Finding a Home in Cape Town
Newspapers
For a list of all the main newspapers, see ‘Newspapers and media’ in the communication section. The newspapers listed below have the best dedicated property sections.
The Cape Times (R5.70)
This newspaper contains a dedicated property supplement, the Cape Property Times, on Wednesdays. It focuses on Cape Town, but also listed prominent properties in the rest of the Western Cape.
Visit http://www.capetimes.co.za
The Cape Argus (R4.80)
This afternoon newspaper releases a special bumper edition on weekends, which includes the Cape Property Guide. The weekend edition costs R11.00. The property guide can also be viewed online at http://www.capeproperty.co.za.
The Cape Ads (R4.50)
This weekly classifieds ad paper includes listings of properties for sale. Visit http://capetown.capeads.co.za/.
Websites
See the ‘Rental’ section for websites that specialize in properties for rent. Two of those websites, recommended for rentals, also list properties for sale:
Also see:
- http://capetown.capeads.co.za : The online listings of this general classifieds paper and better viewed online, as they’re more regularly updated. They include listings of properties for sale. You can also purchase the print edition, published weekly, at most gas stations and newsagents.
Estate Agents
Agents charge a standard commission of 7.5 percent from the seller, a rate that goes up and down depending on the area (more in poor areas, less in wealthy ones). There’s quite a bit of local controversy over this rate. Many experienced sellers argue that it’s far too high, and should be negotiated down to 5 or even 3 percent (see http://www.btimes.co.za/97/0713/btmoney/money7.htm).
If you’re the buyer, however, you really needn’t concern yourself with the agent, as they do not require any additional charge from the buyer. Using a real estate agent for a rental property is extremely rare.
Estate agents will generally be willing to pick you up to show you their properties. Agencies have grown particularly eager to please over the past year, as the market has been unusually quiet in most areas.
Below are a few well-regarded agencies experienced in dealing with sales by and to foreigners.
Lola Kramer
Lola Kramer has been dealing in properties in Hout Bay, Llandudno and the Atlantic Seaboard in general for over twenty years. She specializes in homes with strong investment potential.
Call 021 790 4439 or visit http://www.lolakramer.com/default.asp
Jawitz Estate Agents
Jawitz manages properties all over the country. The local branch specializes in properties on the Atlantic Seaboard and in the CBD. It is shop 4 on the ground level of the Sea point Medical Centre, 11 Kloof Street, Sea Point.
Call Mandy Mitoulis on 082 368 4218 or visit http://www.jawitz.co.za.
Seeff
Perhaps South Africa’s top property and real estate company, Seeff has been around for over 45 years, and has over 200 branches nationwide. Agents are all generally acquainted with the procedures for helping expatriates through a sale.
Visit http://www.seeff.com/about/branch_locator/ to find the contact details for your nearest Seeff office.
