Record sales turnover for the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl

It has been an absolutely phenomenal year for the Atlantic Seaboard/City Bowl areas with high demand, faster sales, and sellers achieving outstanding prices, says Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl.

The total sales value for the combined area surged by 26% to R11.3b compared to R8.9b in 2024, underscoring the area’s increasing appeal to both local and international buyers and investors, he says.

The high value sector over R20m was a  principal driver of the overall value increase, generating R4.2b in total sales value, 61% up compared to R2.66b recorded in the previous year. A total of 116 high-value sales above R20m (16 of these over R50m, with two over R100m) were concluded across both areas.

Suburbs leading in transaction volume for the over-R20m include Camps Bay (29 sales), Bantry Bay (17), Fresnaye (17), and the Waterfront( 10). The highest prices were both over R100m in Clifton. In the apartment market, a record-setting R65m was achieved for a unit in Bantry Bay.

The Waterfront precinct recorded a particularly strong year, with an average transaction price surpassing R18m and a record of ten sales over R20m.

The average price per square meter for luxury sectional title units on the Atlantic Seaboard also lifted to R169,713/sqm for a unit in The Aurum in Bantry Bay, R160,615 at Penrith in the Waterfront, and R145,299 at The Breakers in Mouille Point. Despite achieving the overall highest house prices, Clifton’s sectional title sales only reached a high of R143,298 per square meter for a unit in Eventide.

A significant portion of the growth is attributable to the robust return of international buyers, now contributing approximately R2.8b to the market, representing 25% of the overall sales value generated. Buyers were predominantly from Germany, the UK, and Northern Europe, but are now coming from across the globe and the continent itself. Levin says they’re drawn to the quality, coastal resort lifestyle, and architectural standards which compare to the world’s most sought-after property locations, enabling sellers to command premium prices.

The City Bowl has also seen notable performance this year, says Levin. This includes a record 16 sales above R20m, with top prices reaching R63m in Higgovale, R46m in Oranjezicht, and R44m in Tamboerskloof. Sectional title properties dominate the market, accounting for 75% of transactions, with these being predominantly in the Central City.

Heading into the busy summer season, Levin says the area is looking spectacular. The Waterfront and hospitality areas are already packed with visitors. We have seen a loads of cash investment into the area this year, and development continues, including exciting new expansions at the Waterfront. All of this adds further to the desirability and marketability of the area which now stands far above the rest of the country, especially the luxury suburbs of Sandton and Joburg North with only sporadic sales in Sandhurst reaching similar high prices.

The lifestyle, value on offer, architecture and construction quality competes with the best in the world and buyers are prepared to pay a premium for property here. Levin says the outlook for 2026 is favourable for sellers with good prices, and stock shortages due to the high demand and limited supply.

Issued by Gina Meintjes