Selling in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs? Here’s why the market is still on your side.
Cape Town's Southern Suburbs have long been one of the city's most desirable areas to live. With beautiful homes, spacious properties, established neighbourhoods and the iconic mountain as a backdrop, it's easy to understand why. As a result, there is an ongoing demand for quality real estate.
Storm MacLennan, Head of Sales at Jawitz Properties Southern Suburbs, shares his insights into what's driving demand in the area and why so many buyers continue to choose the Southern Suburbs.
The current state of the residential property market in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs
“The market remains active, but it is selective,” explains MacLennan. “Active buyers are not chasing every property, but rather competing for homes that are well positioned, properly presented and realistically priced.”
Buyers continue to be drawn to the Southern Suburbs for its excellent schools, established infrastructure and easy access to hospitals, universities, business hubs and lifestyle amenities. This demand is particularly evident in established family neighbourhoods such as Newlands, Rondebosch, Claremont Upper, Constantia, Bergvliet, Meadowridge and Tokai, where quality homes remain in short supply.
Lightstone data supports what buyers and sellers are experiencing on the ground. Property transfers in Newlands have declined since 2024, with Constantia, Tokai and Bergvliet showing similar trends, reinforcing the limited supply of homes in these areas.
While semigration continues to bring buyers to the Southern Suburbs, it's only part of the story, with local buyers remaining just as active. MacLennan adds, “We are seeing strong local movement, with families upsizing, downsizing or moving closer to schools and work.”
Types of property in demand
Well-maintained three and four-bedroom family homes remain particularly sought after in the Southern Suburbs. “Properties with secure parking, outdoor space and good proximity to local schools are in high demand,” shares MacLennan. “We are also seeing strong demand for secure apartments, townhouses and properties with flexible accommodation such as a flatlet, work-from-home space or dual-living potential.”
While lifestyle factors are a significant driver behind property investments in the Southern Suburbs, MacLennan shares that buyer purchasing decisions are grounded in careful financial planning. “They want a home that will improve their quality of life, but they are also factoring in the various costs of homeownership, including bond repayments, rates and maintenance.”
Buyers are looking beyond today's purchase, choosing homes they believe will hold their value and remain in demand for years to come. “In the Southern Suburbs, lifestyle and investment value often support each other, because the same features that make an area desirable also help to sustain demand,” adds MacLennan.
Sellers need to be pricing realistically for today’s market
According to MacLennan, sellers often focus on asking prices in the area, how much a neighbour sold their property for or the amount that they have spent on renovations. “The biggest misconception is pricing according to what the seller wants, rather than what the market supports,” he observes. “The market looks at recent comparable sales, competing stock and the condition of the property. Putting your property on the market at a price that’s too high can hinder momentum and leave the property sitting on the market longer than necessary.”
Beyond pricing, MacLennan encourages sellers to focus on the things they can control in the current market, including presenting their home at its best, staying on top of maintenance and making it easy for buyers to view. “Poor presentation and unresolved maintenance issues can ultimately weaken the seller’s position, as can limiting viewing access,” he notes.
MacLennan encourages sellers to be intentional about how they take their property to market. Listing with multiple agencies can sometimes do more harm than good. “This can create confusion and reduce buyer confidence. Sellers should also ensure that building plans, title deed conditions and compliance matters are addressed early.”
For homeowners considering selling their Southern Suburbs property in the next six to 12 months, MacLennan's advice is simple: "Start preparing now. Take care of any visible maintenance, make sure your property documentation is in order and connect with your local property practitioner for a realistic market assessment."
Whether you're ready to sell or simply exploring your options, the team at Jawitz Properties Southern Suburbs is available to provide expert guidance and a realistic market assessment.