News & Stories
A High-End Serviced Apartment Investment in the Heart of Umhlanga
August 2026
Yesterday, industry leaders came together for an insightful online webinar exploring the opportunities shaping Umhlanga’s property and hospitality market. One message came through clearly, Radisson Serviced Apartments is positioned to become one of the area’s most in-demand investment opportunities.
Hosted by Rainmaker Marketing’s Director, Stefan Botha, the discussion brought together an impressive panel of property and hospitality specialists, including:
- Andrew McLachlan, Founder of Develop Hotels Inc
- Chris Horn, Director of Avoca Developments
- Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Africa at Radisson Hotel Group
- Stuart Ferguson, Head of Sales at Rainmaker Marketing
The conversation highlighted why Umhlanga continues to attract strong interest from both local and international investors. As one of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier business, leisure and lifestyle destinations, the area benefits from a powerful combination of tourism demand, corporate activity, infrastructure investment and an established residential market.
A Global Shift Towards Serviced Apartments
Across major global cities and tourism destinations, serviced apartments have evolved from a niche accommodation offering into an increasingly important part of the hospitality sector. From London and New York to Dubai, Miami and Cape Town, travellers are increasingly looking for accommodation that combines the consistency and service of a hotel with the space, privacy and flexibility of an apartment.
This shift has been driven by changing travel patterns. Longer business trips, hybrid working, extended leisure stays and travellers seeking greater value have all contributed to demand for accommodation that feels more like a home while retaining professional hospitality services. For investors, this evolution is particularly significant. Serviced apartments can appeal to multiple demand segments, creating a diversified accommodation proposition rather than relying solely on traditional short hotel stays.
The international growth of the sector also demonstrates the potential of branded serviced accommodation to become an exciting real-estate investment class. A recognised hospitality operator can provide professional management, established standards and a trusted customer proposition. These are significant factors that can be difficult to replicate through an independently operated property.
Bringing an International Model to Umhlanga
This global context adds another dimension to the opportunity presented by Radisson Serviced Apartments in Umhlanga.
The concept combines the international recognition and hospitality expertise of Radisson Hotel Group with the functionality of serviced-apartment living. For guests, this means access to a professionally managed environment while enjoying the additional space and flexibility associated with apartment accommodation.
For investors, it creates an opportunity to participate in a hospitality model that is already gaining traction internationally. During yesterday’s webinar, Daniel Trappler provided valuable insight into Radisson Hotel Group’s presence and growth across Africa, while Andrew McLachlan and Chris Horn offered perspectives on the development and investment landscape. Stuart Ferguson added a market-focused view, highlighting the factors driving sales demand and investor interest in Umhlanga.
Together, their insights reinforced the importance of investing in a product that reflects changing consumer expectations while being supported by an established hospitality brand.
Why Umhlanga?
Umhlanga is uniquely positioned to benefit from this trend. Its combination of tourism, business, entertainment, retail and coastal lifestyle appeal gives it a broad demand base. The area attracts holidaymakers, corporate travellers, families, professionals and longer-stay visitors, precisely the type of diverse audience that can support a serviced-apartment model.
Following yesterday’s discussion, the opportunity is therefore about more than owning property in a sought-after coastal location. Radisson Serviced Apartments represents an opportunity to invest in an internationally relevant hospitality model within one of South Africa’s most dynamic destinations. The rooftop area will be a prominent highlight of the development, as it is positioned to be a premium venue in the Umhlanga area overlooking the coastline. Featuring a bar and pool, the rooftop will also serve as a social spot for guests and visitors.
As the global serviced-apartment sector continues to mature, Umhlanga has the potential to become an increasingly important market within that story and Radisson Serviced Apartments is well placed to be part of it. Launching this Saturday, 15 August 2026 at 9am.
The depictions referenced here are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without notice. E&OE.
