By Mary Bailey | Property Practitioner | eXp Realty
Every few weeks another headline suggests foreign buyers are driving Cape Town's property prices beyond the reach of local buyers.
As someone who has spent more than 30 years selling property in Cape Town, particularly in De Waterkant, Green Point, Sea Point, the City Bowl and the Atlantic Seaboard, I believe the reality is far more nuanced.
Yes, international buyers are active in our market. For numerous reasons, foreign purchasing has increased, particularly in premium lifestyle locations that offer exactly what buyers from Europe, the UK, North America and elsewhere are seeking: security, world-class scenery, excellent restaurants, a favourable climate and exceptional value compared with many international cities.
However, foreign buyers alone are not responsible for Cape Town's rising prices.
Why Cape Town Continues to Outperform
Cape Town has become one of the world's most desirable lifestyle destinations.
Demand comes from many directions:
• South Africans relocating from other provinces.
• Investors seeking stable long-term capital growth.
• Digital nomads working remotely.
• Retirees looking for lifestyle.
• International purchasers seeking holiday homes or investment properties.
• Local buyers who recognise the long-term value of owning property in the Western Cape.
When demand consistently exceeds supply, prices inevitably rise. This is exactly what we continue to experience.
It's Not Just the Luxury Market
While many foreign buyers purchase luxury homes on the Atlantic Seaboard, international demand certainly extends further into more affordable price ranges.
Properties in areas such as Gardens, Green Point, De Waterkant, Sea Point and the City Bowl remain highly sought-after because they offer excellent rental demand, strong appreciation and outstanding lifestyle appeal.
Many apartments purchased for around R2 million - R5 million are attractive not only to overseas investors but also to local professionals, first-time buyers and investors.
The competition in these price brackets is very real.
What This Means For Sellers
If you own property in De Waterkant or along the Atlantic Seaboard, current market conditions remain highly favourable.
Well-priced, well-presented homes continue to attract significant interest.
The key is to understand exactly where your property is poised within today's market and to position and price it correctly from Day 1.
Pricing accurately, marketing professionally and negotiating skillfully, have never been more important.
What This Means For BuyersMany buyers assume prices will soon fall.
In my experience, waiting for a major correction in Cape Town has often proved to be an expensive decision.
Quality property in sought-after areas remains scarce.
If you are financially ready and purchasing for the medium to long term, today's purchase may well become tomorrow's excellent investment.
The right property, bought at the right price, remains one of the strongest wealth-building decisions available.
Experience Matters More Than Headlines
Media reports often focus on broad national trends.
Property, however, is intensely local.
The market in De Waterkant is different from Sea Point.
Sea Point behaves differently from Green Point.
The City Bowl differs from Camps Bay.
Even within the same suburb, values can vary dramatically from one street to the next.
This is why local knowledge, experience and insight are vital.
My CommitmentWhether you are buying your first apartment, investing in Cape Town, relocating, or considering selling a home you have owned for many years, my role is not simply to open doors or place advertisements.
My responsibility is to provide honest advice, accurate pricing, skilled negotiation and guidance based on decades of experience in the Cape Town market.
Markets will always change.
Headlines will always come and go.
Sound advice, local knowledge, experience, insights and trusted relationships remain timeless.
If you are considering buying or selling property in De Waterkant, Green Point, Sea Point, the City Bowl or the Atlantic Seaboard, I would be delighted to assist you.
Mary Bailey
Property Practitioner | eXp Realty South Africa
[email protected] +27 82 448 0632
"Pure Property. Personally."
