Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl have once again cemented their status as South Africa’s most valuable property markets, recording exceptional ultra-luxury sales that now exceed the R100 million mark. In 2025, these prime locations not only defied national market trends but significantly outperformed the rest of the country, driven by strong demand, limited supply, and a powerful return of international buyers.
According to Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl licensee Ross Levin, 2025 has been a standout year for the region. Property sales across the combined Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl surged by 26% year-on-year, reaching a total value of R11.3 billion, up from R8.9 billion in 2024. The market has been defined by faster turnaround times, heightened competition, and sellers achieving record-breaking prices.
“This performance reflects the growing appeal of these areas to both local and global investors,” Levin said, noting that Cape Town’s luxury property market continues to mature into a globally competitive destination.
The strongest momentum came from the high-value property segment, defined as homes priced above R20 million. This category generated R4.2 billion in sales, representing a sharp 61% increase from the R2.66 billion recorded the previous year. In total, 116 properties above R20 million were sold across the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl, including 16 transactions exceeding R50 million and two landmark sales above R100 million.
Camps Bay led the market with 29 sales in the over-R20-million bracket, followed by Bantry Bay and Fresnaye with 17 sales each, and the V&A Waterfront with 10.
The highest-priced properties, both selling for over R100 million, were located in Clifton, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s most exclusive residential addresses. In the apartment segment, a new benchmark was set in Bantry Bay, where a luxury unit sold for R65 million, marking a record transaction facilitated by Seeff.
The Atlantic Seaboard’s sectional title market also recorded notable price growth. The Waterfront precinct delivered one of its strongest performances to date, with an average transaction price exceeding R18 million and 10 apartment sales above R20 million.
Price-per-square-metre figures climbed to new highs, reaching R169,713/sqm for a luxury unit at The Aurum in Bantry Bay. Comparable increases were recorded at Penrith in the Waterfront at R160,615/sqm and The Breakers in Mouille Point at R145,299/sqm.
While Clifton achieved the country’s highest overall house prices, its sectional title market peaked at R143,298 per square metre for a unit in Eventide.
A significant driver of the market’s growth has been the strong resurgence of international buyers, who accounted for approximately R2.8 billion in sales, representing 25% of the total transaction value in 2025. Buyers were predominantly from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Northern Europe, with growing interest now coming from across the globe and the African continent.
Levin explained that buyers are drawn to Cape Town’s coastal lifestyle, resort-style living, and world-class architectural standards. “The quality on offer here compares with some of the most desirable property destinations globally, allowing sellers to command premium prices,” he said.
The City Bowl also delivered impressive results, recording a total of 16 sales above R20 million. Top-end transactions included R63 million in Higgovale, R46 million in Oranjezicht, and R44 million in Tamboerskloof. Sectional title properties dominated activity in the area, accounting for 75% of all transactions, largely concentrated within the Central City.
As Cape Town enters its peak summer season, Levin said the area is experiencing heightened activity, with the Waterfront and surrounding hospitality zones already bustling with visitors. Cash investment remained strong throughout 2025, while ongoing developments and new expansions at the V&A Waterfront continue to enhance the region’s appeal.
The Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl now stand well ahead of other luxury markets in South Africa, including Sandton and Johannesburg North, where only occasional sales in suburbs such as Sandhurst have approached similar price levels.
“The lifestyle, value proposition, architecture, and construction quality here compete with the best in the world,” Levin said. “Buyers are willing to pay a premium for access to this market.”
Looking ahead, the outlook for 2026 remains favourable, particularly for sellers. High demand, limited stock, and continued international interest are expected to sustain price growth, further reinforcing Cape Town’s position as South Africa’s undisputed ultra-luxury property capital.
