Latest Western Cape Property News — 2026-01-31

Today's Key Takeaways

Today's property headlines include market updates, investment insights, and regional trends that could affect Western Cape buyers, sellers, and investors. Here's what matters most and why.

Stories That Matter

2026 Could Be the Year South Africans Step Back into the Property Market - Times Live

Published: 28 January 2026

The South African property market is showing growing signs of stabilisation and recovery as easing inflation and lower interest rates begin to filter through to household finances. With the prime lending rate now at 10.25% - the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic - and cumulative rate cuts of 150 basis points since September 2024, buyer affordability has improved significantly. Data from ooba Home Loans shows the volume of granted home loans increased by 9% year on year in 2025, with the total value rising by 17%. First-time buyer applications now comprise 46.7% of all applications, the strongest indicator yet of the property industry's recovery.

Cape Town Luxury Property Records R11.3 Billion in Sales - Property24

Published: 30 January 2026

Cape Town's luxury property market is thriving, with record-breaking sales on the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl. Total sales value for the combined area surged 26% to R11.3 billion, up from R8.9 billion in 2024. International buyers spent over R1 billion in Cape Town in the first five months of 2025 alone, with record sales including properties at R66 million in Clifton and R52 million in Bishopscourt. The luxury segment continues to attract both local and international buyers, driven by strong demand and limited stock availability.

Western Cape Maintains Highest Average House Price at R2.1 Million - ooba

Published: 29 January 2026

The Western Cape maintained the highest average house price at R2.1 million - up 7.3% year on year compared with the national average increase of 1.7%. Average house prices in the province are about 40% higher than the national average of R1.6 million. The Cape Town residential market recorded an 8.5% annual price increase, compared to just 5.2% nationally and 2.3% in Johannesburg. The Western Cape also secured the most favourable average interest rate concessions at 0.90% below prime, while the national trailing effective home loan approval rate remained elevated at 83.8%.

Seeff Predicts Two More Rate Cuts in First Half of 2026 - IOL Property

Published: 29 January 2026

Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, expects at least two further interest rate cuts in the first half of 2026, potentially starting as early as this month. With the SARB's new inflation target of 3% rather than the previous 4.5% midpoint, experts predict roughly five more cuts over the medium term, potentially bringing the prime rate below 9.50%. Investec anticipates cuts in March and September 2026, lowering the repo rate to 6.25%. These cuts would translate to monthly savings of R495 on a R1 million bond and R989 on a R2 million bond.

Western Cape Remains a Seller's Market with Critical Stock Shortage - Lightstone

Published: 30 January 2026

Lightstone property data confirms the Western Cape continues to punch above its weight, delivering property transaction values that defy its smaller GDP and population compared to Gauteng. The critical inventory shortage is expected to persist, cementing 2026 as a continued seller's market, especially for properties that are well-maintained and meet modern living demands. Property enquiry volumes increase sharply during summer, with properties in desirable Cape Town areas selling within 3-5 weeks - significantly faster than the national average. The Western Cape boasts the lowest median time on market of the three major provinces.

Consider Haasendal Estate to live or invest. Quality Luxury Houses and Apartments in the growth hotspot of the Northern Suburbs. Call Christo 082 4949 255 or Peter for more info or to arrange a personal tour.