Property

The city in South Africa with 12 estates where millionaires want to live

Luke Fraser

 ·1 Nov 2025

The City of Tshwane remains one of the wealthiest cities on the continent, with 12 estates in the area home to many of the nation’s high-net-worth individuals, as well as foreigners.

The city is home to a vast number of security estates and complexes, a key market for sales and rentals. 

These estates have seen excellent capital value growth of up to 20-30% over the last five years.

Gerhard van der Linde, MD for Seeff Pretoria East, said buyers are prepared to pay a premium for estate living, driven by a desire for enhanced security, top-tier services and a more convenient lifestyle. 

Lightstone data shows that over 3,500 properties in estates have traded hands across Tshwane this year to date. 

This is about 20.5% of all sales across the metro, and accounts for 32.7% of the total value of property transactions. 

The average freehold property price in estates is R2.5 million to R6.5 million, and between R1.8 million and R3.8 million for sectional titles. 

The luxury segment, priced upwards of R5 million, makes up about 7.8% of transactions this year, with some of the highest prices achieved in the luxury estates. 

There are several top estates in Pretoria East, which attract a mix of families, professionals, business executives, politicians and diplomats, both for sales and rentals. 

The lifestyle and amenities, such as golf, wildlife and excellent school areas, make these areas incredibly popular with sellers. 

Although the R3 million to R8 million range is the most active in the area, several sales have already exceeded R10 million. 

The highest prices paid over the last year include The Hills and Lombardy Estate up to R14 million, Silver Lakes up to R16 million, Woodhill up to R17 million, and Mooikloof up to R17.4 million.

Strong capital appreciation and high demand for rentals also make estates a top choice for premium buyers. 

PG van der Linde, rentals manager for Seeff Pretoria East, said rentals typically range from  R24,000 to as much as R95,000 for a luxury home. 

This is driven by demand from top corporate employees, diplomats, and international visitors, who like the security and lifestyle offered. 

Centurion’s boom 

Centurion’s strategic location between Johannesburg and Pretoria has transformed it into a hub for secure, community-oriented living. 

Tiaan Pretorius, manager for Seeff Centurion, said a high concentration of security complexes and residential estates characterises the area. 

The most active price range is between R800,000 and R3 million, with about 5% of transactions topping the R5 million mark, particularly in exclusive estates. 

Popular estates include Midstream, where prices have reached up to R6.3 million. 

Golf estates have achieved prices of up to R6.75 million in Blue Valley and R6.8 million in Centurion Estate. 

Other estates such as Irene Farm Villages have achieved up to R5.7 million, Copperleaf up to R10.4 million and Southdowns up to R12 million. 

Cornwall Hill Estate is one of the most exclusive estates, where prices have been made to R16.5 million. 

The estate is renowned for its security, Cornwall Hill College, and easy access between Pretoria, Johannesburg, and O.R. Tambo International Airport. 

Images of the Estates