10 most expensive security estates in South Africa

·22 Mar 2025

The combination of rising property prices and the boom in estate living means the Western Cape is home to 10 of the most expensive states in South Africa, with homes sold in 2024 averaging up to R27 million.

Residential property sales volumes in Cape Town edged ahead of Johannesburg in 2021 and have outsold South Africa’s economic capital since then.

Hayley Ivins-Downes, managing executive real estate at Lightstone, said that in terms of the average price paid, Cape Town outperformed Johannesburg in all six years from 2019 to 2024.

“In addition”, Ivins-Downes said, “homeowners spent more to buy their houses in Cape Town than in Johannesburg – and the gap had widened.”

Lightstone’s data shows that in 2024, the value of property sales in Cape Town was just over R81 billion, up from nearly R74 billion in 2021, while in Johannesburg, it fell to just over R47 billion from R59 billion in 2021.

A notable contributor to this demand in the Western Cape is the shift in homebuyers looking to buy homes and live in estates.

Managing Director of DG Properties Alexa Horne noted that safety remains the number one reason buyers choose estate living.

With access control, CCTV surveillance, and perimeter security, estates provide a level of protection that is difficult to achieve in conventional suburban neighbourhoods.

“The ability to lock up and go without worrying about security is a huge advantage. For families, professionals, and retirees, knowing that your home is protected around the clock offers invaluable peace of mind,” said Horne.

In addition to physical security, estates often have well-managed homeowner associations (HOAs) that ensure compliance with community guidelines.

This prevents issues such as unauthorised construction or declining property maintenance—both of which can negatively impact home values, added Horne.

Another significant advantage of estate living is its strong investment potential. Homes within estates tend to hold their value well due to their security, community appeal, and high demand.

In many cases, properties within well-managed estates appreciate faster than comparable freestanding homes.

“An estate home is more than just a property purchase—it’s an investment in a lifestyle that continues to attract buyers and tenants,” said Horne.

“As a result, well-located estate properties remain in high demand, offering long-term stability and strong resale potential.”

For investors, estate properties also appeal to tenants looking for secure, modern homes, leading to low vacancy rates and consistent rental returns.

Combined with the demand to live in the Western Cape, mainly for affluent buyers and retirees, the perception that the province provides better service delivery and lifestyle has resulted in some of the most expensive estates in the country.

According to Lightstone, the highest average sales price of R26.7 million in 2024 was recorded in Silverhurst Estate, just off the Constantia Main Road in the southern suburbs.

De Goede Hoop followed this in Noordhoek with an average selling price of R21 million and Waters Edge Estate in Milnerton with an average price of R20 million.

The table below outlines the 10 most expensive estates in South Africa based on average sale price in 2024.

#	Estate	Town	Total sales	Average Price
1	Sliverhurst Estate	Cape Town	R 160 million	R 27 million
2	De Goede Hoop	Noordhoek	R 84 million	R 21 million
3	Waters Edge Estate	Milnerton	R 60 million	R 20 million
4	Steenberg Golf Estate	Cape Town	R 235 million	R 16 million
5	St Johns Estate	Cape Town	R 74 million	R 15 million
6	V&A Waterfront Marina	Cape Town	R 677 million	R 15 million
7	Boskloof Eco Estate	Somerset West	R 80 million	R 13 million
8	Canellun	Somerset West	R 39 million	R 13 million
9	Erinvale Golf Estate	Somerset West	R 329 million	R 11 million
10	Kenrock Country Estate	Hout Bay	R 109 million	R 11 million