Why Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) Still Shines in 2025
Port Elizabeth — or Gqeberha — remains one of South Africa’s most liveable coastal cities. It offers a relaxed seaside lifestyle, affordable property prices compared to Cape Town or Durban, and excellent schools, shopping, and healthcare.
In 2025, the property market shows mixed signals: some areas are seeing strong buyer demand and rising prices, while others remain steady but more price-sensitive. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, the suburb you choose can make all the difference.
This updated 2025 guide explores the best suburbs to live in Port Elizabeth, based on current sales activity, lifestyle appeal, and long-term value.
Quick Market Snapshot (October 2025)
According to the latest sales data and market listings:
- Demand remains strongest in Summerstrand, Mill Park, Walmer, Sunridge Park, Fernglen, and Lorraine.
- Family suburbs with good schools are holding their value best.
- Coastal and holiday-friendly areas like Summerstrand and Humewood attract seasonal buyers and investors.
- Affordability zones like Lorraine and Fernglen continue to draw first-time buyers and young families.
Sellers who price realistically and invest in professional marketing continue to achieve faster sales and better results.
Top Suburbs to Live in Port Elizabeth in 2025
1. Summerstrand — Beachfront Lifestyle and Holiday Rental Heaven
Why it stands out: Summerstrand is the city’s premier coastal suburb, offering beaches, cafes, and a resort-style atmosphere. It’s popular with families, retirees, and short-term rental investors.
2025 trends:
- Consistent demand for beachfront apartments and modern family homes.
- High interest from out-of-town buyers during the December holiday season.
- Premium listings with sea views achieve the best results.
Best for: Lifestyle buyers and investors.
Seller tip: Use professional photography, highlight ocean views, and boost online exposure ahead of the holidays.
2. Mill Park — Prestige, Character and Timeless Value
Why it stands out: Mill Park is known for its large, leafy plots, character-filled homes, and quiet streets. It’s one of the city’s most desirable and stable suburbs.
2025 trends:
- Limited stock — homes sell quickly when priced right.
- Consistent demand from professionals and families seeking charm and central location.
Best for: Buyers who appreciate heritage homes and established gardens.
Seller tip: Highlight plot size, mature trees, and proximity to top schools.
3. Walmer — Family-Friendly and Convenient
Why it stands out: Walmer offers a balanced mix of lifestyle and convenience, close to schools, shopping, and restaurants. It’s one of the most sought-after family suburbs in the city.
2025 trends:
- Steady sales and consistent buyer activity.
- Top-performing streets near schools and shopping centres.
Best for: Families and long-term homeowners.
Seller tip: Highlight lifestyle perks like nearby parks, schools, and shopping centres.
4. Sunridge Park — Suburban Comfort and Community Feel
Why it stands out: Sunridge Park offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with the Sunridge Village Centre at its heart — perfect for families who value community and convenience.
2025 trends:
- Active resale market, especially for renovated family homes.
- Properties priced between R1.5 million and R3 million sell fastest.
- Strong sense of neighbourhood and family living.
Best for: Families and professionals.
Seller tip: Invest in upgrades (kitchens, bathrooms, security) — buyers in 2025 are prioritising “move-in ready” homes.
5. Fernglen — Space, Flexibility and Great Value
Why it stands out: Fernglen offers larger stands and homes with flatlets — perfect for families, investors, or multi-generational living.
2025 trends:
- Buyers are drawn to properties with solar panels, boreholes, and dual-living options.
- Larger homes offer strong value for money compared to central suburbs.
Best for: Families needing extra space or investors seeking rental potential.
Seller tip: Emphasize modern upgrades and additional income potential from flatlets.
6. Lorraine — Affordable Growth Hub
Why it stands out: Lorraine is one of Port Elizabeth’s fastest-growing affordable suburbs. It’s a favourite for first-time buyers and young families.
2025 trends:
- Strong activity from buyers looking under R2 million.
- Several new developments driving local growth.
Best for: Entry-level buyers and investors.
Seller tip: Price aggressively and market the property with modern visuals to stand out from new developments.
7. Humewood, Mount Croix and Glendinningvale — Central and Coastal Balance
Why they stand out: These smaller pockets blend coastal living with city convenience — ideal for professionals, students, or those who want quick access to beaches and the CBD.
2025 trends:
- Growing rental demand near schools and universities.
- Affordable alternatives to premium coastal suburbs.
Best for: Buyers seeking location convenience without high premiums.
Buyer Profiles — Which Suburb Fits You?
| Buyer Type | Best Suburbs | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families with school-age children | Walmer, Mill Park, Sunridge Park | Great schools, safe streets, family amenities |
| Lifestyle and holiday buyers | Summerstrand, Humewood | Coastal access, strong rental potential |
| First-time buyers | Lorraine, Fernglen | Affordable entry prices, value growth |
| Investors | Fernglen, Summerstrand | Dual-living and rental demand |
| Downsizers | Mill Park, Walmer | Peaceful, established areas |
Seller Tips for 2025
- Price based on recent sold data – Overpricing remains the biggest reason homes sit unsold.
- Invest in professional marketing – High-quality photos, video tours, and premium listings get two to three times more buyer inquiries.
- Allocate a marketing budget –
- Paid exposure on Property24 and Private Property
- Social media advertising (Facebook and Google)
- Targeted holiday campaigns (especially for Summerstrand homes)
- Consider a sole mandate – This gives your agent confidence to invest heavily in marketing while still allowing other agents to bring buyers.
- Time your listing – Coastal suburbs see the most buyer activity between November and February when visitors are in town.
Marketing Insights – What We Invest When You Give Us a Sole Mandate
At Louw Lochner Properties, we don’t just list homes — we market them.
With a sole mandate, we invest directly into:
- Professional photography and drone video
- Premium Property24 and Private Property listings
- Paid Facebook and Google Ads
- Custom “For Sale” boards and digital brochures
- Direct marketing to our database of qualified buyers
These strategies cost thousands of rands per campaign, but they get your home seen by the right audience and deliver faster, higher offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which suburb is best for families in 2025?
A: Walmer, Mill Park, and Sunridge Park stand out for their schools, family amenities, and long-term value.
Q: Is Summerstrand still a good investment?
A: Yes. It continues to perform strongly for holiday rentals and lifestyle buyers.
Q: Where should first-time buyers look?
A: Lorraine and Fernglen offer the best balance of affordability and growth potential.
Q: When is the best time to sell?
A: The November to February summer period is ideal, especially for coastal and family homes when buyers are most active.
Final Thoughts
Port Elizabeth continues to deliver one of South Africa’s most balanced property markets — combining affordability, lifestyle, and investment potential. Whether you’re selling a family home in Walmer or looking to buy in Summerstrand or Lorraine, the opportunities are strong heading into 2026.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation valuation of your property or help finding the perfect home, contact Louw Lochner Properties today.
