Cape Town's residential market has been showing remarkable resilience, with Rondebosch standing out as one of the city's most sought-after suburbs.
Buyers from across the country are drawn to the area not just for its investment potential, but also for the unique lifestyle it offers.
Jane Stirton and Lynne Baker, partner area specialists for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, said there are several compelling reasons that 54% of the existing owners have owned their properties for 11 years or longer.
Also, some 60% of recent sellers are empty-nesters and retirees over that age of 50, most having lived in Rondebosch throughout their children’s school years.
“Over and above Rondebosch being a leafy, tranquil suburb with lovely homes, one of its biggest drawcards is that it’s conveniently located only 15 minutes from the CBD as well as being perfectly situated in the catchment area for some of the country’s best schools and is also a stone’s throw from the University of Cape Town.”
Another aspect that enhances its appeal is the wide range of properties available to suit different budgets.
“The Silwood Road area, flanked by Milner and Campground Roads, is regarded as the most sought-after of the three nodes in Rondebosch and is home to many of the most impressive period homes in the area, typified by large, established gardens.”
The suburb offers an even split between freehold and sectional title homes, providing opportunities for first-time buyers to enter this desirable market, as well as catering to those seeking the convenience of a lock-up-and-go lifestyle in an upscale suburban setting.
“At the entry level, studio and one-bedroom flats start at around R1.2 million all the way up to around R6.5 million for a spacious, modern luxury apartment. If you can find one, two-bedroom houses start at around R2.4 million with the R4 million to R7 million price band being the most active.
"And at the top end of the market are the four to six-bedroom homes in the most upmarket areas which are priced between R8 million and R17 million."
The older apartments are especially in demand as the proportions are substantially more generous and they tend to be really well built, having stood the test of time, said Stirton and Baker, adding that these properties are usually snapped up as soon as they come onto the market.
In recent years, the suburb has seen significant development, with new blocks being constructed in Rondebosch village and several older homes with Grade 4 listings being replaced by new developments.
“The demolition of heritage homes has been contested by local residents, but the city’s planning policy is one of densification and so ‘progress and development’ have forged ahead in an effort to meet the ongoing demand for property in the area.
“Therefore, from an investment perspective, it’s also an excellent location for short and long-term returns as there is a high demand in the rental sector for family homes and, as student numbers have increased exponentially, demand suitable student accommodation at a premium.”
According to Lightstone data, the median property prices have steadily increased since 2020, when the median house price was R4.1 million. The current median price is R5.157m, representing a 25.8% rise in value over just four years.
However, Stirton and Baker believe that what truly distinguishes Rondebosch is its strong sense of community, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare these days.
“It’s a suburb where family and community always come first, and residents are passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all. From school events to neighbourhood watch initiatives, the community here is deeply invested in the well-being and safety of its residents.”
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