R16k Cape Town Rental Apartment Sparks Debate Over 'Ugly Kitchen'
- An expensive apartment in Durbanville went viral after its outdated kitchen drew widespread criticism online
- TikTok users highlighted how Cape Town rentals often prioritise location over interior quality while being overpriced
- The video reignited debates about overpriced housing and the frustration of tenants seeking better value
- Briefly News reached out to Zizipho Makaula, a luxury real estate agent, who shared her professional insights on pricing, property value and what truly drives demand in South Africa’s housing market
South Africans debated Cape Town’s rental market after a pricey apartment with an outdated kitchen became a viral talking point.
Source: Getty Images
A video by TikTok user @ironmaiden_999 has put a spotlight on Cape Town’s rental market after showcasing a R16,000‑per‑month apartment in Durbanville Sonstraal Heights with a shockingly outdated kitchen. The apartment itself boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two parking bays, but its dull finishes immediately became the focus online. The video caption humorously read:
“Apartment hunting in CPT is NOT fun. 😭 Did the same architect design all the properties 100 years ago?”
While some viewers laughed at the creator’s sarcasm, others resonated with the frustration. Cape Town rentals are notorious for high prices that often fail to reflect the interior quality or level of modernity.
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Netizens’ reactions highlight frustration with Cape Town rentals
Many users complained that paying R16k for a home with a kitchen that looks decades old feels unreasonable, especially in a city where the cost of living already stretches many budgets. The clip reignited a familiar conversation that in Cape Town, safety and location often outweigh style or value for money.
Tenants shared their own stories of moving into expensive properties only to feel underwhelmed by the outdated designs. Social media reactions suggest that the problem isn’t just one apartment but a pattern in the local market where landlords rely on demand rather than upgrading properties.
Makaula told Briefly News that while overpricing happens in the industry, estate agents should act with integrity by educating sellers about realistic market values and helping buyers make informed decisions. She emphasised that trust and credibility matter more than chasing quick deals. She said:
“No estate agents should knowingly sell homes at inflated prices even though it’s common in the industry for sellers to aim high. Your job as an estate agent is to educate the seller about realistic market value based on data, help buyers make informed decisions and act ethically and professionally; not just to close the deal but to build trust and long-term success.”
On whether location or structure matters more, Makaula highlighted that the area usually carries greater weight, especially for long-term value growth. Safety, transport links, schools, and amenities often outweigh the appearance of a kitchen or finishes. She said:
“For a house priced at R500k, the area usually matters more than the structure because location affects value growth… You can renovate a house, but not the area; you can’t move it to a better street.”
When assessing if a home is worth its asking price, Makaula said she first considers the location, then the size and layout, and finally the condition and finishes. She said:
“The first thing I look to judge if a house is worth the price is location, is it in a high-demand area, what are the nearby schools, shops, transport and crime stats? Then, the size and layout, and lastly, the finishes and condition of the property.”
Finally, she explained that land and location are the ultimate value drivers, while the house itself is secondary. Suburb names and reputations also carry weight, as some areas hold lifestyle appeal and status that boost demand. She said:
“The bottom line is land and location, including the suburb name, are the real drivers; the house is just the bonus. It must match the area’s level.”
Source: TikTok
Here's what Mzansi had to say
Ingrid_ible_hulk said:
"The wood of the cupboards is rotten. The sink pipe is leaking. Hot water doesn’t work in the kitchen. Two of the stove tops are broken. The oven is dirty; you have to clean it yourself. 🫤"
Lebo_M said:
"The bathrooms. 😭😭😭 Looks like Van Tonder might be haunting it."
Minenhleeee_ said:
"For that mone,y honey, here in Johannesburg you could rent a beautiful house."
Zoe13084 said:
"Cape Town rentals are the ghetto. For R16 000?"
MomLifeChaos commented:
"I went to view a property last month. It looked nothing like what was posted. Broken tiles throughout the entire flat. Ridiculous."
ADHD TRADER FX said:
"R16k for that monstrosity 😭"
lululemon123 said:
"No, because clearly everyone used one contractor. It’s either the kitchens that look the same in every apartment or those ugly burnt orange tiles. 😭"
DieHeleBianca_Appeltjie said:
"I feel you, ugly and doesn’t even have space for a washing machine, then they want R11000. 😅"
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Scott Disick Effect said:
"The smells, the mould, the dry walling, the geysers above the bath, the kitchen sink in the shower, the 2‑meter breathing space. Price will be R10k with 3x rental as a deposit."
Yashai Singh said:
"At the time I was looking, there were some studios with a normal bathtub, no shower, for 10k."
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News stories related to Cape Town
- South Africans were inspired by a lady who experienced extreme poverty to owning a multimillion rand home in Cape Town.
- South Africans were not impressed by an expensive apartment located in Cape Town after watching a virtual tour.
- A South African man from Cape Town pleaded with people to try their best and stay away from the townships.
Source: Briefly News
