Living on the Atlantic Seaboard isn’t just about having a home, it’s about having a status symbol. This breathtaking stretch of Cape Town’s coastline, home to Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay, and Fresnaye, is where the global elite come to sip sundowners on their balconies, enjoy world-class beaches, and casually purchase homes with views that belong in a magazine. Often compared to Monaco or Miami, the Atlantic Seaboard exudes glamour, but unlike those destinations, it still offers foreign buyers an absolute steal – while simultaneously making it nearly impossible for many South Africans to buy or rent. Ah, the paradox of paradise.
The Atlantic Seaboard has earned its reputation as the crème de la crème of South African real estate. It’s a place where you’re more likely to spot a supercar than a streetlight and where a penthouse with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean is just another Tuesday. “The Atlantic Seaboard is fast becoming the Monaco of South Africa,” says Sheldon Lubbe, Tyson Properties Atlantic Seaboard Double Diamond agent and area specialist for Green Point. Owning property here is a symbol of prestige. And prestige, as it turns out, has never been more in demand.
So, who’s buying up these dream properties? The answer: international jet-setters, tech entrepreneurs, and yes, the occasional secretive billionaire. “For international buyers, the value is unmatched,” explains Tiaan Vosloo, Tyson Properties Atlantic Seaboard Double Diamond agent and area specialist for Camps Bay. “Compared to European markets, you can buy a high-end home in Camps Bay at a fraction of the cost.”
That’s great news if you’re earning in pounds, dollars, or euros. If you’re earning in rands? Not so much. As Amy Morris, area specialist for the Southern Peninsula points out, “The elephant in the room is what we earn as a salary in South Africa. Having a living wage should be addressed.” The truth is, the very appeal that makes the Atlantic Seaboard an excellent investment option for foreign buyers is the same thing making it increasingly unaffordable for many locals.
For those who can afford to buy, it’s often more about location than the actual home itself. The address alone carries weight. “There’s an undeniable prestige associated with living on the Atlantic Seaboard,” says Sheldon. That said, if there’s one non-negotiable for buyers, it’s a killer view. “Some people will not buy a house without a view,” adds Tiaan. And who can blame them? When your backyard is the Atlantic Ocean, and the sunset looks like it’s been Photoshopped in real-time, a bad view is simply unacceptable.
That sunset, by the way, is not just a pretty backdrop – it’s an asset. West-facing homes with uninterrupted ocean views command a premium, and golden-hour showings are a real thing. Buyers will pay handsomely to ensure their evenings are bathed in soft, cinematic light. “A view is usually on the priority list for buyers,” says Sheldon. “Some won’t even consider a home without one.”
But while the Atlantic Seaboard thrives, the Cape Town property market as a whole is feeling the pressure. One major issue? Stock. There simply isn’t enough of it. With high demand and limited space for development, property prices keep climbing. “Development on the Atlantic Seaboard is booming, and with that, prices continue to rise,” explains Justine de Carvalho, area specialist for the City Bowl. The result? A market where foreign buyers see bargains, but local buyers see barriers.
Then there’s the digital nomad effect. With remote work making it easier than ever to live anywhere, Cape Town has become a magnet for wealthy foreigners looking to swap gloomy European winters for sun-drenched beaches. It’s fantastic for tourism, but for locals trying to find long-term rentals? Not so much. The market makes it incredibly tough for South Africans to rent. With landlords favoring short-term holiday lets and high-paying foreign tenants, many locals are being pushed out of prime areas they once called home.
Despite these challenges, Cape Town’s luxury market continues to deliver some of the most jaw-dropping properties imaginable. From rooftop infinity pools to in-home cinemas and private wellness spas, the level of opulence is unmatched.
At the heart of it all, the secret to selling in Cape Town’s most exclusive areas comes down to one thing: selling a lifestyle. “You have access to so many incredible experiences right at your doorstep,” says Amy. “Whether it’s strolling along the Sea Point Promenade or shopping at the V&A Waterfront, there’s something for everyone.”
So, will the Atlantic Seaboard always be Cape Town’s crown jewel? With limited space and skyrocketing demand, it’s unlikely to lose its top-tier status anytime soon. “When the Atlantic Seaboard thrives, the rest of Cape Town benefits,” Tiaan notes. Other areas like the Constantia Winelands and the V&A Waterfront are emerging as luxury hotspots, but for those who crave ocean views, vibrant nightlife, and seamless city access, the Atlantic Seaboard remains the ultimate address.
At the end of the day, living here isn’t just about owning a home, it’s about owning a piece of a lifestyle that’s as rare as it is irresistible. Whether you’re a foreign investor, a local entrepreneur, or just someone who dreams of waking up to a view that belongs on a postcard, one thing is clear: the Atlantic Seaboard isn’t just Cape Town’s most exclusive area, it’s the ultimate symbol of success.
This article was proudly sponsored by Abrahams & Gross Attorneys.
