An investment in a major residential development valued at R3-billion on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast is adding to signs of growing investor confidence in the region, with buyers from across South Africa and overseas showing interest in the South Coast property market.

Bahari Bay eco-estate, a 100ha development in Shelly Beach, was among the projects recognised at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference in Durban earlier this month, where R124.5-billion in investment pledges were announced, exceeding the provincial government’s R95-billion target.

Approximately 40% of Bahari Bay’s 100ha footprint is intended to remain undeveloped, retaining substantial natural space within the estate.

Bahari Bay’s R3-billion pledge represents the total planned investment value of the development. The estate will ultimately comprise 489 residential units, with 350 full-title homes and 139 apartments in three-storey walk-up buildings.

More than 100 plots have already been sold, with Phase One 75% sold and 94% of stands in the estate’s Executive Phase taken up.

While KwaZulu-Natal accounts for a significant share of buyers, the development has also attracted purchasers from Cape Town, Johannesburg, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. There has also been keen interest from United Kingdom-based buyers.

For Bahari Bay head of sales and communications Ntando Lurwengu, a former Mr South Africa, this response points to growing recognition of the KZN South Coast as an increasingly attractive and competitive investment destination.

“The South Coast has enormous potential, and the interest we’re seeing from buyers locally and internationally suggests that this is increasingly being recognised,” he says.

“The R3-billion commitment of Bahari Bay reflects our confidence in the region’s future. It’s an investment in residential development, infrastructure and the longer-term economic opportunities that come with bringing new residents and capital into the area.”

The development is expected to support between 450 and 650 jobs during peak construction periods, with the majority of workers anticipated to be drawn from the local Ugu District Municipality labour pool.

These jobs will span site management, skilled artisans, general labour, specialised subcontracting, landscaping and materials supply.

Once the estate is occupied and operating at its planned capacity, a further 395 to 580 ongoing direct employment opportunities are projected across household services, security, grounds and maintenance, apartment services, clubhouse operations and estate management.

“These predictions show how large-scale residential investment contributes to economic activity beyond construction,” Lurwengu says.

“Developments of this scale create opportunities for local workers, contractors and suppliers during construction. New residential communities generate continuing demand for goods, services and employment.”

Plots in Phase One were initially marketed from R460 000, with none remaining at that entry-level price. Stands in Phase Two now start at R1.25-million, reflecting differences in plot values as the development progresses.

The development comes as KwaZulu-Natal seeks to extend investment activity beyond its major economic centres and attract private-sector capital into other parts of the province.

Lurwengu says the South Coast’s natural assets, established coastal communities and lifestyle appeal provide a strong foundation for further investment.

“The South Coast is an investment no-brainer. It has an unspoiled coastline, natural beauty, superb weather and offers a fantastic lifestyle. Investment in quality development and infrastructure is building on those assets and unlocking considerably more of the region’s potential.”