The house that costs over R1.8 million a month in South Africa

·26 Jun 2026

A luxury home in Cape Town’s exclusive Bishopscourt suburb has been listed for R189 million, placing it among the most expensive residential properties currently on the South African market.

For anyone financing the purchase through a traditional home loan, the numbers are staggering. Based on a 20-year bond, monthly repayments would amount to approximately R1.89 million, excluding rates and taxes of around R18,315 per month.

Over the full loan term, total repayments would exceed R452.8 million, although properties in this price bracket are typically bought outright or with substantial deposits by ultra-high-net-worth buyers rather than financed over two decades.

Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Bishopscourt is ranked among Cape Town’s most prestigious residential suburbs.

The neighbourhood is known for its expansive homes, large gardens, tree-lined streets and prominent residents, including business leaders, diplomats and other high-profile figures.

The area originally formed part of the land owned by Jan van Riebeeck, but it only acquired its current name in 1851.

This was when the Colonial Bishoprics Fund purchased the property and established its headquarters there, naming it Bishopscourt.

Over the decades, it has developed into one of South Africa’s most sought-after residential addresses.

Among its well-known former residents was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who lived in the suburb while serving as the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town.

Businessman Patrice Motsepe has also owned property in the area after purchasing a luxury estate for R68 million.

The suburb’s exclusivity is reinforced by its limited supply of homes. According to Hamilton’s Property Portfolio, Bishopscourt consists of just over 300 substantial family homes.

The scarcity of available properties has helped support strong price growth even as activity in the broader luxury housing market has slowed.

According to Seeff Property Group lead agent Francois Venter, prices in Cape Town’s luxury suburbs have continued rising despite fewer homes changing hands.

“Sales data for the first quarter shows that Bishopscourt property is selling for R30 million on average, almost three times the average from five years ago, which was around R11 million in 2020,” said Venter.

That represents an increase of roughly R19 million in the suburb’s average selling price over six years.

What you get for R189 million

The R189 million property, marketed by Pam Golding Properties, sits well above the suburb’s average value.

The seven-bedroom residence spans three levels and has been designed to maximise views of the surrounding mountains through extensive use of floor-to-ceiling glass and an open-plan layout.

“The home blends exceptional proportions with flawless symmetry, creating a residence that truly stands out, while its design integrates beautifully with its surrounding landscape, offering breathtaking views of the majestic mountains beyond,” said Pam Golding Properties.

The ground floor includes a double-volume entrance, multiple reception areas, a gourmet kitchen with a central island, formal and informal lounges, a dining room and a guest suite.

Large sliding glass doors open onto terraces overlooking landscaped gardens and a heated rim-flow swimming pool.

Five en suite bedrooms occupy the upper level, including the main suite with mountain views, a private balcony and an outdoor shower.

Two additional en suite bedrooms are located on the lower level, which also includes a spa with a steam room, Jacuzzi and pedicure area.

Entertainment facilities include a wine cellar, poker room, cinema, games room, gym and squash court.

Other features include a rooftop terrace, padel court, smart home technology, solar panels, an inverter, two boreholes, staff accommodation, a triple garage and comprehensive security systems, including a guardhouse and perimeter surveillance cameras.