La Mercy at a glance
La Mercy, an idyllic seaside village close to Ballito on the Dolphin Coast, is home to stable freehold and sectional-title markets that are showing rising demand and price growth.
The latest Lightstone report reveals that the village is experiencing an influx of young first-time homebuyers and, according to Bernadine Roos, the Chas Everitt International sales manager in Ballito, this is largely because it offers a choice of relatively affordable properties and because of its proximity to the King Shaka International airport.
Although it is known for its spacious freehold family houses with views of rolling hills and/ or the sea, almost 30% of the homes in La Mercy are sectional title, and these are particularly attractive to first-time buyers and investors in search of lock-up-and-go units that they can let out or use themselves during holiday periods, she says.
For those keen to build their own homes, there are also many vacant stands here, at prices from around R225 000 for 1000sqm with sea views.
Over the past 10 years, the average price of freehold homes in the village has grown 62% to reach R1,5m while the average price of sectional title properties has grown 40% to reach R1,2m, and Roos says even faster growth is expected now due to rising demand.
La Mercy is situated within easy reach (via the N2 freeway) of Durban, Umhlanga and Ballito and a huge range of amenities, attractions, and job opportunities. It is also just 10 minutes' drive from King Shaka International and the Dube International Tradeport.
There are several good restaurants in the village and the closest large shopping malls include Gateway at Umhlanga, Ballito Junction and the popular La Lucia Mall. The Sibaya Casino is just 7km away.
La Mercy is situated in a coastal conservancy and its unspoiled beach is a popular place to watch whales and dolphins, while also offering activities such as fishing, kite-surfing, kayaking and snorkelling.
Good infrastructure, including its own primary school, and the strong residential market in the village make it even more sought-after, she says, with the result that residents tend to stay on once they have bought a home here.
"In fact, according to Lightstone, 61% of homeowners in La Mercy have lived there for 11 years or more, although there are some new sectional title developments under way that will create more opportunities for new residents to get a foothold in the area."
As it is, La Mercy is a melting-pot of cultures, ages and professions which is becoming steadily more trendy as an increasing number of young buyers move in. Roos notes that although they only make up 6% of the long-time residents, people aged 18 to 35 currently account for more than 40% of home purchases in the area.
