Residential property demand across Johannesburg and Cape Town is being shaped by a consistent set of buyer priorities: security, lifestyle, location, and schools. Whether it’s young professionals seeking convenience, families looking for space and education, or retirees prioritising comfort and healthcare, neighbourhoods that deliver on these fundamentals are standing out as the strongest performers.
Sandton: Business meets lifestyle
According to Anton Kruger of Harcourts Lifestyle and Leonard Fourie of Harcourts 4Ways, Sandton remains one of Johannesburg’s most desirable suburbs because it blends business, lifestyle and entertainment. With world-class shopping, dining, and transport links, Sandton attracts a wide buyer pool - from professionals and families to retirees.
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Entry-level apartments start at around R850 000, with average prices near R1.85 million. Families are drawn to top schools and secure estates, while professionals enjoy proximity to gyms, restaurants, and offices. “Even though demand here is strong, Sandton still delivers real value because of the quality of life it provides,” says Kruger.
Midstream Estate: A self-contained community
Perfectly located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Midstream has become one of Gauteng’s most sought-after estates. Kruger highlights that “it offers excellent schools, a hospital, shopping, restaurants, and recreational spaces all within the community itself.”
Entry-level homes begin at R2.5 million, while apartments in Golden Fields start from R1.3 million. With parks, walking trails, and 24/7 security, it’s a favourite for families, young professionals, and retirees who appreciate the on-site healthcare and retirement facilities.
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Durbanville in Cape Town: Family favourite
According to Denis Dunn of Harcourts Dunn, Durbanville is one of Cape Town’s most popular suburbs for families. Surrounded by wine estates and close to the city, it offers top schools, healthcare, and shopping. Entry-level homes start at R1.8 million. Families value the safe environment, while retirees and professionals enjoy the balance between lifestyle and convenience.
Somerset West: Coastal and Winelands charm
Jan Myburgh of Harcourts Platinum highlights Somerset West’s mix of coastal living and winelands appeal. With beaches, golf estates, good schools, and healthcare facilities, it appeals to both families and retirees. Entry-level townhouses start from R2.35 million, making it a strong choice for buyers seeking lifestyle with value.
Atlantic Seaboard: Prime Coastal Lifestyle
The Atlantic Seaboard - including Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, and Camps Bay remains one of Cape Town’s most aspirational markets. Trish Parsons of Harcourts Atlantic notes: “The area appeals to almost every buyer, from families to retirees and young professionals.”
Compact apartments can still be found under R2 million, but most buyers should budget closer to R3.5 million. Strong seasonal rental demand makes it an attractive investment, while residents enjoy beaches, mountain trails, boutique shopping, and fine dining - all just minutes from the CBD.
What buyers want across markets
Across Johannesburg and Cape Town, Harcourts agents agree on key buyer priorities:
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Retirees: secure, low-maintenance homes with good access to healthcare and community.
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Families: top schools, safe neighbourhoods, parks, and amenities.
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Young professionals: proximity to work, lifestyle convenience, and mixed-use living.
“The common theme is that buyers want more than just a house - they’re looking for communities that fit their lifestyle today, while also offering opportunities for the future,” says Fourie.
Cape Town’s luxury market
Adding to these insights, Alexa Horne, MD of DG Properties, notes that Cape Town’s luxury sector is experiencing strong, sustained demand across family homes, estates and urban apartments.
"Luxury family homes are leading our transaction volume, particularly in established suburbs like Newlands, Rondebosch, Upper Claremont and Constantia. Buyers here are prioritising privacy, space, and proximity to top schools,” Horne explains.
Lifestyle estates in Bishopscourt, Constantia, and Tokai remain in high demand, offering all-inclusive amenities and strong community appeal. Developments such as Steenberg Green and Steenberg Golf Estate have sold out rapidly, highlighting the appetite for secure, lifestyle-driven living.
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Urban luxury apartments, particularly on the Atlantic Seaboard and increasingly in the Southern Suburbs, are also performing well. These lock-up-and-go residences appeal to both investors and professionals seeking convenience and prestige.
Horne adds that international interest continues to shape the market.
“Foreign buyers now make up more than 20% of our transactions, with interest from America, Germany, the UK, and Dubai. The Atlantic Seaboard, often compared to destinations like the French Riviera and Monaco, remains especially attractive.”
Emerging areas to watch
DG Properties also highlights several up-and-coming neighbourhoods worth attention:
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Higgovale: Exclusive, mountain-facing residences such as The Quarry Estate.
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Observatory: A gentrifying hub attracting young professionals and luxury investors.
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Bo Kaap: Cultural authenticity paired with luxury developments like Longmarket Mews.
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Camps Bay: Ongoing growth driven by its ocean-and-mountain lifestyle.
Meanwhile, Constantia and Bishopscourt remain robust, with record-breaking sales underscoring their enduring appeal.
“What makes these areas attractive is their blend of strategic location, development potential, and strong international buyer appeal. Whether it’s heritage character in Bo Kaap or elevated exclusivity in Higgovale, Cape Town continues to offer diverse opportunities for different luxury buyer profiles,” Horne concludes.
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