Everything the Midlands has to offer

There are many great reasons why so many people choose the Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal to be their home. Starting with the bustling hub of KZN's capital, Pietermaritzburg and heading up into the Insta-worthy beauty of Nottingham Road and surrounds, the Midlands offers variety, affordability and an outstanding way of life. Principal Property Practitioner at Jawitz Properties Midlands, Brett Mantel, gave us the real lowdown on the area.

"Because the Midlands spans such a large area, there is huge diversity in terms of the types of properties we see for sale," shares Mantel. "We have everything from investment flats to large, grandiose freestanding homes. There are also modern, elegant estate dwellings and, of course, farms." Mantel emphasises that no matter what type of property you're looking for, you'll find it in the Midlands.

When asked which area of the Midlands he would recommend for a young couple looking to buy their first home, Mantel explains that young couples and first-time buyers often look for homes in the southern suburbs of Pietermaritzburg. "Areas like Lincoln Meade, Scottsville, Hayfields and Pelham all offer affordable townhouses that boast security and low maintenance," explains Mantel. "Established families looking for more space and privacy usually find it in the northern areas such as Athlone, Wembley, Montrose and Chase Valley, as well as the village of Hilton."

Investors looking for bed and breakfast locations typically look for the most scenic, picturesque locations. "These will be found out towards the Karkloof or Nottingham Road, and elsewhere along the Midlands Meander route," advises Mantel.

We asked Mantel to summarise the biggest drawcards of the Midlands. In response, he explained that one of the main factors the Midlands offers is diversity. "You can choose city living, laidback country charm, a secure estate or a timber, game or livestock farm. All of this is available within a 40-minute drive of the Liberty Midlands Mall, which has almost every shop you can think of."

Mantel takes this opportunity to point out that the Midlands is home to some of the most reputable private schools in the country, such as Hilton College, St Charles College, Michaelhouse, The Wykeham Collegiate, St Anne's, St John's and Epworth. To this, he adds that there is also a huge number of entertainment options in the area. "We have everything from an amazing variety of restaurants to cinemas, go-karting, shooting ranges, horse riding facilities, fishing, hiking, camping, trail running, mountain biking - and even a wine farm. If there's a hobby or interest you have, there's a good chance you'll find opportunities to pursue it here in the Midlands."

When you're considering buying property in the Midlands, looking at all the different areas and trying to make the right choice can be overwhelming. Mantel advises would-be buyers to take their time in getting to know the different areas, especially if you're moving from out of town. "You want to know where you're going to work, where your kids will go to school, where you will spend your free time and who you'll spend it with. All of these will play a role in determining where you ultimately want to live."

From an economic perspective, the Midlands makes a great, realistic investment, as almost all areas have experienced significant capital growth over the past 10 years. "There are a fantastic number of new developments around, especially in the uMngeni municipal area (Hilton and Howick) which speaks to the buoyant demand for properties here," explains Mantel. "Our rental market is also very robust, with well-priced properties always in demand."

It is well known that the Midlands offers various opportunities for investors. "For example, every year a new batch of graduate doctors fulfil their community service requirements at one of the three hospitals in the area, and most of these young doctors are from out of town," elaborates Mantel. "This is just one of the factors that makes the Midlands a sound investment."

The last question that we posed to Mantel was why he personally loves the Midlands and has chosen to build his life and career here. In response, he explains that the people are what make the Midlands the best place to be. "No matter where you're from, what stage of life you're in and what your interests are, you'll always find likeminded people here in the Midlands. There are so many people from different walks of life. Being able to meet and help new and interesting people every day makes me feel so fulfilled!"

Mantel and the rest of the team from Jawitz Properties Midlands would be delighted to help you find the perfect Midlands home to buy or rent. Get in touch today for more information about this beautiful part of KwaZulu-Natal.

Image credits:

Howick Falls by Darren Glanville | Flickr | CC BY-SA DEED | https://tinyurl.com/mrx5b4p9

Nelson Mandela Capture Site by Darren Glanville | Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED | https://tinyurl.com/bdfmy45w

City Hall by Johan Pretorius | Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED | https://tinyurl.com/3mnk5w4m