all within a short radius.

Property prices in Durban start from just R400 000 for a front-line bachelor flat situated on the Esplanade with magnificent harbour views, while top-end homes situated in prime Morningside in roads such as Eastbourne and Mentone Roads are on the market between R6 million and R19 million.

Interesting stock available for purchase

Currently, PGP has some interesting stock available for purchase, offering good value for money. These range from R750 000 for a spacious flat with lovely outlook, centrally positioned on the Berea, to a magnificent upmarket home in sought-after Hollander Crescent, which is on the market for R4.5 million.

A modern townhouse tucked away in quiet cul-de-sac of Morningside is newly listed at R2.395 million, while a spacious, 2.5-bedroomed apartment in Glenwood overlooking Bulwer Park is currently available at R675 000. For those who prefer a free-standing house, an ideal home within walking distance to Glenwood school is on the market for R1.59 million.

Another popular and affordable suburb in the Durban area is Carrington Heights, located adjacent to the Glenmore/Glenwood area and on the southern side, with easy access to the N2 highway. Here the bulk of properties are freehold homes that sell in the price range from R400 000 to R1.5 million, with an average selling price of R780 000. With schools such as Carrington Heights Junior Primary School, Glenmore Primary, Stellawood Primary, Brettonwood Secondary and Rossburgh Secondary schools, this area attracts young buyers, including first-time buyers and families with children. Amenities in the vicinity include Clairwood Hospital, Queensmead and Southway malls, and Davenport and Montclair shopping centres.

An attractive Tudor-style home in Carrington Heights is currently marketed by Pam Golding Properties, well priced at R920 000. On the upper floor this split-level house has three-bedrooms (main en suite), two bathrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen, office/study, laundry, store room and an additional bedroom with shower and toilet, and its own separate entrance. With a burglar alarm and recently installed aluminium windows, the house also has a double lock-up garage.