Holiday homes across the Western Cape are increasingly being purchased as dual-purpose
assets, offering personal lifestyle enjoyment alongside short-term rental income and long-term
capital resilience.
From Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard to the Whale Coast and the Cape Winelands, limited
prime stock, sustained international interest and lifestyle-led buying patterns continue to support
demand, according to Greeff Christie's International Real Estate.
Hout Bay and Llandudno: Coastal Living with Flexibility
In Hout Bay and Llandudno, buyers are drawn to the balance between natural beauty, village
living and proximity to Cape Town. Demand is strongest for secure apartments and homes with
sea or mountain views, walkable access to amenities and outdoor entertainment spaces,
particularly in the R4 million to R8 million range.
“Buyers want a sense of escape without feeling isolated,” says Lindsay Goodman, Sales
Manager at Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate – Hout Bay & Llandudno. “Here, they can
enjoy coastal living while remaining closely connected to the city and the Winelands.”
Short-term rentals play a key role in value retention. During peak season, well-located
properties regularly achieve high occupancy, with nightly rates ranging from apartments to
premium sea-view homes in secure estates.
Whale Coast: Holiday Homes That Work Hard
Along the Whale Coast, holiday homes continue to deliver both lifestyle and investment appeal.
Secure estate homes, golf estate properties and centrally located apartments in areas such as
Onrus, Voëlklip and Hermanus remain in high demand, particularly in the R5 million to R10
million range.
“Location and demand remain critical when investing in holiday property,” says Jaco van der
Merwe, Principal at Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate – Whale Coast. “Well-maintained
homes with contemporary finishes continue to perform best, both as lifestyle retreats and
income-generating assets.”
Festive-season demand now shows two clear peaks, supporting consistently strong summer
occupancy, while rising short-term rental rates continue to underpin returns.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek: Refined Living with Strong Fundamentals
In Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, holiday homes are increasingly viewed as flexible lifestyle
investments rather than purely seasonal escapes. Demand remains strongest for secure estate
homes, lock-up-and-go luxury apartments and properties close to village centres or wine routes.
“European buyers are increasingly acquiring homes specifically as summer retreats,” says
Aimee Campbell, Principal at Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate – Stellenbosch &
Franschhoek. “They use them during South Africa’s peak season and return to Europe for the
rest of the year, while benefiting from strong rental demand outside their personal occupation
periods.”
Peak-season occupancy regularly exceeds 70 to 85 per cent, with buyers most active between
R6 million and R15 million.
A Consistent Trend Across the Western Cape
Across all regions, buyers are prioritising holiday homes that offer:
• Secure, low-maintenance living
• Strong lifestyle and location fundamentals
• Rental flexibility and income potential
• Long-term capital stability
Holiday homes in the Western Cape are no longer just places to escape to. They are
increasingly strategic assets that deliver lifestyle, income and enduring value in some of South
Africa’s most sought-after destinations.
