Message to South Africans who want to buy property in Cape Town

Experts urged Cape Town buyers to “future-proof” their property purchases by choosing adaptable homes that can accommodate life changes rather than buying solely for their current needs.

In the Cape Town southern suburbs’ ultra-competitive property market, finding a property that ticks all the boxes can feel like a major win.

However, just because a property may suit a buyer’s current needs, it does not mean it will grow with them and still work when lifestyle changes happen.

Arnold Maritz, Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s southern suburbs, said savvy buyers do not fall into the trap of purchasing only for the present, without considering the future.

“Many buyers get caught up in wish lists that make them view properties through a very narrow lens – the lens of their immediate needs,” Maritz said.

“The perfect commute, the just-enough bedrooms, the cosy kitchen for now – it’s a snapshot in time. But life is a moving picture, and a home that can’t adapt with you quickly becomes a liability.”

Maritz advocated for a strategic approach called “future-proofing”. This philosophy looks beyond the current moment to find a home that can accommodate life’s inevitable changes.

“The goal isn’t in a crystal ball, but in assessing whether a purchase will work not just for this chapter, but for the next three or four. You’re not just buying for the life you have – you’re investing in the lives you haven’t yet lived,” he said.

The first step to buying a future-proof home, Maritz explained, is to shift from thinking in years to thinking in life stages.

“Instead of asking, ‘Can I see myself here for five years?’ ask, ‘Could this house support me through a career shift, a new child, or an ageing parent moving in?’,” he suggested.

“That quirky two-bedroom bungalow might be perfect for a young couple, but will it suffice when a home office becomes non-negotiable or the family unexpectedly grows in size?”

This forward-thinking mindset fundamentally changes how one evaluates a property. According to Maritz, the key is prioritising latent potential over immediate perfection.

“We consistently see that the most successful long-term homes aren’t necessarily the largest, but the most adaptable. Prioritise layout flexibility over a perfect fit,” he said.

“Look for open floor plans that can be reconfigured, a formal dining room that can become a study, or a plot with scope for a later extension. Avoid layouts that lock you into a single use with many small, oddly shaped rooms.”

Accessibility and location

Maritz also urged buyers to consider two elements that are often overlooked – accessibility and location resilience. “Even for the youngest, fittest buyers, considering accessibility from day one is a shrewd investment,” he said.

“Single-level living, wide doorways and a step-free entry aren’t just for retirement – they make life easier for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents visiting, and they dramatically expand your future resale market.”

When it comes to location, Maritz advised buyers to look beyond their daily commute, since choosing a home simply for its proximity to one’s current place of employment is a gamble.

“Companies move, careers pivot. A more durable approach is to choose a neighbourhood with access to multiple employment hubs, diverse transit options and amenities for all life stages – parks, schools, and healthcare,” he said.

Taking the macro view means a buyer is not boxed in by one job or one phase of life because of where their home is based.

Crucially, future-proofing has a significant financial component. Maritz warned buyers against stretching to their absolute maximum budget.

“If you spend every last rand on the purchase price, you leave yourself no breathing room for the costs of adaptation – whether it’s converting a room, constructing a flatlet or simply furnishing a nursery,” he said.

“Buying slightly below your budget isn’t a compromise – it’s building in a crucial financial cushion for the future.”

Maritz added that the right home is a stable foundation and a reliable backdrop to whatever life changes happen to the owner.

“It should see you through job changes and family milestones without constant upheaval. While none of us can predict the future, we can certainly prepare for it,” he said.

“And in the southern suburbs’ dynamic market and massively varied price brackets, that preparation begins long before you sign an offer and actually choose your next set of house keys.”