Affordable Cape Town property options in 2022

Yes, there are still affordable areas in Cape Town in which to buy property in 2022. Several up-and-coming neighbourhoods offer convenience and relative safety within vibrant communities.

There is so much for love about living in Cape Town with the city's Northern Suburbs offering so many affordable neighbourhoods to settle down in. A relaxed lifestyle and proximity to stunning locations are just some of the highlights. Properties in many parts of the city are also growing in value despite a dip during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a great investment for homeowners.

Don't let the exorbitant prices of some Cape Town neighbourhoods scare you off. If you know where to look, you could find a property within your price range. We've identified three affordable areas to consider in 2022, offering both good value for money and relative safety.

Affordable Bonnie Brae, Kraaifontein

• Location: Northern outskirts of Cape Town
• Best for: Families looking to invest in spacious homes
• Close to: The winelands of Durbanville
• Highlights: Schools nearby

Ideal for families, this area in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town is one of several neighbourhoods in Kraaifontein that is both affordable and convenient. NS Property Solutions estate agent, Marno Muller, notes that Bonnie Brae offers a good combination of large homes and townhouses so there's something for everyone.

The value of homes is also increasing and some properties are selling for R2 million or more. While this might sound expensive, houses of this price offer lots of space and therefore wonderful value for money.

The majority of Bonnie Brae properties listed on Property24 in the last six months were two- and three-bedroom homes. Property24 data indicates that the average selling price of property was R1 397 500 in 2021.

Bonnie Brae is close to two primary and two high schools as well as the Okavango Crossing Shopping Centre.

Read more about Kraaifontein in our profile, Kraaifontein at a glance.

Property in Ruwari, Brackenfell

• Location: Borders of Brackenfell
• Best for: Young families
• Close to: Old Paarl Road
• Highlights: Bracken Nature Reserve

Set in the sought-after area of Brackenfell, Ruwari is one of the few spots in the larger suburb where you can still buy affordably. It offers a vibrant, diverse community and homes in this neighbourhood have been growing in value over the last few years.

Popular complexes in the area include Oakwoods, Silverwood, Cape Shiraz, Stonewood and Whispering Oaks, says Liezel Eitner, estate agent at NS Property Solutions. They make great investment properties that area ideal for landlords. Normandie and Protea Village are other estates in the area.

"Ruwari is ideal for young families looking for convenient townhouses or large homes to renovate," she says, adding that properties here have become valuable investments for homeowners.

Expect to pay from R1 million upwards for two-bedroom properties and closer to R2 million for large homes on spacious yards, notes Liezel. Property24 data indicates the average sale price of properties in 2021 was R1 945 000. The majority of buyers in the last six months was between 18 and 35 years old, Property24 reports.

The suburb borders the Bracken Nature Reserve and is located close to North Point Industrial Park. It also has an active neighbourhood watch.

Find out everything you need to know about living in Brackenfell in our article, Brackenfell at a glance.

Cost-effective St Dumas, Kuils River

• Location: Eastern outskirst of Cape Town
• Best for: First-time buyers
• Close to: Zevenwacht Mall
• Highlights: Langverwacht Shopping Mall

Contrary to what you might think, Kuils River is not just for the wealthy in 2022. NS Property Solutions estate agent, Pieter Venter, notes that the hidden gem of St Dumas in Kuils River offers value-for-money buys for most budgets.

"You might find apartments starting at just over R500 000 in St Dumas, with duplexes starting at just over R1 million and large homes priced from R1.5 million and up," he says. A large portion of properties for sale here in the last six months were two-bedroom houses, according to Property24's Property Trends and Statistics tool.

Pieter explains that both families and singles will find St Dumas convenient and affordable. There's also a variety of property sizes to choose from. "The market is healthy and there are lots of properties for sale at the moment. It could partly be because homes have increased in value in the last few years and people are selling to upgrade."

St Dumas is flanked by two good shopping centres, Zevenwacht Mall and Langverwacht Shopping Mall. It's also just a few blocks from Zevenwacht Wine Estate and the outskirts of Stellenbosch Farms. In addition, it is right on Van Riebeeck Rd, providing easy access to Brackenfell's attractions.

Find out what it's like to live in Kuils River in our article, Something for everyone in Kuils River, Cape Town.