Inside South Africa’s most expensive land — a playground haven for billionaires

At a staggering R1.8 million ($95,000) per square metre, this exclusive stretch of land now stands as the most valuable slice of undeveloped real estate on the continent.

“Located at the very end of this road, on the seaside, the land spreads open towards the ocean, effortlessly embracing iconic postcard views,” said Epstein.

“From here, you can take in Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Clifton’s white beaches, and the endless blue of the Atlantic.”

However, even before construction begins, the cost of ownership is daunting, estimated loan repayments for the plot alone sit at around R2 million ($109,000) per month on a 20-year plan.

Clifton remains South Africa’s most expensive suburb, where a single parking space can cost more than the average home elsewhere in the country.

According to the Seeff Property Group, homes in Clifton sell for twice the price of those in nearby Camps Bay, its closest rival in luxury status.

Despite market slowdowns and pandemic-era restrictions, nearly R2 billion ($109 million) worth of property sales have been recorded in Clifton over the last five years.

“Clifton benefits from a spectacular location between mountain and sea. Its Blue Flag beaches are world-famous, and demand far outstrips supply; even parking is a luxury,” Seeff said in a statement.

Nettleton Road, perched high on Lion’s Head and overlooking the Atlantic, is widely regarded as the most expensive street in South Africa.

Here, homes regularly sell for more than R100 million ($5.5 million), and industry experts predict prices could soon reach R200 million as the market rebounds.

Luxury property specialist Jo Lombard from Seeff Atlantic Seaboard noted that buyers made several recent sales exceeding R20 million ($1.1 million) from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

“Clifton is not just scenically superior to most other luxury suburbs in South Africa. It has also delivered some of the strongest investment returns. Older homes have been remodelled into world-class villas that can rival properties along the French Riviera,” Lombard said.

Lombard added that demand continues to surge due to the suburb’s limited land availability, unmatched scenery, and premium rental yields. “Investing sooner is better. Every year, the price of paradise climbs higher,” he said.

From luxury apartment blocks like Eventide, San Michele, and The Beaches, all offering uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, to the record-breaking plots that define its skyline, Clifton continues to shape the narrative of Africa’s ultra-luxury real estate market, where ocean meets opulence and exclusivity commands a premium.