Nelspruit - now known as Mbombela - is the capital city of Mpumalanga province and a much-loved home to many. With proximity to some of South Africa's favourite wide-open spaces, a friendly relaxed ambience and an array of real estate on offer, it's a natural choice for any South African looking for a home off the beaten track. Jawitz Properties takes a look at Mpumalanga's capital and all that the area is known for.
Nelspruit real estate facts and figures
Mbombela or Nelspruit is an area characterised by freehold properties, with standalone homes accounting for 44% of current market stock, and freehold properties in estates making up another 34%. Sectional title units - both in complexes and estates - make up a total of just 21% of properties on the market.
The "period of ownership" statistics showcase the Lowveld as a great place to live, with 44% of existing owners and 34% of recent sellers in the area having owned their properties for at least 11 years. Statistics show that 64% of Nelspruit/Mbombela's recent property buyers fall into the categories of "middle-aged" (between the ages of 36 and 49) and "mature" (between the ages of 50 and 64). The good news for real estate investors is that the value of both standalone houses and sectional title units in this city has been rising steadily every year since 2018.
What do residents of Nelspruit love about their home?
When asked what they love about their homes, residents of Nelspruit talk about their love of the peaceful lifestyle, proximity to Swaziland and Kruger National Park and the year-round great weather. Back in 2016, local newspaper The Lowvelder interviewed numerous residents of Nelspruit, asking them why they have chosen to live here. One of the points repeatedly brought up by residents is the lack of traffic, with one person interviewed making a joke about how 10 cars at a traffic light constitute a traffic jam in this city.
Amenities in the area
Nelspruit is known as being home to an array of great schools - and being a great place to raise a family. The list of government schools on offer includes, amongst others, Laerskool Nelspruit, Nelspruit Primary School, Hoërskool Nelspruit and Lowveld High School. Private schools in Nelspruit include Saint Peters Primary School, Penryn College and Preparatory School and Curro Nelspruit.
There are plenty of places to shop until you drop in the Lowveld area, with Mbombela's Riverside Shopping Centre being the biggest shopping mall and entertainment centre in Mpumalanga. I'langa Mall, The Crossing Shopping Centre and Promenade Centre bring convenience close to home for everyone who calls Nelspruit home.
Proximity to all the beauty and adventure of the Lowveld
Lowveld residents are arguably more spoilt for choice when it comes to where to get the next great picture for their Instagram feed than most other South Africans. For starters, the breathtaking beauty and diversity of Kruger National Park are within easy reach for a day trip. The park's Numbi Gate and Phabeni Gate are both within an hour's drive of Nelspruit and the magic of the bushveld and the Big Five await.
Mpumalanga is also home to one of South Africa's most scenic and best-known self-drives - the Panorama Route. Residents of Nelspruit can enjoy a weekend exploring the breathtaking scenery of Blyde River Canyon or getting their adrenaline fix at the Big Swing at Graskop Gorge Lift Company. Whether you're experiencing a moment in history at Pilgrim's Rest or admiring the view from God's Window, there's always something to do if you're a resident of Nelspruit.
If you're looking for property on sale or to rent in the Nelspruit/Mbombela area, you can trust the Jawitz Properties team to help you find your next home. Contact us today for more information about everything the Lowveld can offer you and your family.