Cape Town’s seemingly irrepressible residential market has been marching to its own drum for several years, and Rondebosch has remained one of the city’s most desirable suburbs, attracting buyers from around the country who seek not only an investment opportunity but the unique lifestyle it offers

This is according to Jane Stirton and Lynne Baker, partner area specialists for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, who say: “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.

“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 appeal factor is the broad property selection to suit most budgets which includes the beautiful examples of Victorian, Edwardian and mock Tudor homes which now 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.”

There is also an even split between freehold and sectional title homes which offers a great opportunity for first time buyers to get a foot on the ladder in a very desirable market and it also caters to those who want lock-up-and-go convenience but 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. If you can find one, two-bedroom houses start at around R2.4m with the R4m to R7m 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,” say Stirton and Baker, adding that these properties are usually snapped up as soon as they come onto the market.

There has also been considerable development in the suburb during the past decade with several new blocks having been built in Rondebosch village and several old homes with Grade 4 listings have 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.”

Lightstone data shows that median property prices have been on a steady upward trajectory since 2020 when the median house price was R4.1 million. The current median price is R5.157m, which is a 25.8% increase in value in just four years.

However, Stirton and Baker believe that the factor that truly sets Rondebosch apart is its strong sense of community, a characteristic that is becoming increasingly rare these days.

“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.”