Why apartment living is gaining momentum in South Africa

Pamela Naidu, Head of Sales and Marketing at Devmco Realty, recently joined Money on a Monday with Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk to explore a growing trend in South Africa's residential market, the shift away from freestanding homes in favour of apartment living. The interview highlighted how buyer behaviour is changing in response to modern lifestyles, evolving needs, and the emergence of lifestyle estates like those within Sibaya Precinct.

Apartments have gained status

There has been a significant shift in what buyers value. Apartments have evolved beyond the traditional entry-level product. With modern designs and lifestyle features, they have become aspirational.

Modern apartments are no longer seen as stepping stones to larger properties. Today's premium apartments offer style, convenience, and location, attracting a broad demographic that includes professionals, families, and even retirees.

Buyers are increasingly drawn to homes with premium finishes, enhanced security, and estate-based lifestyle amenities. Apartment living offers that flexibility, especially for those wanting a lock-up-and-go solution. Features such as rooftop entertainment areas, on-site fitness facilities, and coworking spaces are adding appeal, positioning apartments as high-value lifestyle assets, not merely functional homes.

Life stage still matters in property decisions

While lifestyle is a growing priority, life stage continues to play a critical role in shaping property choices. Young professionals tend to prefer apartments, families in the 35 to 60 age bracket typically seek freestanding homes to accommodate children, and many retirees opt to downscale back to apartments.

This natural cycle, from apartment to house and back to apartment, is not new. But what has changed is the quality and diversity of apartment options now available, particularly within multi-generational estates like Salta Sibaya, Capri Village, and Gold Coast Estate. These estates cater to all life stages, offering residents the ability to remain within the same precinct while transitioning between different property types over time.

The power of location

Another strong driver in the market is appetite for location. Take Sibaya Precinct as an example, it is privately managed, secure, and close to both Umhlanga and King Shaka International Airport. That sort of positioning increases demand, regardless of the home type.

The importance of estate infrastructure has grown significantly. Buyers are looking for locations that offer convenience, lifestyle, and investment value. In lifestyle-driven nodes like the Sibaya Precinct, both apartments and freestanding homes benefit from consistent demand. The value of being close to top schools, retail hubs, and beaches adds another layer of appeal for prospective homeowners.

The North Coast offers rare flexibility

In cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, densification often means sacrificing personal space. KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast offers a refreshing contrast. The region still allows for spatial flexibility, accommodating a broader range of home types.

This flexibility enables developments like those within the Sibaya Precinct to cater to a diverse buyer pool, from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family homes. It is rare to find this combination of space, security, and coastal lifestyle within a single estate ecosystem.

Apartment dwellers enjoy the perks of modern living, with access to gyms, pools, coworking areas, and communal lounges, while still being part of vibrant, secure communities. For families or investors, the rental potential and long-term capital growth in this area remains a major drawcard.

Service delivery matters

Buyers are increasingly seeking well-managed environments with reliable infrastructure and consistent service delivery. This has made private precincts like Sibaya particularly attractive to both residents and investors.

The precinct's private management structure ensures high standards of maintenance, 24/7 security, and infrastructure reliability. These are the types of features that help preserve long-term property value and drive ongoing demand. Well-maintained green spaces, biometric access control, and continuous development oversight ensure that Sibaya remains a benchmark for integrated, high-performance precinct living.

How Devmco Realty is responding to buyer trends

Devmco Realty has been at the forefront of this residential shift, offering both apartments and freestanding homes across a range of lifestyle estates within the Sibaya Precinct. Whether it is a luxury apartment in OceanDune, a turnkey villa in Gold Coast Estate, or a customisable plot within Capri Village, Devmco Realty's offering reflects exactly what today's market is asking for.

Over the past few years, the team has refined its product mix to ensure flexibility. Buyers want options, the ability to choose between freestanding or sectional title, between custom builds and move-in-ready homes, all within secure, lifestyle-rich estates. The firm's ongoing collaboration with developers and architects ensures that homes align with the latest market expectations, from energy efficiency to design innovation.

Devmco Realty doesn't just sell homes, it offers a complete property experience. Its deep knowledge of the Sibaya Precinct, connection with buyers across South Africa and abroad, and in-depth understanding of market dynamics make it a trusted guide for home seekers and investors.

A note for buyers and investors

For those considering a property purchase, Devmco Realty encourages buyers to pay close attention to market trends while thinking long-term. Apartments are gaining traction and long-term value, especially in coastal markets where supply is constrained and lifestyle appeal is high.

Now is an ideal time to act. Whether it is a freestanding home or an apartment, purchasing in a growing node like the Sibaya Precinct means acquiring more than a residence, you are investing in a secure, community-driven lifestyle and a tangible asset.

The recent interest rate cuts and rising demand for North Coast properties are creating a market shift. Investors should look at property within lifestyle precincts as part of a broader wealth-building strategy, with the added benefit of rental yields and capital appreciation.

As the North Coast continues to grow, and with new phases launching across the Sibaya Precinct, buyers have the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve.

By aligning with leading precincts and responding to buyer needs with thoughtful development, Devmco Realty is redefining what it means to buy smart in 2025.

Listen to the full interview on CapeTalk: Click here

To explore apartments, villas, or land opportunities in the Sibaya Precinct, browse the Devmco Realty portfolio today and speak to one of their property experts to start your journey.