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Cape Town's sectional title sector attains top prices; R100m+ homes no deterrent for wealthy buyers

30 Aug 2023

Some of the highest prices paid in Cape Town over the last 18-months, ranging from R20 million to R72 million were for luxury sectional title apartments, especially on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Sales data shows a total of 156 sectional title properties sold above R10 million to the combined value of R2.8 billion over the period. Almost one third of those sales achieved prices ranging from R20 million to a highest price of R72 million for a Bantry Bay apartment sold by the Seeff Property Group.

Luxury penthouse in Fresnaye for R38 million

Located in the sought-after suburb of Fresnaye, this high quality luxury apartment has it all. The property features three en-suite bedrooms, a chef worthy kitchen fitted with top of the line appliances, a scullery, multiple open plan living and dining areas that flow out onto an expansive outside entertainment area with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Seaboard. High quality lock-up-and-go's in this road rarely become available. A great opportunity not to be missed. Click here to view.

R20 million-plus prices are no longer confined to the “big five” Atlantic Seaboard suburbs (Clifton, Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, Fresnaye and Waterfront), as Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard says top end unit prices have lifted over the last two years in areas such as Sea Point, Mouille Point and Green Point.

Exquisite ocean-view apartment in Sea Point for R16 million

Boasting an open-plan layout designed for seamless entertainment, this residence features three spacious bedroom suites and a wealth of luxurious amenities. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by the stunning panoramic vistas of the ocean, visible from the expansive living areas. The apartment's unique positioning ensures you'll enjoy the rare privilege of observing spectacular sunsets and the ever-changing coastal landscape. Click here to view. 

In the City Bowl too, more sectional title sales are achieving prices above R10 million as demand grows for the location, convenience, lifestyle and security, he says.

While the high value sectional title buyers were mostly local Capetonians, Propstats data shows that buyers from Johannesburg paid as much as R20 million in Green Point, R22.5 million in Sea Point, R23 million at Waterfront and R31 million in Clifton.

A KZN buyer paid R47 million in Clifton. Foreign buyers from the USA, Germany, UK, Finland, Switzerland and Austria also invested in R20 million-plus sectional title units in Cape Town.

Seeff concluded several of the highest value sectional title sales including in Mouille Point at R20 million in Mouille Sands, R21.7 million in Aquarius and R24 million in Biscay. Also, at the Waterfront, sales of R28.95 million and R37.5 million in Palgrave and R29 million and R30 million in Pembroke.

According to Kim Bailey and Finella Botes from Seeff’s Waterfront office, who concluded these sales, along with a sale of R55 million for a fully furnished unit in Pinmore at the Waterfront, say security, convenient proximity, lifestyle, and short term renting opportunities are some of the reasons why these units are so popular.

Sectional title property is often priced in terms of price per square metre. On this basis, some of the most expensive can be found at the Waterfront with average selling prices of R100,000 to R127,000 per square metre in complexes such as Pembroke, Palgrave, Pinmore, Penrith, Parergon and Parama. The highest demand though is in the R8 million and R12 million price range at the Waterfront and up to R8 million in Mouille Point.

Penthouse feel in the Waterfront for R10.995 million

This 2 bedroom apartment is unique and one of a kind as its boasting a double volume living area with ceiling sky lights which invites sensational light to stream into the apartment. The open-plan living area flows outdoors to a covered balcony that overlooks the canal. Click here to view. 

Adrian Mauerberger and Bryan Ginsburg who brokered the record R72m sale in Bantry Bay says the highest demand for luxury sectional titles is now around R5 million to R8 million with a shortage of good stock available.

Based on sales, the most expensive complexes on the Atlantic Seaboard are in Bantry Bay and include the Aurum Presidential (R180,000/sqm), Conway Court (R122,000/sqm), Bantry Place (R100,000/sqm), Toscana (R80,000/sqm) and The Estate in Sea Point (R90,000/sqm).

The location combined with factors such as convenience, low maintenance, and the ability to work from anywhere continues to make Cape Town a preferential choice with local and foreign buyers, say the agents.

Another hugely popular area for sectional title is Century City where new development continues unabated. Helga Clemo, licensee for Seeff Century City says there is some saturation in terms of new developments which means that the resale market must price very competitively to compete for buyers.

Two-bedroomed units make up 60% of all sales and one-bedroomed units a further 23%. A two-bed unit averages at around R2.2 million, but prices varied by around 20% over or under depending on the unit, says Clemo. Almost half of all the apartment sales in Century City were from three complexes, being Bougain Villas, Island Club and Villa Italia.

Sunny apartment in Century City for R2.150 million

This apartment offers an open plan design throughout the kitchen, dining and lounge area with a double volume ceiling. Large sliding doors allow plenty of natural light to come in, and leads out onto a small balcony with a built in braai, perfect for an outdoor sitting area.  Click here to view. 

Pricing varies depending on the complex, proximity to Canal Walk, amenities and so on, and each complex is unique. New apartments in developments such as Axis and Bridgewater One are typically higher priced, but tend to be smaller with little to no amenities which means demand for older complexes remains strong.

The highest sectional title price achieved over the last 18-months is R9.8 million for the resale of a penthouse in the new Axis development. Three-bedroomed apartments and penthouses achieve the highest prices generally, especially in complexes such as Crystal Towers (R3.15 million), Knightsbridge (R3.9 million), The Island Club (R5.115 million) and a four-bedroomed unit in Quayside (R4.3 million).

According to Clemo it is still a seller’s market for sectional title property in the Century City and there is always a shortage of stock, especially two-bedroomed units under R2 million and one-bedroomed units around R1.5 million.

Century City too has seen an influx of buyers from outside of Cape Town, such as Joburg and Durban, who are relocating to Cape Town, primarily due to work relocation. The centrality, safety and security offered by Century City is a big drawcard. The area is also a hub of activity, being a mixed-use suburb with residential, office, retail and recreational areas. As such Century City has always maintained a strong demand to stock ratio.

The Blouberg area is another high volume area when it comes to sectional title sales with beach apartments achieving good growth and excellent prices over the last 18-months according to Marlene Picksley, an agent with Seeff Blouberg.

The agent clinched several sales including two units in Portico for R6.5 million and R6.2 million respectively, three units in Aquarius at R2.875 million, R3.229 million and R3.425 million as well as a unit in La Mer for R2.2 million and another in Portico for R1.95 million.

Across almost all areas the demand has been boosted by an influx of second home and semigration buyers as well as investment by foreign buyers.

Price tags of R100 million+ for über luxury homes are no deterrent for ultra-high-net-worth buyers

For ultra-high-net-worth buyers, particularly global players who seek the ultimate quality of life combined with a prime, highly desirable location, price tags of R100 million+ are no deterrent when it comes to seeking that sought-after, iconic residence that meets all their lifestyle requirements.

Says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group: “For both international and local global buyers, in order to command such prices, these ultra-high-end properties should have unique attributes, outstanding views, exceptional privacy, and the very best of the best when it comes to opulence and convenience, and fittings and finishes.

“For example, the Cape Atlantic Seaboard is a prime location for both South African and international high-net-worth buyers, particularly with world-class residential properties positioned high up on the mountain in Clifton – including renowned Nettleton Road, and in other exclusive suburbs including Bantry Bay, Fresnaye and the V&A Waterfront.

“Similarly, highly sought-after locations can be found in the leafy Cape Town Southern Suburbs of Bishopscourt – where we are seeing a surge in demand for super luxurious, top-end properties, as well as Constantia. This is not to forget the idyllic Cape Winelands region, the Garden Route’s Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, while upcountry, Sandhurst in Sandton, Johannesburg is acknowledged as one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs.

“Iconic homes, with unique features which make these properties highly appealing, and particularly those which are well positioned on guaranteed view sites, are sought after among high-end buyers, who are prepared to pay a premium for the assurance of owning a property located in a very elevated position, where their spectacular view is guaranteed and cannot be obstructed in the future. The Clifton bungalows, for example, are in demand for this reason, as in terms of the zoning the shape and size of the bungalows are protected by a special zoning overlay. As a result, these properties cannot be easily developed, which provides comfort for the buyer.”

Currently, Pam Golding Properties is marketing a number of ultra-high-end-properties which fit the bill for the discerning high-net-worth buyer.

Located in Clifton, in one of the most sought-after roads on the African continent, with breathtaking Twelve Apostles and Atlantic Ocean views, this state-of-the-art, five-bedroom (all en-suite), off-the-grid home is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Marketed at R195 million, the striking glass façade not only enhances the panoramic views, but also creates a seamless connection between the interior and the picturesque surroundings. Extensive floor-to-ceiling Vitrosca sliding doors with distinct blue UV glass and Ferrari blinds amplify the feeling of space and proximity to nature.

Click here to view this home.

With a building size of 1 003sqm and offering tranquillity and serenity, the design of this home embraces minimalism, with bespoke finishes, a Valcuchine International designed front kitchen plus a fully-fitted prep kitchen with chef’s oven and hob, while other features include large sliding doors opening up into a sun-filled courtyard with soothing water feature and Fever tree, an extra-large media room, hardwired internet, home office, highly sophisticated security system, parking for six cars and staff accommodation.

In prestigious Val de Vie’s ‘Gentleman’s Estates’, situated in the heart of the Paarl-Franschhoek valley and considered the country’s most secure, luxury lifestyle estate, a 12-bedroom residence comprising a seven-bedroom home, granny flat and four-bedroom staff accommodation, is marketed at R125 million. Providing luxurious country living, this unique 2.6ha smallholding with a 2000sqm+ residence borders a reserve with uninterrupted views of the Simonsberg mountains.

One-of-a-kind family home elegantly poised in a sublime setting for R125 million (Click here to view)

Special features include a double-volume entrance hall, 17m solar-heated lap pool with jacuzzi, a fully-landscaped 1.2ha garden with eco-lake and semi-underground 200 000 litre irrigation tank, nine garages with 12 parking spaces, home theatre room, wine cellar and home office. Set in scenic surrounds, the property offers an ideal balance between nature and world-class modern living and includes a solar system with back-up batteries, and 24-hour manned security including smartphone-integrated security.

With spectacular views of Sandton’s skyline, a gracious estate set on 22 500sqm offers the rare privilege of expansive, secluded country living in the heart of sought-after Sandhurst. Marketed by Pam Golding Properties at R150 million, this seven-bedroom home of 3 500sqm oozes sheer luxury and elegance, from the tree-lined driveway to the stately double doors, inviting sumptuous entertaining while allowing all the amenities and comforts for easy family living. Spectacular gardens with rolling lawns, swimming pool with change room, water features, meandering brooks and a feature lake complete the perfect picture.

Click here to view this property in Sandhurst. 

Designed by renowned architect Ian Gandini, grand heights and proportions are a theme throughout. The property includes a huge entertainer’s patio, fully fitted library, study with external sliding doors for a tranquil work-from-home option, luxurious guest suite with its own lounge and entrance, gym with steam shower, red brick wine cellar temperature controlled with wine tasting room, entertainment centre, five-bedroom staff accommodation, guest cottage and guardhouse, tennis court, two boreholes and automated irrigation.

In prime position with extensive river frontage, extending to the ocean and in close proximity to two Big 5 private game reserves, is an exceptional piece of real estate in Kenton on Sea in the Eastern Cape. Comprising 686ha and presenting an exceptional lifestyle development opportunity is Grant’s Valley, situated on the east bank of the Kariega River, with direct access to a pristine beach, priced at R100 million.

With lush vegetation, a mix of rolling grasslands, dunes and coastal forests, the farm includes 3.6m of Kariega river frontage, making it the perfect location for authentic, low-density eco-tourism with tented camps on the riverbank, or, being zoned for agriculture, an ideal opportunity for game farming or a wildlife retreat.

A beautiful beach house in Kenton could be yours! The layout adapts effortlessly to accommodate various family dynamics, making this property ideally suited for multi-generational living. With a co-ordinated palette of materials and fittings, this modern Hampton Style Classic, evokes an air of casual sophistication. Click here to view. 

Set against a backdrop of Table Mountain on 6 000sqm in upmarket Bishopscourt in Cape Town and on the market at R100 million through Pam Golding Properties, is a grand six-bedroom, family home of 1 700sqm that effortlessly combines luxury and comfort. Modern in design with an industrial look and inviting ambience, light streams through the north-facing windows overlooking a 21m pool and garden.

Unsurpassed Luxury in Bishopscourt for R100 million 

Set on 6000m² this masterpiece is as big on heart as it is on space. From the impressive front door to the garden and sun-drenched enclosed patio with Table Mountain as a backdrop, this is a home that effortlessly combines luxury and comfort. The design is modern, with an industrial look and the ambience is inviting, as warmth and space set the tone for this family home. Click here to view. 

Expansive double-glazed folding glass doors, a glass-enclosed, temperature-regulated wine cellar, plush home theatre, impressive library/study with ceiling-high bookshelves and exceptional views, plus sustainable features including two boreholes, a water treatment plant, solar panels and battery bank provide standby power as needed. Hot water is provided for underfloor heating, household consumption and swimming pool heating via a wood pellet boiler, while smart home automation throughout allows for convenient living. The basement parking accommodates at least six cars, while an upper garage provides enclosed parking for an additional three vehicles. There is also a guest flatlet/staff accommodation.

Further afield in the French Alps, Pam Golding International is marketing a luxurious duplex penthouse in a brand new development, L'Ecrin, well situated in Val d'Isere, which is considered one of the best ski resorts in the world. L'Ecrin comprises just 23 freehold properties with a communal pool and spa. 

The penthouse for sale is a 199sqm chalet-style duplex penthouse with double height ceilings, located on a very desirable residential and quiet street called Route de la Balme, just a few minutes’ walk from both the bustling resort centre and only 350m onto the snow front and ski lifts. The penthouse is mostly south facing with spectacular views over La Solaise - one of the main mountains - but is transversal so has views both up and down the valley. It is priced at €6 173 000 (approximately R124 million at current exchange rate) including VAT.

The developer is well known with a sound track record, and buyers have the choice to deliver the interior either in a more contemporary style, or with more alpine traditional style using aged wood and stone. The property comes with balconies, underground parking, ski locker and cellar.

Work on the project has commenced with delivery in Q2 2025. The Val d'Isere market is appreciating faster than any other in European Alps thanks to the high altitude, amazing ski domain, and lack of pretentiousness that you find in other resorts like Gstaad and St Moritz. Val d'Isere is a place for those who crave exercising in the mountains by day and with world-class hotels, residences, cuisine and nightlife. It’s a place to create longstanding family memories and legacies, with strong income, capital growth, and an easy exit strategy due to the complete lack of quality stock. 

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