Cape Town’s residential market is thriving and certain suburbs have become the go-to areas for those wanting to rent a home. A growing number of young professionals are choosing to live in the CBD at the heart of this happening city, walking to work and enjoying the cosmopolitan urban lifestyle.
The beautiful views over the city to Table Mountain or towards Lion’s Head and Signal Hill are a big attraction, as is the easy access to the mountain itself. There are trails that go deep into nature, within minutes of leaving the streets of Vredehoek, Oranjezicht or Tamboerskloof, allowing residents to combine inner-city living with energetic walks, runs or bike rides.
From apartments to houses and properties in complexes, Private Property data reveals that these are the most popular suburbs, along with the rental prices in them.
1. Durbanville Central
Durbanville has the attractions of a small town, with a slower pace and quieter atmosphere, while being only 25 minutes from the city centre. The suburb typically attracts young families as there are good schools nearby. Durbanville is surrounded by award-winning wine farms and great picnic spots where the beautiful views of the valley can be enjoyed.
Median Prices
House: R16 000
Flat: R7 825
Complex: R13 000
View properties available in Durbanville here
2. Parklands
As one of the fastest growing residential areas in the Western Cape, this suburb is just 15 minutes from Cape Town and boasts scenic views of the Atlantic coastline. Parklands has an abundance of modern homes and retains a beach lifestyle, with holidaymakers in the summer.
Median Prices
House: R14 000
Flat: R8 000
Complex: R10 500
View properties available in Parklands here
3. Woodstock
Woodstock is the definition of urban chic, with its lively energy combined with vibrant and diverse culture. It’s conveniently located near the city centre, and key attractions, so residents can experience a suburban life near the hum of the city. One of the main reasons this area is growing in popularity is due to the combination of residentials, light industrial, creative and social uses of space.
Median Prices
House: R15 000
Flat: R10 500
Complex: R14 250
View properties available in Woodstock here
4. Kenilworth
Kenilworth is one of the most sought after addresses in the Southern Suburbs. Peaceful, quiet and leafy, the Southern Suburbs are seen by many as the perfect place to bring up children. This suburb boasts luxury homes, near historic wine estates with fine dining hot spots scattered all over.
Median Prices
House: R19 550
Flat: R11 500
Complex: R13 000
View properties available in Kenilworth here
5. Burgundy Estate
Burgundy Estate allows residents to live on the outskirts of the city, and escape into nature at a moment’s notice, yet still be within easy reach of the CBD and all Cape Town’s attractions. The suburb backs onto the fynbos and farmland of the western slopes of Tygerberg Hill, and offers the ideal outdoor lifestyle, including canoeing, hiking and running trails, and different sports.
Median Prices
House: R14 500
Flat: R8 800
Complex: R13 000
View properties available in Burgundy Estate
6. Vredehoek
With stunning views, the mountain on your doorstep and a laid back local café culture, Vredehoek is quietly rising in popularity with those in the know. Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, this neighbourhood is a quiet residential suburb with a short commute to work. The area is also a young neighbourhood with a laid back café culture and a friendly, funky vibe.
Median Prices
House: R24 500
Flat: R15 500
Complex: R22 000
View properties available in Vredehoek here
7. Observatory
This neighbourhood enjoys a birds-eye view of the city, with well constructed and maintained homes. Much of the area has been boomed off, making it a more secure area to stay. There are various upmarket amenities, quality schools and interesting attractions nearby.
Median Prices
House: R12 000
Flat: R12 000
Complex: R35 000
View homes available in Observatory here
8. Gardens
Urban and vibrant, Gardens is as close to the city centre as you can get and still be counted as a suburb. The lively cafe culture of Gardens’ Kloof Street seamlessly segues into the nightlife of Long Street and the hip restaurant scene on Bree. This proximity to the hum of the city is a big part of the attraction for the young professionals who make Gardens their home.
Median Prices
House: R27 000
Flat: R13 000
Complex: R26 000
View homes available in Gardens
9. Wynberg
This area is home to one of the largest collections of historic properties in SA. For those seeking something more spacious, Wynberg doesn’t fail to deliver. This suburb allows residents to enjoy all the perks of contemporary city life, including quality schools, upmarket retail outlets, B&B’s and good arterial roads for easy inner city and beach access.
Median Prices
House: R15 000
Flat: R9 750
Complex: R18 000
View properties available in Wynberg here
10. Brackenfell Central
This area offers a variety of property types, from affordable apartments, to homes in secure complexes, to freestanding townhouses. The public transport system in this area is efficient, and allows for easy commuting. It is close enough to commute into city centre – yet far enough to maintain a sense of suburban atmosphere.
Median Prices
House: R13 500
Flat: R6 800
Complex: R9 900
View homes available in Brackenfell here
Background: This report is compiled using search activity and median asking prices of residential properties listings on Private Property’s website in February 2019. To maintain consistency over time and assist comparison between areas, data is only presented for areas with 50 or more listed properties and grouped by the following common attributes of residential properties in South Africa: • type (houses, complexes or flats).
Some effort is also made to exclude outliers from the analysis. A feature of Private Property’s Report is that it provides insights based on current asking prices rather than the eventual rental prices of property transactions. This is an important distinction, as the two measures provide slightly different insights into the property market.