Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth at a glance
With its blend of coastal charm, urban infrastructure, and a fast-growing regional economy, Port Elizabeth (officially renamed Gqeberha) is one of South Africa’s most overlooked property investment opportunities. Located in the Eastern Cape, this coastal city offers everything a property investor could want: affordability, growth potential, solid rental demand, and a lifestyle that continues to attract semigrants, professionals, and retirees in increasing numbers.
Often called the “Friendly City,” Port Elizabeth combines the laid-back vibe of a beach town with the functionality of a major urban centre. It has excellent schools, a thriving logistics and automotive industry, a busy seaport, multiple shopping malls, and a range of healthcare and tertiary education facilities. The presence of the Nelson Mandela University, the Coega Special Economic Zone, and the deep-water Port of Ngqura all add strength to the city’s long-term economic outlook — and that’s good news for property investors.
What sets Port Elizabeth apart is its incredible value for money. Compared to Cape Town, Durban, or even George, property in PE is still extremely affordable — yet the quality of life remains high. Entry-level apartments can be found from R500,000, while family homes in suburbs like Walmer, Mount Croix, and Lorraine typically range from R1.2 million to R2.5 million. More exclusive homes in areas like Summerstrand, Lovemore Heights, or Sardinia Bay can exceed R3 million, but even at that level, you’re still getting coastal property at a discount compared to other metros.
Port Elizabeth’s rental market is diverse and stable. Young professionals, students, and families all drive consistent demand across different price points. Suburbs close to schools, the university, and industrial areas perform particularly well. Properties in coastal suburbs such as Summerstrand and Humewood also do well in the short-term rental and holiday letting market, especially during peak summer months and festive seasons.
Another key trend benefiting the PE market is the rise of remote work and lifestyle migration. Many South Africans are moving away from high-cost, high-stress metros in favour of more livable coastal cities — and Port Elizabeth is often the destination of choice. With its reliable infrastructure, clean beaches, and family-friendly environment, the city is attracting a new wave of residents who want affordable living without giving up access to work, schools, and services.
New developments and mixed-use projects are also taking shape across the city, particularly in the western suburbs and along growth corridors near the N2 and Walmer. These include security estates, townhouse complexes, and affordable housing projects, presenting opportunities for investors looking to buy into pre-construction or off-plan developmentsat early-stage pricing. There’s also growing interest in student accommodation near Nelson Mandela University, as enrolment numbers remain strong and on-campus housing is limited.
For investors who want to enter a coastal city with strong infrastructure, reliable services, and a growing population — without paying a coastal premium — Port Elizabeth represents a compelling alternative. It's a market where you can still buy low and hold for strong rental returns and capital growth over the next 5–10 years. However, as always, success depends on buying the right property in the right area — which is where local expertise makes all the difference.
Port Elizabeth is not just a place to live — it’s a city with untapped potential, growing confidence, and an investment story that’s only beginning to unfold. Let Investpro help you be part of it.