Situated on the remains of an extensive coastal dune system, Durban's suburb of Bluff or the Bluff truly has it all. Take a trip and you'll find secure properties with incredible views and easy access to good schools, healthcare, shopping centres, and natural attractions. The Bluff's convenient location ensures travelling to the rest of Durban is a breeze, while its competitive pricing makes it appealing for a seaside escape like Umhlanga, Durban North, and Ballito but at a fraction of the cost. Get to know more about this hidden gem that's ideal for nesting, resting, and investing.
Background on the Bluff
The Bluff is made up of some of Durban South's top suburbs: Brighton Beach, Grosvenor, Austerville, Ocean View, Fynnlands, Treasure Beach, and Wentworth. And that name? Most of these areas lie along a long bluff, a steep hill or cliff. Bluff overlooks the warm Indian Ocean, offering a range of watersport activities from swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing, to simply soaking up the sun.
Notably, the Bluff was home to a whaling station from 1908 to 1975 where they were caught and processed into a number of products. Today, the arrival of these majestic creatures is celebrated. The Bluff became the world's first certified Whale Heritage Site in October 2019 and has launched a Welcoming of the Whales Festival that marks the arrival and conservation of migrating humpback whales.
Bluff's value-for-money properties
If it's suburban bliss you're after, you'll find it in the Bluff. This area has a family-friendly appeal with properties for sale characterised by spacious erfs, established gardens, and views of the sea, nature reserves, and cityscapes. You'll uncover freestanding houses, simplexes, duplexes, apartments, and maisonettes on the market. With such a range, it's unsurprising the Bluff was one of Durban's top-searched suburbs on Property24 in 2021.
Affordability is a key selling point. In Austerville, for example, you can easily find a three-bedroom for R650,000 - an ideal starter home or investment opportunity if you're a buy-to-let investor. A two-bedroom apartment in Bluff central can start at R675,000, offering stunning harbour views, a lock-up garage, and a quick drive to popular amenities.
For investors, the Bluff is a worthwhile option for permanent residence, long-term leases, or holiday letting. Besides offering an easy entry price, it has plenty of facilities and lifestyle features that meet the needs of both locals and tourists alike.
Bluff's amenities and lifestyle
Adding to Bluff's affordable property is the stellar lifestyle on offer. The area has quality schools that will set your child up for a successful future. Primary schools include Marlborough Park Junior Primary School, Primêre Skool Dirkie Uys, and Assegai Primary School. For a high school experience, there's Durban Academy High School and Grosvenor Girls' High School. Bluff Christian Academy is the local combined schooling option.
With neighbourhood shopping centres like Bluff Towers and Bluff Hillside Mall, Bluffers can get daily essentials close by. For treatment and care, you can visit Medicross Bluff, Island View Medical Centre, and several private practitioners in the area. The area also has a great food scene. There are firm favourites like Spur and John Dory's. One can also enjoy dishes loved by the local Indian community through Roti Boyz, Oriental Fast Food, and Swaadisht Foods. For upmarket dining with breathtaking scenery, look to African Peninsula Restaurant.
Bluff's recreational spaces offer plenty to do. You can fill your itinerary with golfing at Bluff National Park Golf Club, trail walks at Bluff Nature Reserve, sailing at Bluff Yacht Club, and camping at Bluff Eco Park. The area boasts three beaches for all your watersport pursuits: Brighton Beach, Anstey's Beach, and the lesser-known Garvies Beach. Active residents also enjoy the Bluff Athletics Club and several gyms in the area. If you're looking for relaxed Saturday vibes, you can visit The Bluff Flea Market & Auction. This outdoor community market with stalls sells everything from second-hand goods, curios, to baked goods.
Secure living in the Bluff
For your peace of mind, the Bluff is often considered one of the safest parts of Durban. Compared to other areas, statistics show local crime rates are relatively low. The safety is ensured by local SAPS who work tirelessly to keep neighbourhoods safe. SAPS's efforts are boosted by the Bluff Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Community Oriented Policing (COP). There is also the free crime reporting COP Emergency Alert WhatsApp group and active Facebook groups like GATVOL BLUFF where residents can flag criminal activities and voice their safety concerns.
Schedule a viewing today
With much to offer from budget-friendly properties, exceptional amenities, to a safe and vibrant lifestyle, Bluff is an excellent choice for those on the home hunt. Browse our Bluff properties for sale or properties to let if you're looking to rent instead. Then contact our team to book a property viewing at your convenience.