The property developer's student accommodation on Umgudulu Road.
Image: Chumani Mazwi
A PROPERTY developer in Reservoir Hills has defended her growing student accommodation portfolio, insisting that her developments were fully compliant with zoning regulations and was beneficial to both students and the surrounding community.
The developer, who asked to remain anonymous, said her properties had been officially rezoned for student accommodation due to its proximity to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
“There is absolutely nothing wrong. This place has been rezoned now for student accommodation because it is so close to the university. The neighbours are up in arms, but they cannot stop it,” she said.
The developer owns seven properties in Reservoir Hills, including sites along Varsity Drive, Morale Road and Umgudulu Road.
Together, they accommodate about 500 students.
Her newest development, which began construction in November 2024, will house between 140 and 150 students once fully occupied.
The units are configured in one-, two- and three-bedroomed layouts, arranged in separate blocks.
Rental rates range between R4 000 and R4 500 per month for privately-funded students.
However, most of her tenants are placed directly through university contracts.
“I do not deal with walk-ins. It is direct contracts with the university.”
The property developer's student new accommodation on Morale Road.
Image: Chumani Mazwi
The accommodation includes wi-fi and other essential services, as required under university partnership agreements.
The business was originally started 14 years ago by her late husband. After his death from Covid-19 in 2020, she inherited the developments and now managed them alone.
“When he closed his eyes, I lost it for one year. I did not do anything. The man who started this vision was not there any more. I did not feel like carrying on.”
She said university officials gave her time to complete projects which were already in the pipeline.
“The plans were done. I had to complete them. I could not just sit with empty buildings.”
The new Varsity Drive student accommodation development, showing the building's close proximity to the neighbour.
Image: Chumani Mazwi
However, she said tensions with some residents had flared over the years.
The developer acknowledged that student protests could occur, particularly during service delivery issues such as water or electricity outages.
“For the past two days, we had a power outage. Students were about to protest. But I told them it was not me. We all have to follow what the municipality says. Once you comply with everything, they do not protest.”
She also claimed that some neighbours preferred to reject rather than engage landlords directly over grievances.
“Instead of coming to the landlord and saying, ‘This is my grievance', they just go and protest. But now most of them have come to terms with it. They have no choice.”
In fact, she said, attitudes had shifted over time.
“My neighbours now tell me, ‘Your student houses are so beautiful, better than some of the houses in the neighbourhood.’"
While some residents have argued that student housing lowered property values, the developer disputed this.
“They say it is devalued, but when they want to sell, they want a higher value. Now it has turned in their favour.”
The property developer's new student accommodation on Varsity Drive.
Image: Chumani Mazwi
She noted that many houses in the area had been converted informally into student rentals, with garages and outbuildings accommodating tenants.
“Mine is proper student accommodation. It is just more visible because of the colour.”
However, she said rising property prices had discouraged further expansion.
“Now when people want to sell, they raise their prices because they think we are desperate. I am not buying any more.”
Despite the challenges, she believed student accommodation in Reservoir Hills was now an established part of the local economy.
“We saw the business opportunity and we took it. It is not just me. Many people here are doing student accommodation. It is just that mine is more evident.”
With her latest development nearing completion, she says she is focused on maintaining standards rather than expanding further.
“I am completing this one, and that is it,” she said.