Buying or selling a home is a big deal - financially, emotionally, and practically. So, it’s no surprise that real estate agents are constantly fielding questions from curious buyers, cautious sellers and first-time investors.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or selling a long-held family home, real estate transactions come with questions - lots of them. To make things easier, DG Properties shares answers to the most frequently asked questions received from clients:
1. Is now a good time to buy in Cape Town?
This is the question on everyone’s lips - and the answer, says Alexa Horne, MD of DG Properties, is a firm yes.
“Cape Town remains one of South Africa’s strongest and most resilient property markets,” she explains. “In Q1 of 2025, the average property price in the Western Cape was R2.33 million - well above the national average of R1.66 million, according to recent data. Lightstone data shows Western Cape property prices grew 8.7% year-on-year in January 2025, compared to 5.2% nationally, with the City of Cape Town leading all metros at 8.5% annual growth.”
She adds that long-term growth trends, consistent rental demand, and the ongoing semigration of buyers from other provinces all support the case for buying now, especially in sought-after suburbs like Sea Point, Green Point, Claremont, Newlands, and Bishopscourt.
“If you’re buying for lifestyle and long-term value, it’s less about trying to ‘time’ the market, and more about making the move when you’re ready.”
READ: Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard luxury apartment market hits new heights
2. How much deposit do I really need, and can I still get a zero-deposit bond?
According to national figures, the average home buyer now puts down a deposit of around 15.4% of the purchase price, which is approximately R255,500. However, first-time buyers generally put down less, with average deposits coming in at just under 10% (around R120,300).
“The good news is that many first-time buyers can still secure a 100% bond, especially if they have a solid credit record,” says Horne. “But it’s important to be realistic. Zero-deposit bonds are less common than they were.”
In the Western Cape, bond approval rates are among the highest in the country. Recent data reports an approval rate of around 86% in the region, compared to the national average of 83%, with well-qualified applicants often securing interest rates of prime minus 0.55%.
“We always recommend working with a bond originator early on; they’ll help you understand affordability, compare offers, and improve your chances of approval.”
Find out what you can afford - try our Home Loans Calculator today and take the first step toward your new home.
3. What hidden costs should I budget for beyond the purchase price?
What you see on the listing isn’t the whole story. The real cost lies in the details - and those details can cost you a fortune if you’re not paying attention. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, there are hidden charges lurking in the fine print that can torch your budget and derail your plans, according to Century 21 South Africa.
“Beyond your deposit, you’ll need to budget for transfer duty (if the property is over R1.1 million), bond registration fees, attorney costs, deeds office fees, and sometimes bank initiation charges,” says Horne. “Plus, remember to factor in moving costs, municipal deposits, and any immediate maintenance.”
READ: 7 hidden costs that can blindside South African property buyers
4. How do I know what a fair asking price is for a property?
Online listings and comparison tools can help, but nothing beats local expertise.
“Don’t just look at averages, assess the specifics of the home: location, condition, views, finishes, layout, and demand,” says Horne. “Our team also tracks recent sales in the area and advises on pricing strategies to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.”
5. Which areas offer the best investment potential right now?
Cape Town continues to shine in several key nodes - each offering something unique.
“The CBD, Sea Point, Green Point, and Gardens are ideal for investors and professionals thanks to strong rental markets and ongoing urban regeneration,” says Horne.
Family buyers and semigrants tend to favour the Southern Suburbs, particularly Claremont, Newlands, Constantia, and Bishopscourt, which offer excellent schools, space, and tranquillity. Bishopscourt, in particular, is one of Cape Town’s most prestigious addresses, offering privacy, large plots, and proximity to top schools.
Luxury sectional-title sales on the Atlantic Seaboard averaged R69,167 per square metre in early 2025, with many selling in under 40 days, according to Lightstone data.
“Each pocket offers a lifestyle proposition, from ocean-facing apartments to leafy suburban estates,” she adds.
READ: Hot suburbs for every budget: Joburg to Cape Town
6. Should I buy freehold or sectional title? What about mixed-use or secure estates?
Your ideal property type depends on your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Freehold homes are ideal for families needing space and privacy - common in the Southern Suburbs. Sectional title apartments offer convenience, security, and low maintenance - perfect for professionals or investors.
Mixed-use developments in the CBD and surrounds appeal to buyers seeking flexible, urban lifestyles with co-working spaces or retail access. Secure estates in Constantia, Bishopscourt, and Tokai remain popular with families and semigrants prioritising security and lifestyle.
READ: Step inside South Africa’s most luxurious family homes
“We work closely with clients to match property types with personal needs - it’s about finding that balance between practicality and aspiration,” says Horne.
7. Should I buy off-plan or opt for an existing home?
Off-plan homes offer attractive pricing, no transfer duty, and the potential for capital appreciation during construction. Existing homes, however, offer immediate occupation and certainty.
“It’s really about your priorities,” says Horne. “If you can wait and want a brand-new space with modern design, off-plan is a great option. But if you want to move quickly or prefer something established, an existing home is the better choice.”
READ: Is off-plan buying still a smart investment in 2025?
8. What makes properties sell faster in Cape Town?
Two words: Presentation and pricing.
“Overpriced homes tend to sit on the market, even in prime areas,” says Horne. “The properties that sell fastest are clean, uncluttered, and well-priced from day one. DG Properties assists sellers with professional photography, staging tips, and accurate market valuations to help listings stand out.”
READ: Winter buyers drive record sales on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard
9. Should I renovate before listing my home for sale?
Not necessarily. Minor touch-ups can make a big difference, but large-scale renovations don’t always bring the return sellers hope for.
“Small things like fresh paint, updated lighting, or a neat garden can improve first impressions significantly,” says Horne. “But before spending big, speak to an agent. We’ll help you decide what’s worth fixing and what’s not.”
READ: Live your best life: How to choose a home that matches your lifestyle
10. Would renting out my property be smarter than selling it?
With strong rental demand in the CBD, Sea Point, and Green Point, many owners are choosing to rent rather than sell, especially if they don't need immediate access to capital. The Western Cape recorded 5.4% annual rental growth in Q1 2025, the highest in the country, while Cape Town apartments achieved average gross rental yields of 9.42%, according to the Global Property Guide.
“It’s a great way to earn income while your property continues to appreciate,” says Horne. “But you do need to be ready for the responsibilities of property management. DG Properties offers rental services, tenant vetting, and ongoing support for landlords who want a more hands-off experience.”
READ: Most viewed rental apartments in trendy cities from R4k per month
11. Why should I work with an estate agent instead of doing it myself?
It’s tempting to go it alone, but it can quickly become overwhelming.
“There’s a lot more to real estate than listing a property online,” says Horne. “From navigating legal contracts and compliance to screening buyers and negotiating terms - agents bring value, efficiency, and peace of mind. Working with a reputable agency ensures smoother transactions and better results for buyers and sellers alike.”
READ: Protect your money: The importance of compliance and certified agents
Confident decisions begin with the right advice
Whether you're entering the market, upgrading, investing, or scaling down, property is a journey. And having the right expert in your corner can make all the difference.
Horne says because buying or selling a home isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about clarity, timing, and making the right move.”
With years of experience in Cape Town’s most desirable suburbs - from the Atlantic Seaboard to the Southern Suburbs - DG Properties has built a reputation as a trusted point of contact for those seeking luxury and high-quality real estate.
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