Here's why Morningside is a top performing suburb

Those moving into Morningside in Durban have many property requirements in mind, from big green outdoor spaces and trendy entertainment areas to top-notch security and proximity to a range of amenities. 

"Given all these requirements, it may come as a surprise that the suburb delivers on most home buyers' needs and wants and that even the most particular among them can easily find their forever homes here without much compromise," says Nicole Sheppard, Chas Everitt International sales manager for Morningside.

"Morningside is one of the most established residential suburbs in Durban, with the first homes having being built in the early 1950s. And today, many of these homes still exist and add a charming atmosphere to the suburb with their Victorian and Edwardian architecture."  

In the past, she says, these homes were popular choices for big and growing families with a need for lots of indoor and outdoor space. "But now most are being used for investment purposes and converted into guesthouses, student accommodation and commercial spaces for offices, shops and restaurants.

So what are most homebuyers looking for? "At the top of the list is - no surprise -  a lock-up-and-go lifestyle where safety, security and convenience are the priorities," says Sheppard. 

"Because of this, sectional-title apartments and townhouses have become the most popular options in Morningside."

She says most inquiries are for two and three-bedroom apartments in the R1m - R2m price range. For those with a bigger budget, townhouses with private garden areas priced from R2m to R2,5m are the preferred choice. 

"The great thing about sectional-title homes in Morningside is the implementation of stringent safety controls such as electric gates, access control, perimeter fencing and 24/7 guarded security. 

"As long as homebuyers feel safe, apartments and townhouses will continue to grow in popularity in the suburb." 
 

As mentioned, many of the original homes in the suburb are now being converted in a number of ways by investors, she says, but home buyers who are more traditional at heart and who prefer more private surroundings, still gravitate towards these big freehold properties.

"And thankfully, Morningside still has a number of options for this type of buyer." 

Turning the focus on buy-to-let investments, Sheppard says that investors have been injecting capital into the suburb for many years due to the high rental property demand, particularly among those who work in the Durban CBD and require affordable rental homes. 

"Investors primarily purchase units in apartment blocks or townhouse complexes where rentals range from R6000/pm to R9000/pm as this is where the bulk of tenant demand lies." 

Living in Morningside puts residents within easy reach of a number of amenities, attractions, entertainment hubs and key roads that make travelling to various locations around Durban easy. 

"For homebuyers with children, the suburb is home to popular schools such as Morningside Primary School, Gordon Road Girls' School, Durban High School, and Clifton School, Sheppard says.

"It is also 12 minutes away from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College)."

Sheppard says that for residents looking for entertainment options, Morningside's Florida Road is the place to find them.  

"Here you can find popular restaurants, cafés and bakeries such as Mozambik, Butcher Boys, Taco Zulu, Sugarlicious and Wicked Donuts.

"Or if picnicking and relaxing is more your scene, Morningside is home to Mitchell Park and Jameson Park where you can enjoy sunny days spending time with family and friends.

"And finally, for those who love the beach, the picturesque North Beach is just a 10-minute drive away."