Buy Property in Cape Town as a Foreigner
Buy Property in Cape Town as a Foreigner
South Africa is refreshingly open: foreigners can buy property in Cape Town directly, in their own name, with no special permission. The questions worth getting right are financing, exchange control on the way in and out, and whether an offshore holding company makes sense for estate planning.
Projects in South Africa
Every project includes an incorporation pathway with the recommended Offshore holding company structure.
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How buying property in Cape Town works
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1
Make an offer to purchase
South African deals run on a written Offer to Purchase. Once signed by both sides it's a binding agreement, so the terms and suspensive conditions matter. We review before you sign.
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2
Arrange funds and exchange control
Bring the purchase funds in through a registered bank so they're recorded for exchange control, this is what lets you repatriate the proceeds cleanly when you sell. Foreigners can finance up to ~50% loan-to-value locally.
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3
Conveyancing and transfer duty
A conveyancing attorney handles the transfer through the Deeds Office and calculates transfer duty on a sliding scale (0% up to R1.1M, rising to 13% on higher values).
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4
Decide on a holding structure
Buy personally, or set up an offshore holding company first if estate planning and easier succession matter for your situation.
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5
Register at the Deeds Office
The attorney registers the transfer; the title deed is issued in your name or the company's, completing the purchase.
Ownership rules for foreigners
Foreigners can own property in South Africa directly with no restrictions and the same rights as locals. A company is not required. Many investors still hold through an offshore company because it simplifies succession, can reduce estate duty exposure (estate duty runs 20-25% above the threshold), and streamlines repatriation of sale proceeds under exchange control. Whether that's worth it depends on your estate and exit plans, we'll size it for you.
Country fundamentals
Tax rates
Banking
Bank requires resident director (public officer - SA resident required for currency regulations). Usually one resident director suffices for compliance.
Non-resident accounts nominally possible but easier with local tax number and address.
What buying actually costs
The taxes and fees on a Cape Town purchase, beyond the property price itself.
Indicative figures for guidance only, not tax advice. We confirm exact costs for your purchase before you commit.
What you'll need
Pricing, paperwork, and what's bundled into the Offshore holding company setup.
Offshore holding company services & pricing
All-inclusive pricing — every price is final and covers government registration fees, agent fees, and all associated service charges. No hidden costs.
What's included
- Company registration with local authorities
- Business license
- Company seal/stamp
- Certificate of incorporation
- Basic compliance setup
Investment questions
Common questions about investing in South Africa real estate and the Offshore holding company pathway.
Can foreigners buy property in South Africa?
Can foreigners buy property in South Africa?
What is transfer duty and how much is it?
What is transfer duty and how much is it?
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner?
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner?
How does exchange control affect me?
How does exchange control affect me?
Why hold through an offshore company?
Why hold through an offshore company?
Ready to invest in South Africa?
Get a free introduction to vetted developers and start your Offshore holding company formation.