Want a Cape Town base that is effortless to own and easy to enjoy? If you split your time across cities or countries, you likely want security, views, and walkability without daily upkeep. This guide shows why Green Point’s lock-up-and-go apartments and penthouses suit international buyers, how they compare to freehold homes, and what to check before you buy. You will also find a practical checklist and next steps tailored to cross-border ownership. Let’s dive in.
Why Green Point works for international buyers
Green Point sits between the Atlantic Seaboard and the City Bowl, close to the V&A Waterfront, the CBD, and the Sea Point Promenade. The location gives you quick access to restaurants, galleries, parks, and events, all within a compact, walkable precinct. For context on area amenities and attractions, explore the official resources from the City of Cape Town and Cape Town Travel.
Lifestyle density is a core draw. You are minutes from the Green Point Urban Park, Cape Town Stadium, and the Waterfront’s shopping and dining. If you plan seasonal stays, proximity to services and concierge providers makes arrivals and departures simpler. The V&A Waterfront’s official site offers a helpful overview of the adjacent precinct’s experiences.
If you fly in and out, road links put Cape Town International Airport within straightforward reach. You balance city access with ocean and mountain scenery, which is a rare combination in a global gateway location.
What lock-up-and-go really means
Core features you can expect
- Secure controlled access with CCTV and onsite guards or concierge.
- Professional building management that handles exterior maintenance and common areas.
- Amenities such as a pool, gym, residents’ lounge, and automated systems.
- Sectional title ownership with levies that fund communal services and upkeep.
Benefits for international owners
- Enhanced peace of mind when you are away thanks to 24/7 security and visitor controls.
- Low day-to-day maintenance since building teams manage most exterior work.
- A turnkey lifestyle with optional cleaning and concierge-style services.
- Flexibility to lock and leave for long periods, and potential to let when permitted by scheme rules.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Less private outdoor space than freehold homes. Penthouses may offer large terraces, but you will not have a private garden.
- Monthly levies can be material in luxury buildings. Compare the total cost of ownership to a freehold home’s running costs.
- Scheme rules may limit short-term letting, renovations, pets, or use of communal facilities. Always review the scheme’s rules before you buy.
- Resale dynamics differ from freehold. Floor level, views, levy health, and building reputation often drive value.
Green Point vs freehold homes
Security
- Apartments typically have stronger immediate security with controlled entries and concierge coverage.
- Freehold homes rely on private measures and can be more exposed when unoccupied. For current context, you can review national updates via the South African Police Service and consult local advisories.
Amenities and services
- Apartments offer built-in amenities and onsite teams, which reduces vendor coordination.
- Freehold homes allow bespoke features like large gardens and pools, but you manage more service contracts.
Lifestyle and proximity
- Green Point apartments keep you close to the Waterfront, parks, and restaurants, which supports a car-light lifestyle.
- Freehold homes on the Atlantic Seaboard often offer privacy and larger outdoor spaces, with varying proximity to the CBD and Waterfront.
Views and orientation
- Upper-floor apartments can deliver panoramic ocean, harbor, or Table Mountain views that drive demand and pricing.
- Freehold homes can secure elevated outlooks with large terraces, though view retention depends on orientation and area controls.
Vacancy resilience
- Professionally managed buildings simplify housekeeping and guest turnover between stays.
- Freehold houses usually need a local manager or house sitter and stronger private security when vacant.
Rules, taxes, and finance essentials
Sectional title and governance
Most multi-unit residences are sold under South Africa’s sectional title system. You own your unit and share common property through the body corporate, which sets rules and collects levies. For governance and dispute guidance, consult the Community Schemes Ombud Service.
Short-term letting permissions
Scheme by-laws can restrict short-term rentals, and municipal rules may also apply. Before assuming rental income, verify the building’s rules and check the City of Cape Town’s latest policy for short-term accommodation.
Tax for non-resident owners
Rental income from South African property is taxable in South Africa. Capital gains tax applies on disposal, and municipal rates and utilities apply during ownership. Review current requirements with the South African Revenue Service and a South African tax advisor.
Funding and exchange control
Foreign buyers can generally purchase property in South Africa. Banks may offer financing to non-residents with stricter criteria, and many buyers pay cash or finance abroad. Exchange control rules govern cross-border flows and repatriation. Your bank and transfer attorney can guide you using South African Reserve Bank information.
Due diligence checklist
- Confirm ownership type and obtain the current title deed.
- Review levy statements, trustees’ meeting minutes, and the reserve fund balance.
- Verify short-term rental permissions and any municipal licensing needs.
- Inspect building maintenance history, planned capital projects, and aging systems like access control or HVAC.
- Check the security setup, concierge hours, and emergency procedures.
- Confirm parking, storage, and any exclusive-use areas or terraces in writing.
- Order a professional inspection and snag list, especially in new developments.
- Get tax advice on rental income, VAT on new builds if relevant, and capital gains.
- Clarify transfer costs, bond registration fees if applicable, and exchange control steps for moving funds.
Practical viewing tips:
- Test floor level and aspect for view lines to the ocean or Table Mountain.
- Visit during different times and event days to gauge noise and traffic.
- Check sun orientation for terrace usability and soundproofing between units.
- Review building access routes, visitors’ parking, and luggage-friendly entries.
How Komar Luxe Realty supports you
You want a streamlined path from short list to handover. We curate luxury apartments and penthouses in Green Point and the Atlantic Seaboard, including private and off-market options for privacy-minded buyers. Our integrated design-build team can evaluate layouts and finishes before you commit, so you know what is feasible if you plan upgrades.
We support cross-border buyers with immersive media, virtual tours, and coordinated schedules that fit international travel. When you are ready, we connect you with trusted conveyancers, inspectors, and tax advisors, and we help you align building rules with your occupancy and rental goals. The result is a cohesive, lock-up-and-go base that fits your lifestyle, budget, and privacy needs.
Ready to explore a secure, low-maintenance Cape Town base with world-class amenities and views? Request a private consultation or virtual tour with Komar Luxe Realty.
FAQs
What is a lock-up-and-go apartment in Green Point?
- It is a secure, professionally managed residence with amenities and levies that fund communal upkeep, designed for easy arrivals, departures, and low maintenance.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Green Point apartments?
- It depends on each building’s rules and municipal policy; confirm scheme by-laws and check current guidance from the City of Cape Town before planning rentals.
What costs should non-resident buyers budget for in Cape Town?
- Plan for the purchase price plus transfer duty, conveyancing and potential bond costs, municipal rates and utilities, and monthly levies for sectional title buildings.
How do Green Point views impact value and resale?
- Upper floors and protected view lines toward the ocean, harbor, or Table Mountain often command premiums, and building reputation and levy health also influence resale.
How fast can I close as an international buyer in South Africa?
- Timeframes vary by property, funding, and transfer attorney schedules; start early with bank, exchange control, and due diligence to keep the process efficient.
