The ‘hero’ suburb in Cape Town

·11 Aug 2024

Rondebosch in the Southern suburbs of Cape Town is one of the most desirable suburbs in the Mother City.

The suburb attracts buyers from around the country who are looking for an investment opportunity and the unique lifestyle it offers.

“There are several compelling reasons that 54% of the existing owners have owned their properties for 11 years or longer and that 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,” said Jane Stirton and Lynne Baker Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.

“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 appealing factor for the area is the broad property selection that suits most budgets, including Victorian, Edwardian and mock Tudor homes, which can fetch record prices when sympathetically restored.

“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,” said the experts.

There is also an even split between freehold and sectional title homes, offering opportunities for first-time buyers to get a foot on the ladder and for those who want a lock-up-and-go convenience in a peaceful upmarket suburban environment.

“At the entry-level, studio and one-bedroom flats start at around R1.2 million all the way up to around R6.5m for a spacious, modern luxury apartment,” said the experts.

“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 R8m and R17m.

“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.”

There has also been considerable development in the suburb over the last decade, with several new blocks being Rondebosch Village and several old homes with Grade 4 listings having been demolished to make way for 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.”

Data from Lightstone also shows that the median property prices have been on a steady upward trajectory since 2020 when the median house price was R4.1 million. This has increased by 25.8% to R5.15 million.

Stirton and Baker added that a factor that sets Rondebosch apart from others is its strong sense of community.

“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.”

Properties around the average price in Rondebosch can be found below: