As we move further into 2026, the Western Cape property market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and upward momentum.
Following the recent national budget speech, no major policy changes were introduced that would negatively impact the residential property sector. GDP growth projections and inflation remain largely in line with expectations, and overall market sentiment among buyers, developers and financial institutions remains positive as we enter the second quarter of the year.
Over the past six months, data gathered from deeds office registrations, agency reports and direct feedback from sales teams across Cape Town suggests a clear trend: demand for residential property in the Western Cape continues to accelerate.
One of the most notable drivers behind this demand is the continued wave of semigration from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, largely influenced by ongoing concerns around service delivery, infrastructure reliability and safety. Compared to early 2025, the volume of semigration into the Western Cape has increased substantially.
International buyers are also returning to the market in stronger numbers, further contributing to demand across key residential nodes. Recent commentary from leading industry figures, including property analysts and agency leaders such as John Loos, indicates that property values across the Western Cape have risen sharply. In fact, rental rates and purchase prices are now reflecting significant increases in price per square meter when compared to Q4 of 2025 .
Our own six-month deeds review within the Southern Suburbs confirms this trend. Properties listed between September and November last year were frequently sold out within three weeks of listing, particularly within well-located suburbs such as Claremont, Upper Wynberg and surrounding areas. When comparing listings available today within similar price brackets, stock levels are noticeably lower than this time last year, while asking price has moved significantly upward.
In many cases, comparable properties that sold last year are now achieving R15 000 – R20 000 higher per square meter for similar products. Rental values have also increased substantially across all areas. With our strong network of estate agents and ongoing interaction with buyers, sellers and financial institutions, one thing is clear: buyer demand currently exceeds available supply in western cape .
What was historically considered a premium market limited largely to the Atlantic Seaboard is now clearly shifting further inland, with demand moving through the Southern Suburbs and continuing south toward areas such as Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town.
International investment into the Western Cape residential property market is also strengthening considerably. For existing property owners, this trend reinforces a simple but powerful reality:
Cape Town property remains one of the most valuable long-term residential assets in South Africa.
