The best suburbs in Cape Town to buy property

Article summary

• Cape Town is an especially popular location in the post-pandemic world, as more people embrace the work-from-home lifestyle and seek homes in more scenic locations.
• The southern suburbs are recording the highest amount of sales and are ideal for family living.
• Northern suburbs such as Paarl offer affordable prices and safe living.
• The Atlantic Seaboard caters to the foreign market.

Cape Town remains a hub of new developments and one of the top suburbs to buy property in South Africa, for the following reasons:

• The post-pandemic world has only enhanced Cape Town’s appeal as more people embrace the work-from-home lifestyle and look to move to larger properties in more scenic areas.
• Retirement. South Africa’s population is living longer, seeking retirement estates that offer scenic views and an active lifestyle. Western Cape has overtaken Gauteng as the most popular retirement destination in South Africa.
• Families who have children at school are looking for a more relaxed lifestyle and the best suburbs to live in Cape Town for families.

Best suburbs in Cape Town

We’ve identified the following as suburbs ideal for snapping up properties:

1. Claremont (Southern Suburbs)
2. Newlands (Southern Suburbs)
3. Observatory (Southern Suburbs)
4. Paarl (Northern Suburbs)
5. Muizenberg (Southern Suburbs)
6. Hout Bay (Atlantic Seaboard)
7. Constantia (Southern Suburbs)
8. Camps Bay (Atlantic Seaboard)

1. Claremont

The Southern Suburbs, which include Claremont, Constantia and Muizenberg, have the highest recorded property sales, according to Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty agents. Claremont is one of the best places to live for families. It offers proximity to good schools, and Cavendish — one of Cape Town’s major shopping centres.

Average sale price R2 million — R3 million

2. Newlands

Student accommodation is a solid investment as students are returning to universities and demand is outstripping supply. Improved public transport has made it possible for students without cars to live further away from UCT than before, even as far as Newlands and Observatory.

Average sale price R5.5 million

3. Observatory

This suburb is benefitting from urban rejuvenation, improved public transport and a vibrant student scene that includes accommodation, restaurants and bars. It’s a suburb that was once unfashionable but is definitely on the rise.

Average sale price R2 million

4. Paarl

It may seem a bit far out, but Paarl offers the peace of a remote location while still providing easy access to the N1. You can be in Cape Town in 15 — 20 minutes. It offers proximity to good schools such as Paarl Boys, recreational activities such as Winelands and golf courses, and is one of the safest suburbs in Cape Town.

Average sale price R2 million

5. Muizenberg

Another once unfashionable location that is benefitting from urban rejuvenation and vibrant nightlife. Another good area for people looking to invest in student accommodation; and it offers a balance between peaceful coastal living and a short drive to CBD.

Average sale price R1.5 million

6. Hout Bay

One of the most affordable areas on the highly desirable Atlantic Seaboard, Hout Bay offers an active outdoor lifestyle, safe family living, and easy access to the coast and mountains. Demand for properties is currently exceeding supply, and a family friendly home with a swimming pool and proximity to schools can go for as little as R2 million.

Average sale price R2 to  R4 million

7. Constantia

Yet another southern suburb that is benefitting from high sales. Constantia is the ultimate destination for family living, with good schools, abundant greenery, lots of space and proximity to wine farms, mountains and Muizenberg Beach.

Average sale price R7.5 million

8. Camps Bay

One of the most expensive and luxurious areas Cape Town, so why is it included here? Well, if you invest in Camps Bay you’re aiming at the foreign market, which is one of Cape Town’s most dependable and lucrative markets. Camps Bay also appeals to South Africans looking to semi-migrate to coastal areas in the wake of the pandemic.

An expensive investment to be sure, but one that continues to produce healthy returns.

Average sale price R12 to R15 million

Make the home buying process easier by getting prequalified

If you’re looking to invest in property in Cape Town, it helps to get prequalified. Prequalification will give you an idea of what you can afford, so you can shop for a property with the certainty of knowing what your ideal price range is.

You can get prequalified by contacting an expert at ooba Home Loans or by using our free, online prequalification tool, the Bond Indicator.