South Africans are flocking to this small town

Pam Golding Properties area principal in Underberg, Angela Walker, said freestanding homes on large 2,000 m² to 4,000 m² stands in Underberg and nearby Himeville are in particularly high demand.

“These properties offer exceptional value, typically selling between R1.5 million and R4 million,” she said.

A renowned trout-fishing haven with over 160 km of rivers and 60 dams, Underberg also offers canoeing, rafting, tubing, hiking, cycling, horse trails, and easy access to the famous Sani Pass into Lesotho.

The town is around two hours from Pietermaritzburg and about three from Durban.

The resurfacing of the R617 between Underberg and the N3, currently underway, will further enhance accessibility and boost the region’s appeal in the future.

Walker said younger buyers in particular are moving into the area, relocating their families from cities such as Johannesburg and Durban, and some from the Western Cape.

They acquire homes in the R1.5 million to R2 million mark, while retirees tend to purchase up to around R3 million.

Affordable property prices are a major draw. In Underberg, buyers can find a four-bedroom, 246 m² sectional title unit with mountain views for just R1.50 million.

“It’s no surprise that young families are increasingly choosing to settle in Underberg, drawn by accessibly priced homes, coupled with excellent primary and pre-school options and a strong sense of community,” Walker said.

“Many are relocating for new job opportunities, which is positive news for the local economy, while others benefit from the flexibility of working from home.”

Since farming forms the backbone of the region, Underberg continues to attract employees across key industries.

The large-scale Underberg Dairies plant, which buys and processes locally produced milk, is attracting dairy farmers and drawing workers to agricultural co-ops, support services, and local supermarkets.

Award-winning properties

Walker said newcomers to the town often rent before buying, creating healthy demand in the rental market.

“Adding to this sense of growth and confidence is the opening of a new shopping centre, anchored by national retailers such as Clicks, Boxer Supermarket, and Debonairs,” she said.

Walker noted that smallholdings remain highly sought-after in the Underberg region. Properties sell for a broad price range, from around R3.2 million to R12 million, depending on size, position, and features.

In Himeville, a three-bedroom home plus a rentable cottage and staff cottage, set on 4,047 m² bordering the nature reserve, is currently on the market for R1.25 million.

A three-bedroom, facebrick home with two separate cottages, ideal for rental income, and a garden entertainment lapa is for sale at R2.08 million.

Currently on the market is a 64-hectare smallholding, featuring an architect-designed five-bedroom homestead. It also boasts a range of additional buildings, including a guest cottage, garages, laundry, workshops, two staff cottages, and converted stables.

Originally built by a visionary Johannesburg engineer, the home is constructed from massive stone blocks and finished throughout with solid Malaysian teak.

In 1993, the property was awarded the prestigious South African Institute of Architects’ Award of Merit.

“Positioned on the banks of the Mzimkulu River and ideal as a boutique guesthouse – with a cottage for an owner/manager to live in, this remarkable property is priced at R11.4 million,” Walker said.

“The homestead is both grand and inviting, with expansive interiors, large windows, and stack-away doors that flood the living spaces with natural light and frame uninterrupted views of the river.”

She explained that 1,500 tall, established trees further enhance the landscaped, park-like grounds.

“Modern conveniences and sustainability have also been carefully considered, and the property is fully solar-powered with a backup generator, while fresh water is supplied from a pristine mountain stream.”

“Security features include electric fencing and roller shutter doors at the main entrances, ensuring peace of mind in this tranquil setting.”

Local activities and attractions in Underberg include the Drak Descent cycling event, Sani2C, the Drak Challenge Paddling Race, polo and polocrosse, and a food and wine show.

There are also various clubs for fishing, hiking, tennis and bowling, while the Underberg Country Club offers golf, squash, padel, swimming, touch rugby, and cricket.

R11.4 million smallholding in Underberg