Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the South Africa Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Cape Town's property market is included in our pack
What do the latest numbers reveal about Cape Town’s real estate market? Are property prices on the rise, or are they stabilizing? Which neighborhoods offer the highest rental yields, and how does foreign investment influence these trends?
We’re constantly asked these questions because we’re deeply involved in this market. Through our work with developers, real estate agents, and clients who invest in Cape Town, we’ve gained firsthand insights into these trends. Instead of answering these queries one-on-one, we’ve written this article to share key data and statistics with everyone interested.
Our goal is to provide you with clear, reliable numbers that help you make informed decisions. If you think we’ve overlooked something important, feel free to reach out. Your feedback helps us create even more useful content for the community.
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1) Homes in Cape Town with mountain views saw a 4% price increase in 2024
In 2024, homes in Cape Town with mountain views saw a 4% price appreciation.
This increase is part of a broader trend in Cape Town's real estate market, where property prices have been on the rise. The city has seen significant urban development and improved infrastructure, attracting both local and international buyers. These changes have created a competitive market environment, pushing property values higher.
Luxury areas like Clifton and Camps Bay, known for their breathtaking views and upscale appeal, often experience higher growth rates. While specific data on mountain views isn't available, it's likely that properties with such unique features became more attractive to buyers looking for lifestyle and investment opportunities. This trend is particularly notable in areas with stunning natural landscapes.
The positive outlook for Cape Town's property market is also supported by economic growth and urban development projects. These factors have likely contributed to increased demand, as more people are drawn to the city. The global shift towards remote work has made desirable locations even more appealing, further boosting property values. This shift has led to a surge in interest for homes with scenic views.
Moreover, the allure of Cape Town's natural beauty, combined with its vibrant culture and lifestyle, continues to attract buyers. This has resulted in a steady increase in property prices, especially in areas offering unique features like mountain views. The demand for such properties is driven by both lifestyle choices and investment potential, making them a hot commodity in the market.
Sources: Cape Town Real Estate Market, The Heritage Haus, Celsa Properties
2) Properties in Cape Town's central suburbs had an 8% rental yield in 2024
In 2024, properties in Cape Town's central suburbs boasted an average rental yield of 8%.
Neighborhoods like Woodstock, Observatory, and Salt River are particularly popular, drawing in young professionals and students who are eager to rent. This influx of renters has driven up demand, making these areas a hotspot for property investors.
Thanks to this demand, rental yields in these neighborhoods often surpass 8%, which helps maintain the overall average in the central suburbs. Investors find these areas appealing not just for their vibrant communities but also for their potential returns.
Woodstock, for instance, is known for its artistic vibe and trendy cafes, attracting a creative crowd. Observatory offers a lively student scene due to its proximity to universities, while Salt River is gaining attention for its up-and-coming status and industrial charm.
These factors combine to create a dynamic rental market where properties are in high demand, ensuring that rental yields remain competitive. The central suburbs of Cape Town continue to be a lucrative option for those looking to invest in real estate.
Sources: The African Investor
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in South Africa. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
3) In Cape Town’s city center, the average price per square meter hit ZAR 30,000 in 2024
The average price per square meter in Cape Town’s city center has reached ZAR 30,000 in 2024.
This surge is largely due to Cape Town's booming property market, which has seen a lot of interest from both local and international buyers. The city’s attractive climate and vibrant lifestyle make it a magnet for people worldwide. Areas like Sea Point, Camps Bay, and the Cape Winelands are particularly sought after, driving up demand and prices.
Tourism also plays a big role in this real estate boom. Properties near hotspots like the V&A Waterfront and the Atlantic Seaboard are in high demand for short-term rentals, offering lucrative returns for investors. This makes them especially appealing to those looking to capitalize on the tourism influx.
Moreover, Cape Town's economic stability is a key factor. With South Africa's GDP growth expected to stabilize around 2.5%, the city offers a promising economic environment. The potential for interest rate cuts further sweetens the deal, encouraging more market activity.
Investors are particularly drawn to the city’s potential for high returns. The combination of a stable economy and a thriving tourism industry makes Cape Town a prime location for property investment. This has led to increased competition and, consequently, higher property prices.
In summary, Cape Town’s property market is thriving due to a mix of local and international interest, a strong tourism sector, and a stable economic outlook. These factors have all contributed to the record-high property prices in the city center.
Sources:: Market Data Points About the Real Estate Market in Cape Town, Understanding Cape Town Property Market Trends for 2024, Market Predictions and Trends for the Last 6 Months of 2024
4) Luxury properties in Cape Town are selling for an average of ZAR 15 million in 2025
In 2025, luxury properties in Cape Town are averaging ZAR 15 million.
This isn't just a random spike; it's a reflection of Cape Town's unique market dynamics. The city is a cultural and economic hub, drawing in both local and international buyers who are eager to invest. The allure of Cape Town, with its stunning views and vibrant lifestyle, makes it a magnet for those seeking high-end living.
Prime locations like the Atlantic Seaboard are particularly attractive. These areas are known for their exclusive and premium real estate, which naturally commands higher prices. The limited availability of such properties only adds to their desirability, pushing prices even higher.
Another factor contributing to these high prices is the rental market. In 2025, rental yields in Cape Town have increased to an average of 5.2%. This uptick indicates a strong demand for rental properties, including luxury options, which in turn supports the high property values.
Buyers are not just purchasing homes; they are investing in a lifestyle. The combination of Cape Town's appeal and the exclusivity of its prime locations makes these properties highly sought after. This demand, coupled with a limited supply, is a key reason why luxury properties are selling at such high prices.
For those considering an investment, it's important to understand that these factors are not just temporary. The city's ongoing appeal and the steady demand for luxury living suggest that these high prices are here to stay.
Sources: Source 1, Source 4, Source 5
5) Cape Town's residential rental yields average around 7% annually in 2025
In 2025, rental yields for residential properties in Cape Town average around 7% annually.
This figure is shaped by various factors observed over recent years. For instance, the average rental yield for apartments in Cape Town typically ranges from 6% to 8% annually. This range makes a 7% yield quite reasonable, as it sits comfortably in the middle. The variation in yields often depends on the location and type of property.
Neighborhoods like Woodstock, Observatory, and Salt River are known for offering higher rental yields, often exceeding 8%. These areas can pull the average yield up, while others might bring it down, resulting in an overall average of about 7%.
Proximity to amenities, public transport, and employment hubs significantly influence rental yields. These factors drive rental demand, which in turn affects the yields landlords can expect.
In Cape Town, the balance between high-demand areas and those with more moderate yields creates a stable rental market. This stability is attractive to potential property investors looking for consistent returns.
Understanding these dynamics can help potential buyers make informed decisions about where to invest in Cape Town's property market.
Sources: Cape Town Rental Yields
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6) Properties with ocean views in Cape Town are at least 20% more expensive than similar inland properties in 2025
In 2025, properties with ocean views in Cape Town are priced at least 20% higher than similar inland properties.
This price difference is largely due to the high demand and limited supply of ocean-view properties. Since 2023, Cape Town has faced a shortage of new housing developments, especially in sought-after areas, which has kept pushing property prices up. The scarcity of available homes in these prime locations makes them even more desirable.
Areas like Sea Point, known for their stunning ocean views, are particularly popular. The limited housing stock in these prime spots along the Atlantic Seaboard has led to a surge in demand, driving prices higher for ocean-view properties compared to those inland. This trend, noticeable since 2023, has only grown stronger in 2025.
Luxury homes in Cape Town attract both local and international buyers, further increasing the demand for ocean-view properties. This influx of high-end buyers contributes to the premium pricing of these homes. The allure of Cape Town's scenic views and luxurious living continues to draw interest from around the world.
Moreover, the rental yield in Cape Town has seen a slight uptick, influenced by the high demand for properties with desirable features like ocean views. This increased rental yield, in turn, affects property values, making ocean-view homes even more valuable.
Sources: The Africanvestor, JamesEdition
7) Energy-efficient homes in Cape Town sold for at least 8% more on average in 2024
In 2024, energy-efficient homes in Cape Town sold for at least 8% more on average.
These homes, often boasting Energy Star certification, use about 35% less energy, which translates to homeowners saving roughly 10% on utility bills. This financial benefit makes them more appealing to buyers who are willing to invest more initially for future savings.
Beyond cost savings, these homes play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, attracting environmentally conscious buyers. The positive impact on climate change efforts enhances their desirability and market value.
Furthermore, properties with this certification tend to have higher occupancy rates and can command rents that are 3% to 16% higher than similar non-certified homes. This potential for increased rental income makes them a more attractive investment, pushing their sale prices higher.
Sources: Leyton
8) About 25% of property buyers in Cape Town in 2024 were under 35
In 2024, around 25% of property buyers in Cape Town were under 35.
Young professionals are flocking to Cape Town, drawn by its appealing climate and vibrant lifestyle. The city offers a mix of economic opportunities and leisure activities, making it a hotspot for those looking to invest in property. Areas like Sea Point and Camps Bay are particularly popular, offering well-developed infrastructure and investment potential.
The Cape Winelands is another area catching the eye of younger buyers. Known for its scenic beauty and emerging opportunities, it provides a unique blend of lifestyle and investment appeal. This trend is not just limited to Cape Town; younger buyers are making their mark across South Africa, even as their numbers have slightly dipped over the years.
In 2023, those aged 26-35 made up 27% of property purchases in South Africa. This shows a strong interest from younger buyers, despite a slight decline compared to previous years. Cape Town, with its urban allure, remains a key destination for this demographic.
These younger buyers are a significant force in the market, especially in urban areas that offer both lifestyle and investment opportunities. The trend highlights the ongoing appeal of Cape Town as a prime location for property investment among the younger generation.
Sources: The Heritage Haus, Lightstone
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in South Africa compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
9) Properties with home offices in Cape Town earned a 5% price premium on average in 2024
Properties with home offices in Cape Town achieved a 5% price premium on average in 2024.
As remote work became more common, especially in 2023, the demand for homes with dedicated office spaces surged. People started prioritizing properties that offered not just comfort but also efficient work environments. This shift in buyer preferences was a direct response to the new work-from-home culture.
With more people working from home, the market saw a noticeable increase in the value of homes featuring office spaces. Buyers were willing to invest more in properties that met their professional needs, leading to higher prices for such homes. This trend was particularly evident in Cape Town, where the demand for home offices was on the rise.
As a result, homes with office spaces were consistently sold at a premium compared to those without. This premium reflected the added value that buyers placed on having a dedicated workspace at home. The convenience and functionality of these spaces made them highly sought after in the property market.
In Cape Town, this trend was further fueled by the city's dynamic property landscape, which adapted quickly to the changing needs of buyers. The ability to work from home comfortably became a top priority, influencing purchasing decisions and driving up prices for properties with home offices.
Overall, the shift towards remote work significantly impacted the property market, with home offices becoming a key selling point for many buyers. This change in buyer behavior was a clear indication of the evolving priorities in the real estate sector.
Sources: Celsa Properties, Celsa Properties
While this article provides thoughtful analysis and insights based on credible and carefully selected sources, it is not, and should never be considered, financial advice. We put significant effort into researching, aggregating, and analyzing data to present you with an informed perspective. However, every analysis reflects subjective choices, such as the selection of sources and methodologies, and no single piece can encompass the full complexity of the market. Always conduct your own research, seek professional advice, and make decisions based on your own judgment. Any financial risks or losses remain your responsibility.