Luxury residential property investments: which one would you buy?

If you think the South African economy is under strain – fear not! The luxury property market seems to be showing otherwise. Across the country, little slices of pricey paradise are popping up in greater proportions than ever before.

And certainly, if you can afford it, a luxury property in a prime location is a great investment to make in this volatile market. In hotspots like the Cape Town CBD, Constantia, and Umhlanga Rocks, annual appreciation has outpaced the national average consistently over the past decade.

For most of us though, they are just nice to drool over and fantasize about living our billionaire best lives in. So, here are 10 snazzy new developments that Currency has our eye on – from picturesque countryside estates to vibrant city penthouses.

TenOnV, Cape Town CBD

One-bed price: R2.5m–R2.9m

Likes: Maybe I’m biased, but city living just has an electric energy that gives any place an added twinkle of excitement. And TenOnV is also nestled right next to the Company’s Garden, giving it a nearby spot of green breathing space.

Dislikes: When they say CBD, they mean it. This block is separated from Long Street’s bustling traffic by a hope and a prayer, and likely comes with, you guessed it, no parking.

The Huxley, Claremont, Cape Town

One-bed price: N/A

Likes: This boutique complex is right next to Arderne Gardens, a green and serene part of the city. And the fact that it is only 18 apartments gives it quite an intimate charm.

Dislikes: You have to sign up to their website and hand over your details to see the prices, so I’ll just go ahead and guess an apartment costs a bajillion rand.

7 Jameson Avenue, Melrose Estate, Joburg

One-bed price: The starting price on one of these is a hefty R6.5m!

Likes: These apartments are spacious and classic, and the development’s location between the quiet but luxurious suburbs of Houghton and Melrose is a huge bonus.

Dislikes: It is simply not as grandiose and unbelievable as some of the other contenders on this list. They’ll have to try harder.

The Marlow on Mill, Newlands, Cape Town

One-bed price: From R3.22m

Likes: Everything about it is devastatingly chic; it is bohemian while still looking classic. The terracotta aesthetic is uniquely beautiful and fits into the natural environment really well. Plus, the location is brilliant.

Dislikes: A noticeably large section of the website is dedicated to listing the tax benefits for investors buying up multiple apartments for tax deductions. I mean, I know that’s what this is all about, but let’s not be vulgar, people!

Olympus, Sandton, Joburg

One-bed price: R2.4m–R3.3m

Likes: It will have its very own Pantry by Marble, which is all I need to hear. I am also intrigued by the idea of a flowing infinity pool in the middle of Sandton – very daring!

Dislikes: The website gives the impression that it’ll be across the road from the very shiny, very see-through Discovery building. That is too many people who can see onto my balcony for my taste.

La Luc, Franschhoek

One-bed price: The starting price for a plot of land is R2.6m

Likes: This charming retirement village is probably the most breathtaking of all the developments on the list, nestled in an unparalleled part of the country in terms of peaceful beauty.

Dislikes: The facilities and features listed are average for a luxury estate of this size and cost – honestly, everyone has 24/7 security and a clubhouse these days.

Aspire Waterfall City, Joburg

One-bed price: R2.2m–R3m

Likes: I am wooed by the grandiose, sophisticated energy of this development. It also sits in the Goldilocks zone of being both metropolitan, yet separate from the chaos of Johannesburg.

Dislikes: This complex will exist under the shadow of the looming PwC building in Midrand, which is such an ugly building I couldn’t stand to be close to it.

5 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

One-bed price: N/A

Likes: The ocean and mountain views will be unparalleled, and the prime location next to the Time Out market certainly sweetens the deal – from Indian street food to Cape Malay cuisine, this place will fatten you up in no time.

Dislikes: If you are not a swallow who sporadically descends upon Cape Town, living on the Waterfront full-time might drive you to the brink of insanity. Between the seagulls and the tourists, it’s just a bit much.

Longlands Estate, Stellenbosch

One-bed price: The starting price for a plot of land is R2.53m

Likes: This estate is designed to accommodate the natural environment, not dominate it; a clean, ecologically friendly space. It is also only 10 minutes from central Stellenbosch, while also having a gloriously rustic feel.

Dislikes: The houses are very uniform and orderly; there’s nothing that gives me the chills like a perfectly manicured estate of 300 identical dwellings…

The Emerald, Hyde Park, Joburg

One-bed price: From R2.09m

Likes: You don’t get more central than this quiet corner of Hyde Park, in addition to which you also have some of the best restaurants in the city just minutes away. And I can’t deny the allure of a private padel court – how trendy!

Dislikes: The conceptual interior design is not the most enchanting, and the limited outdoor space is an additional downside.

_{Top image: The Marlow on Mill}

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