Cape Town’s luxury property scene is booming, with international buyers spending over R1 billion on real estate in just five months of 2025, and the year is far from over.
New figures released by Seeff Property Group confirm what local agents have been witnessing firsthand: the Mother City is increasingly becoming the global elite’s preferred destination for investment, second homes and coastal retreats.
According to Propstats data, property transactions across Cape Town totalled nearly R2.5 billion between January and May. Of this, international buyers accounted for close to half, a record-breaking influx not seen in the past five years. In April alone, R700 million came from foreign pockets, with February adding another R600 million.
Seeff’s Ross Levin revealed that the lion’s share of foreign spending is happening on the Atlantic Seaboard and in the City Bowl; hotspots like Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, Sea Point, and the CBD continue to attract deep-pocketed investors. Together, these zones make up more than 65% of all international property sales in the city.
Sales highlights include a R29.5 million apartment bought by an eSwatini national at the V&A Waterfront and two major German purchases worth R29 million and R21 million, also at the Waterfront and Camps Bay, respectively, as reported by Business Tech.
Cape Town’s sun-soaked coastlines and world-class lifestyle appeal to buyers from more than 40 countries, with Germany topping the list. British, Dutch and Swiss buyers follow close behind, while American interest is climbing sharply, especially in trendy areas like Mouille Point and Sea Point.
Investors from across Africa are also reclaiming their stake in the local market. Buyers from Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Namibia, and other nations have returned in numbers, with Seeff noting deals from 12 different African countries so far this year.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert!
Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
Blouberg, Hout Bay, and the leafy suburbs of Constantia and Bishopscourt are also on the rise. A R16.5 million record sale was recently clinched in Sunset Beach by a buyer from the United States, while Hout Bay has recorded 37 foreign transactions in 2025 alone, with sales ranging from R5 million to R25 million.
Stephan Cross from Seeff Hout Bay says the area is experiencing ‘extremely high demand’ with limited stock. Hout Bay’s sales have already passed R600 million this year, chasing last year’s staggering R1.3 billion mark.
Between 2019 and 2024, the proportion of foreign buyers without residency jumped from 2.9% to 3.7%. While the figures for those with residency saw a modest decrease from 3.8% to 3.3%, the overall landscape indicates a thriving interest from international investors, especially for high-end properties.
Industry experts say the surge in foreign interest isn’t just about lifestyle. Many buyers inject further capital into their new properties, adding value to the local economy and boosting job creation.
With Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate, international-level amenities, and undeniable charm, the city remains one of the world’s most appealing real estate destinations, and the numbers prove it.
Also read:
Hours-long water supply disruptions to these Cape Town areas this week
Picture: Unsplash
