International buyers have poured over R1 billion into buying homes and properties in Cape Town, South Africa, in just the first five months of 2025. This was revealed by Seeff Property Group, a leading real estate agency, which confirmed that the City of Cape Town remains one of the most attractive property markets for foreign investors.
Data from Propstats shows that total property sales across Cape Town reached nearly R2.5 billion between January and May 2025 — the highest in five years. Of that amount, international buyers accounted for over R1 billion, with R600 million worth of sales recorded in February and R700 million in April.
According to Seeff, the rising interest from overseas buyers follows a record-breaking summer tourism season in the city. The trend shows how Cape Town’s natural beauty, luxury lifestyle, and strong property value continue to appeal to wealthy foreign investors.
Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard, said there’s been a significant increase in sales activity in 2025. Most of the buying has been focused on the Atlantic Seaboard and the City Bowl — two areas that alone made up about 67% of all international property sales in the city.
In April, foreign buyers spent a massive R530 million on properties along the Atlantic Seaboard. Some of the highest property values were seen in suburbs like Camps Bay and Bantry Bay, while Sea Point and the Cape Town CBD led in the number of transactions.
Buyers from more than 40 countries have purchased homes in Cape Town this year. German nationals were the top buyers, followed by investors from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and other European nations. Interest from American buyers has also gone up, especially in areas like Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Mouille Point, and the City Bowl.
One of the biggest transactions was a R21 million home in Camps Bay, bought by a German investor. Another property at the V&A Waterfront was sold for R29.5 million to a buyer from eSwatini.
Levin noted that Cape Town’s unique mix of lifestyle and investment value is what continues to attract this international attention. Many foreign buyers not only buy homes but also upgrade them, which helps boost the local economy.
Interestingly, buyers from across the African continent have also returned to Cape Town in large numbers. Nationals from 12 African countries have bought properties this year, with Nigeria leading both in value and volume of transactions. Other African countries with buyers in Cape Town include Angola, Cameroon, Congo, eSwatini, Gabon, Ghana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Beyond the Atlantic Seaboard, several other areas in the city are also attracting global interest. Suburbs in the Southern Suburbs such as Constantia and Bishopscourt, and coastal areas like Hout Bay, Blouberg, Kommetjie, Scarborough, Muizenberg, and Fish Hoek are also seeing strong demand.
Marlene Picksley, a Seeff agent, closed a record-breaking deal in Sunset Beach, Blouberg, selling a house for R16.5 million to a buyer from the USA.
Hout Bay has become a favorite destination, especially for Europeans and Americans. According to Stephan Cross, manager of Seeff Hout Bay and Llandudno, the suburb has already seen 37 sales to international buyers in 2025, with prices ranging from R5 million to R25 million. He said the market in Hout Bay is currently very active, with limited stock and rising prices, making it a good time for homeowners to sell.
Hout Bay’s total sales this year have already crossed R600 million, following a strong R1.3 billion in 2024. These figures are similar to the post-COVID property boom experienced in 2022.
Levin concluded by saying that Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate, modern lifestyle, and world-class infrastructure make it an easy choice for wealthy international buyers. Many spend generously and contribute to the local economy through property development and tourism.
