Property

Inside the record-breaking R30 million home in Cape Town

Kirsten Minnaar • 16 March 2026

A luxury property known as Forest House in Newlands has sold for nearly R30 million, setting a new suburb record and highlighting strong demand and limited housing supply in Cape Town’s southern suburbs.

The sale reveals the strong value buyers see in Newlands, where the combination of mountain views, established homes, and close proximity to leading schools and amenities keeps the area firmly on the radar of discerning purchasers.

The sale, which is set to be finalised this week, surpasses the previous suburb record of R27.5 million in August 2025.

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Newlands Area Specialist Jennifer Lee said this sale cements Newlands’ position as one of the Mother City’s most prestigious addresses.

This comes at a time when the broader southern suburbs market is characterised by unprecedented demand and critically low inventory levels.

Perched at the highest inhabited point on the slopes of Table Mountain, the seven-bedroom residence is located in the Fernwood enclave.

It offers uninterrupted 180-degree views stretching from Table Bay to Gordon’s Bay and across the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Lee explained.

“An international buyer secured the property, drawn by the home’s unique character and its spectacular position on the slopes of Table Mountain”

The record-breaking sale comes as Cape Town’s southern suburbs solidify their status as one of South Africa’s most resilient and desirable investment landscapes.

According to Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty’s Co-Principal of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, Claude McKirby, the market throughout 2025 was characterised by a persistent shortage of high-quality inventory.

This is particularly the case in sought-after family suburbs like Newlands, Bishopscourt, and Constantia, McKirby explained.

“This scarcity, driven by a combination of semigration and a strong local ‘downsizer’ market, has created a competitive environment where well-priced, secure properties often attract multiple offers and sell swiftly at, or above, asking prices.”

Lee, who facilitated the Forest House transaction, confirmed that the broader market dynamics are acutely felt in her area of operation.

“The Newlands freehold market has remained notably tight over the past 12 months. Stock levels have been consistently low, particularly in the family home price bands, and well-positioned properties have continued to attract strong attention.”

Forest House

Designed by award-winning architects Van der Merwe Miszewski and completed by Alex Stewart, Forest House represents a fusion of glass, wood and stone.

Lee said the sellers, who purchased the property at auction in 2010, added their own signature by constructing a separate pavilion for the extended family, complete with a shared roof terrace and fire pit.

“The main residence features expansive double-volume living spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass that creates seamless indoor-outdoor flow.”

“Brazilian granite floors, bespoke wood panelling and imported lighting feature throughout, while amenities include a Miele-fitted kitchen, wine cellar, sauna, and 80-square-metre games room.”

Four-bedroom suites include an air-conditioned master retreat with a private lounge within the main house and are complemented by two self-contained pavilion units.

The Newlands Team noted that buyer enquiry levels have increased noticeably compared to a year ago, particularly for homes that are accurately priced and well presented.

“Serious, qualified buyers are active, but they are discerning,” Lee said. “When a property is launched at the correct market-related price, enquiry levels tend to be strong in the first two to three weeks.”

“Days on market have shortened for correctly priced properties, while homes that are ambitiously priced are taking longer and seeing reduced engagement.”

According to Lee, the Fernwood area, where Forest House is located, holds particular appeal for buyers seeking proximity to Kirstenbosch and direct mountain access.

The broader Newlands suburb continues to attract established families and professionals seeking proximity to the CBD.

It is also drawing buyers prioritising access to leading schools, and international and semigration buyers drawn to the area’s prestige and natural setting.

According to 2025 property statistics, the average sale price in Newlands was R9 580 million.

Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate the market will remain firmly in sellers’ favour, though with a slight recalibration as interest rates and the cost of living continue to affect affordability thresholds.

The prime lending rate has eased to 10.25%, down from 11.75% mid-year, offering some relief to bond affordability.

McKirby suggested the southern suburbs will likely see sustained demand, but a critical focus will be on accurate, market-related pricing from the outset.

“New developments offering security and convenience will gain further traction, while the premium for fully off-grid, sustainable homes is expected to increase even further, defining the next phase of value in this coveted region.”

In the area, vacant land for new development remains scarce, and stock levels remain critically tight.

Forest House’s record-breaking sale is expected to further consolidate Newlands’ reputation as one of Cape Town’s most sought-after residential enclaves – and one where finding available property remains a challenge.