CAPE TOWN – A luxury mountain-front property in Cape Town’s Newlands has sold for close to R30 million, setting a new residential record for the prestigious southern suburb.
The sale of Forest House, perched at the highest inhabited point on Table Mountain’s slopes, surpasses the previous suburb record of R27.5 million achieved in August 2025.
The seven-bedroom residence in the Fernwood enclave offers uninterrupted 180-degree views stretching from Table Bay to Gordon’s Bay and across the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
“An international buyer secured the property, drawn by the home’s unique character and its spectacular position on the slopes of Table Mountain,” said Jennifer Lee, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Newlands area specialist, who facilitated the transaction.
The sale, set to be finalised this week, underscores the enduring appeal of Cape Town’s southern suburbs, where mountain views, established homes and proximity to leading schools continue to attract discerning purchasers.
Southern suburbs face stock shortage
The record-breaking sale comes amid unprecedented demand and critically low inventory levels across Cape Town’s southern suburbs market.
Claude McKirby, co-principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s southern suburbs, said the market throughout 2025 was characterised by a persistent shortage of high-quality inventory, particularly in sought-after family suburbs like Newlands, Bishopscourt and Constantia.
“This scarcity, driven by a combination of semigration and a strong local ‘downsizer’ market, has created a competitive environment where well-priced, secure properties often attract multiple offers and sell swiftly at, or above, asking prices,” McKirby said.
Lee confirmed that market dynamics are acutely felt in Newlands. “The Newlands freehold market has remained notably tight over the past 12 months. Stock levels have been consistently low, particularly in the family home price bands, and well-positioned properties have continued to attract strong attention.”
Architectural masterpiece
Forest House was designed by award-winning architects Van der Merwe Miszewski and completed by Alex Stewart, representing a striking fusion of glass, wood and stone.
The sellers, who purchased the property at auction in 2010, added their own signature by constructing a separate pavilion for extended family, complete with a shared roof terrace and fire pit.
The main residence features expansive double-volume living spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Brazilian granite floors, bespoke wood panelling and imported lighting feature throughout.
Amenities include a Miele-fitted kitchen, wine cellar, sauna and 80-square-metre games room. Four luxurious bedroom suites include an air-conditioned master retreat with private lounge within the main house, complemented by two self-contained pavilion units.
Market outlook
Lee noted that buyer enquiry levels have increased compared to a year ago, particularly for homes that are accurately priced and well presented.
“Serious, qualified buyers are active, but they are discerning,” she said. “When a property is launched at the correct market-related price, enquiry levels tend to be strong in the first two to three weeks.”
The Fernwood area, where Forest House is located, holds particular appeal for buyers seeking proximity to Kirstenbosch and direct mountain access. The broader Newlands suburb continues to attract established families, professionals seeking proximity to the CBD, and international buyers drawn to the area’s prestige and natural setting.
According to 2025 statistics, the average sale price in Newlands was R9 580 million.
Looking ahead, industry experts anticipate the market will remain in sellers’ favour, though with slight recalibration as interest rates and cost of living continue to impact affordability. The prime lending rate has eased to 10.25%, down from 11.75% mid-year.
With vacant land for development scarce and stock levels remaining critically tight, Forest House’s record-breaking sale is expected to further consolidate Newlands’ reputation as one of Cape Town’s most sought-after residential enclaves.
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