Howick

Howick at a glance

Howick is an established town in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, located between Hilton and Nottingham Road along the N3 corridor. It offers a balanced lifestyle that combines natural surroundings with strong local services. Property in Howick ranges from family homes and estates to retirement and lifestyle developments, appealing to families, retirees, and professionals seeking space, greenery, and everyday convenience.\ \ Overview of Howick

Howick is one of the Midlands’ most settled and well-supported towns. It has grown steadily while retaining a strong community feel and close connection to its natural environment. The town functions as a residential and service hub for surrounding suburbs, estates,** and rural areas.

Location and Accessibility

Howick is positioned on the N3 between Hilton and Nottingham Road, making it easily accessible from Pietermaritzburg and Durban. This location supports both daily commuting and longer-distance travel.

Typical travel times include:

  • Pietermaritzburg – approximately 20 to 25 minutes
  • Hilton – approximately 10 minutes
  • Durban – approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

Lifestyle and Environment

Howick is closely associated with the natural landscape of the Midlands. The town is home to the well-known Howick Falls, located near the town centre and forming part of everyday life for residents.

Outdoor recreation is a strong part of the local lifestyle. The surrounding Karkloof area offers established walking, trail running, and mountain-biking routes through indigenous forest and farmland. Midmar Dam, located a short drive from the town, provides opportunities for boating, paddling, fishing, and open-water swimming.

Howick also serves as a central access point to the Midlands Meander, a well-known network of farm stalls, craft studios, food producers, and family attractions that contribute to the area’s relaxed, rural character.

Property Types and Market Profile

Property in Howick is diverse and accommodates a wide range of buyers. Options typically include:

  • Established family homes in long-standing suburbs
  • Secure estates and gated communities
  • Retirement and lifestyle developments
  • Lock-up-and-go townhouses and complexes

Demand remains consistent, supported by affordability relative to larger cities, generous property sizes, and the area’s strong community appeal.

Community and Services

Howick offers a full range of everyday services, including retail centres, medical facilities, and professional services. It serves as a practical base for families and retirees who want access to amenities without the scale and congestion of a large city.

Educational options in and around Howick are a key drawcard, with a mix of local schools and access to well-regarded Midlands institutions within a comfortable drive.\ \ Attractions

The area offers several well-known natural and cultural attractions. These include the 95-metre Howick Falls in the centre of town, the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve with its walking trails and wildlife, and the Karkloof Nature Reserve, known for mountain-biking, forests, and birdlife. The Karkloof Canopy Tour provides a popular treetop zipline experience, while the Midlands Meander offers artisan food, craft shops, and weekend exploring. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Museum is a significant heritage landmark, and the Howick Museum and Falls Precinct offer insight into the region’s history.

Schools

  • Global Training - 0.22km
  • Thembelihle Primary School - 0.35km
  • Elim Pre Primary School - 0.35km
  • Heritage House Preschool - 0.39km
  • Howick Methodist Church Thembilihle Pre School - 0.77km
  • Dolphin Play School - 0.89km
  • Howick Pre-Primary School - 1.18km
  • Howick Preparatory School - 1.23km
  • Daisy Dooalot Sewing School - 1.35km
  • Howick High School - 1.36km
  • Mourema Computer Training Centre - 1.45km
  • Injoloba Secondary School - 1.67km
  • Nogqaza Primary School - 1.89km

Shops

  • Convenience Shopping Centre - 0.82km
  • White House Shopping Centre - 0.96km
  • Stocklands Centre - 1.07km

Who Buys in Howick?

  • Families seeking space, schooling, and a safe environment
  • Retirees looking for peaceful living with good services nearby
  • Professionals commuting to Hilton or Pietermaritzburg
  • Buyers relocating from Gauteng or coastal cities
  • Lifestyle buyers drawn to outdoor activity and community living
  • Howick is less suited to buyers wanting high-density urban living or remote rural isolation.

Buying Property in Howick

Buying in Howick requires an understanding of neighbourhood differences, estate regulations, and long-term suitability. Our team works closely with buyers and sellers across Howick and the surrounding Midlands, providing guidance tailored to each property type and lifestyle need.

For a clear overview of the buying process, refer to our R&R Real Estate Buyer’s Guide.

Latest Properties in Howick
R 2,650,000
Just Listed
6
2.5
169m²
House for sale in Karkloof
Your Private Sanctuary: A Escape At Mbona Nature Reserve, Karkloof(50% Share)
Escape city noise to Mbona Nature Reserve, waking to emerald hills and dam views; enjoy a roaring wood-burning fireplace, private fire pit, fly-fishing and six-bedroom thatched cottage.
R 13,500,000
Just Listed
Video Tour
5
5
2
600m²
28.8,024ha
Farm for sale in Howick Rural
Smallholding With Two Homes In Curry’s Post, Howick
Embrace Midlands Meander country living near Howick with dual homes on 28ha of flat land, a 250m² stable block and manicured garden featuring a covered braai entertainment area.
R 2,550,000
Just Listed
2
1
1
1
112m²
Townhouse for sale in St Johns Village
Modern Semi-detached Townhouse In St Johns Village, Howick
Effortless lock-up-and-go living in The Orchards, St Johns Village with an enclosed patio opening to a private fenced garden and entertainment area. One bedroom plus study, one bath, single garage.
R 1,350,000
Just Listed
3
2
1
126m²
3,132m²
Townhouse for sale in Howick North
Facebrick Townhouse In Howick North With Room To Add Value
Peaceful lock-up-and-go lifestyle in sought-after Howick North, walking distance to Checkers, hospital and schools. Wrap-around private garden for kids and braais; three bedrooms, two bathrooms, single garage.
R 655,000
Just Listed
Development
1,092m²
Vacant Land Residential for sale in Merrivale Heights
Vacant Land For Sale In Merrivale Heights, Howick – Birnamwood Eco Village
Embrace sustainable country living at Birnamwood Eco Village in Merrivale Heights, Howick — gated, HOA-managed, with panoramic Midlands views, space for a private garden and solar-ready home.
R 550,000
Just Listed
954m²
Vacant Land Residential for sale in Greendale
Prime Opportunity On Howick’s Main Artery
Launch your business in bustling Howick, close to shops and commuters, with prime main-road frontage and strong rezoning potential — 954 m² development-ready stand.
R 9,800 / month
Just Listed
2
2
1
1
119m²
Townhouse to rent in Howick North
Townhouse, In A Well-established Complex In Howick North
Sunlit, easy-living north-facing home set in a peaceful mature garden, with enclosed year-round patio overlooking greenery, separate kitchen with scullery, two beds, two baths and garage.
R 5,200,000
Just Listed
4
3
2
1
4.469m²
House for sale in Howick Rural
Lifestyle Smallholding With River Frontage Near Howick
Country lifestyle minutes from Howick with direct Umgeni River frontage, undercover veranda and equestrian facilities; four-bedroom main house plus separate two-bedroom cottage and double garage.
R 5,250,000
Just Listed
4
2.5
2
2.2ha
House for sale in Sakabula Golf & Country Estate
Luxury Family Home In Sakabula Estate
Relaxed family living with golf-course views in popular Sakabula Estate, secure Midlands location. Open-plan layout, modern kitchen with island, covered patio and flexible room. Four beds, 2.5 baths, double garage.