Property

Inside the ultra-luxury retirement development in a 19th-century Cape Town brewery

Kirsten Minnaar • 16 April 2026

A new luxury retirement development, Cannon Brewery, is launching at a historic 19th-century site in Newlands, Cape Town, tapping into strong demand for high-end living in one of the city’s fastest-selling property markets.

Newlands is one of the fastest-selling areas in Cape Town in 2026, with Propstats data showing that properties are selling within two weeks on average, said Seeff Southern Suburbs agent Stephen Buerger.

According to Propstats data, the average property price in Newlands stood at R9.95 million in 2025, up 16% year-on-year (2024 vs 2025). Sales are now concluded significantly faster than in prior years, due to stock shortages.

Some 64.7% of all sales in 2026 are over R10 million. Buerger explained that high-value sales are becoming more prevalent, with prices ranging from R17 million to almost R30 million.

Remarkably, sellers are achieving excellent prices, with the average discount from the asking price just 3.2% in 2026.

The central location, access to top schools and amenities, mountain views and historic setting are among the main drawcards.

This demand is coming from local and semigrant residential buyers, as well as those seeking urban retirement living.

However, Buerger noted that the supply of high-end options remains remarkably low. Many retirees are looking to downsize while remaining in high-end urban areas, such as the Southern Suburbs.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of bespoke, luxury estates that cater to an independent lifestyle rather than a traditional retirement model.

To address this gap, a significant new development has launched at the historic Cannon Brewery site in Newlands, Buerger said.

Cannon Brewery is a first-of-its-kind luxury urban retirement offering that combines the area’s heritage with modern living and five-star amenities.

It is being developed by Manor Life, which is associated with the hugely successful Wytham Estate in Upper Kenilworth.

The Cannon Brewery development

The landmark Cannon Brewery is a historic location dating back to the early 19th century, when Newlands was the centre of Cape Town’s brewing industry, as its natural springs provided ideal conditions for beer-making.

The brewery was a pivotal part of the area’s social and industrial evolution. It was later transformed into a residence by the renowned artist Gwelo Goodman.

The design of the Canon Brewery pays tribute to this history and repurposes the heritage estate rather than demolishing it.

The old granary is being converted into two properties that blend contemporary industrial design with the site’s artistic legacy, creating a unique new retirement offering in the area.

There are only 20 units with floor plans from 77sqm for a one-bedroom unit, and around 178-204sqm for two bedrooms.

Multi-level units include lifts instead of stairs. Prices start from R7.5 million with anticipated occupation in early 2028.

This premium residential estate is aimed at over-65s and offers a healthy lifestyle for independent living, surrounded by landscaped grounds and mountain views.

Aside from 24/7 security, residents have access to five-star amenities, including a wellness and care centre, a restaurant and café, a library, and a lounge.

Residents can also opt for additional services such as housekeeping and laundry, as well as pre-booked transport for excursions.

The property will be fully managed and maintained, and is being sold on a Life Rights basis, which Buerger said offers significant benefits.

Under the Housing Development Schemes for Retired Persons Act, a Life Rights option offers a more accessible entry point for retirees, as there are no transfer duties, value-added tax, or bond registration fees.

The developer retains ownership of the property and is therefore responsible for all external maintenance, security, and communal facilities.

While the aim is to provide for lifelong residency, residents can choose to exit the scheme at any time, whether to move into frail care or relocate.

However, the process differs from a standard house sale, as the developer manages the “resale” to a new occupant. The original resident, or their estate, receives a refund in accordance with their contract terms.