Two suburbs where ambassadors, CEOs, politicians, and celebrities are buying homes in South Africa

Hundreds of homes in Waterkloof, Pretoria, and Bishopscourt, Cape Town, are owned by foreign embassies or leased to prominent ambassadors and senior diplomats. 

They are also home to some of South Africa’s top business executives, politicians and celebrities. 

According to Seeff Property Group experts Gerhard van der Linde and Francois Venter, these two neighbourhoods represent the pinnacle of prestige, security, and luxury living.

They added that these suburbs are now comparable to elite diplomatic enclaves such as Belgravia in London or Kalorama in Washington, DC.

“These are South Africa’s top ambassadorial suburbs, home to high-profile individuals including ambassadors, senior diplomats, business executives, celebrities, and politicians,” said Van der Linde, Managing Director for Seeff Pretoria East. 

“They offer the kind of prestige, privacy, and proximity to key institutions that make them ideal for both private and official residences.”

Waterkloof and its neighbouring Waterkloof Ridge form Pretoria’s premier ambassadorial belt, with more than 100 homes owned or leased by foreign embassies. 

“These are among the most exclusive suburbs in the country. They are well-established, with Jacaranda-lined streets, spacious properties, and hilltop homes offering panoramic views of the city,” Van der Linde explained. 

The average property prices typically range between R3 million and R15 million, but ultra-luxury properties easily exceed that, well above R20 million.

 Van der Linde highlighted a super-luxury 860 square metre home in the secure Argo Place in Waterkloof Ridge, which is currently on the market for R14.75 million. 

It features a private cinema, underground wine cellar, gourmet kitchen equipped with Gaggenau, Bosch, and Miele appliances, private gym, solar power, borehole, extensive garaging, and staff accommodation.

Over 80% of Waterkloof’s properties are full title, and the suburb’s high-value real estate continues to appreciate. 

“We’ve seen consistent growth of between 6% and 8% annually over the past decade,” said Van der Linde. “The market remains stable, and sales volumes are still slightly ahead of pre-pandemic levels.” 

Most buyers fall within the 35–55 age group, with more than half of residents having lived there for over 11 years.

Waterkloof’s enduring appeal also comes down to its location and amenities. It offers easy access to some of Pretoria’s top schools.

These include Pretoria Boys High, Pretoria Girls High, and the University of Pretoria—as well as the prestigious Pretoria Country Club, Menlyn Park shopping centre, and several top restaurants and golf courses.

Property selling for over R100 million

On the other side of the country, Cape Town’s Bishopscourt suburb mirrors this level of prestige and international appeal.

Bishopscourt is renowned for its lush greenery, spacious plots, and grand homes, many of which offer sweeping mountain views. 

“Bishopscourt is one of South Africa’s most prestigious neighbourhoods,” added Francois Venter, Seeff’s lead agent for The Uppers. 

“It’s home to the US ambassador’s residence, Kearsney House, and attracts foreign embassies, consulates, international celebrities, and leading business and political figures.”

The suburb’s homes are expansive and highly secure, often set on large estates surrounded by gardens and old trees. 

“Residents value the privacy and natural beauty, as well as the proximity to top schools like Bishops and St Mary’s, and the University of Cape Town,” Venter added. 

“It’s also close to Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Constantia wine farms, which are global landmarks in their own right.”

The Bishopscourt market is one of the most valuable in the country, with listings starting around R20 million and stretching well beyond R100 million. 

The average asking price is now R28.4 million, with the average selling price around R25.4 million. But scarcity of stock means demand remains exceptionally high.

Property values in Bishopscourt have more than doubled over the past decade, making it one of the strongest-performing residential markets in South Africa. 

“We’ve seen some of the highest-value transactions in the country here, with sales above R50 million not uncommon,” Venter noted. 

“So far this year, 71% of all sales have been above R20 million, including two purchases by UK buyers.”

The demand is so intense that homes in Bishopscourt sell rapidly. “Properties here are selling within just 45 days, often much faster,” he added.

“We recently sold a prestigious estate for R34.5 million (before it was even officially listed), at 98% of the asking price to a local buyer.”

Source: https://businesstech.co.za/
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