R3bn Shelly Beach development taps into growing coastal property demand

Bahari Bay, a R3 billion residential development in Shelly Beach on KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) South Coast, has sold more than 100 residential plots, attracting buyers from across South Africa and international markets as investment interest in the region grows.

The 100-hectare eco-estate was among the projects recognised at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference in Durban, where the province secured R124.5 billion in investment pledges, exceeding its target of R95 billion.

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Bahari Bay’s head of sales and communications, Ntando Lurwengu, says the interest reflects growing recognition of the South Coast’s investment potential.

“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,” he says.

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The development will comprise 489 residential units, including 350 full-title homes and 139 apartments. Approximately 40% of its total footprint is earmarked to remain undeveloped.

Phase One is 75% sold, while 94% of stands in the Executive Phase have been taken up.

Although buyers from KZN account for a significant portion of demand, the development has also attracted interest from Johannesburg, Cape Town, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Job creation

The project is expected to support between 450 and 650 jobs during peak construction, primarily drawing workers from the local Ugu District Municipality.

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Once fully occupied, it is projected to create a further 395 to 580 direct employment opportunities across estate management, security, maintenance and household services.

“Developments of this scale create opportunities for local workers, contractors and suppliers during construction,” Lurwengu says.

The development’s pricing has also shifted as construction and sales progress. Phase One plots were initially marketed from R460 000, but none remain available at that price. Phase Two stands now start at R1.25 million.

The investment comes as KZN seeks to attract private-sector capital beyond its established economic centres, positioning residential development as another potential source of employment and economic activity.

* Phenyo Selinda is a Moneyweb Intern.

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