"And the Price is Reduced": R9 Million Cape Town Apartment Sparks Outrage in South Africa

• A R9 million listing for a two-bedroom apartment in Muizenberg, Cape Town, has sparked outrage among South Africans, who criticised the price as unrealistic and exclusionary
• The listing has highlighted the widening gap between property developers and ordinary citizens struggling to afford housing, fueling frustration about inequality and gentrification in Cape Town
• The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about access to housing and the growing divide between the wealthy and working-class citizens in South Africa, with many expressing concerns about the future of communities in Cape Town
• Briefly News asked Real Estate Master Practitioner Xabiso Lombo how rising property prices over the years, particularly in cities like Cape Town, affect residential property investments

A two-bedroom apartment in Muizenberg, Cape Town, listed at an eye-watering R9 million, has sparked outrage among South Africans, with many criticising the price as unrealistic and exclusionary.

The property, situated in the coastal suburb known for its vibrant mix of cultures and communities, was showcased online, drawing immediate backlash. A social media user who goes by the TikTok handle @jaydencollison1 expressed disbelief that such a modestly sized apartment could carry such a hefty price tag.

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"Do you want to know why my generation can't afford to buy properties because of nonsense like this?" said @jaydencollison1 in the video.

For many, the listing highlighted the widening gap between property developers and ordinary citizens struggling to afford housing.

The local man also described the price as a “slap in the face,” pointing out that Muizenberg has historically been a mixed community where people from diverse backgrounds have lived together. He argued that such exorbitant pricing threatens to push out long-standing residents and change the character of the neighbourhood.

Cape Town’s housing market has long been criticised for its high costs, particularly in coastal areas where demand from wealthy buyers, both local and international, continues to drive up prices. However, prices like these fuel frustration, especially in a country where affordable housing remains a pressing issue.

The R9 million listing has since become a talking point about inequality, gentrification, and the future of communities in Cape Town. The footage gained massive traction after it was released on 10 September 2025 on TikTok. For many South Africans, the outrage reflects deeper concerns about access to housing and the growing divide between the wealthy and working-class citizens.

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Briefly News spoke to Real Estate Master Practitioner Xabiso Lombo about how rising property prices, especially in cities like Cape Town, influence residential property investments. She said:

"A noteworthy development is that some properties are now being marketed in foreign currencies, reflecting the extent of international demand. While this increases opportunities for investors, it also poses risks.

South Africans are increasingly unable to compete with foreign buyers who earn in stronger currencies, pushing locals further away from central areas and creating affordability challenges."

SA chimes in on the R9 million house in Cape Town

Mzansi netizens were not impressed as they took to the comment section to express their thoughts on the rental prices in Cape Town.

South said:

"Basically, they accommodate the foreigners, and our money is like nothing to them. Basically, making it hard for us to get a start."

SunnyBonnany added:

"R9m for a 2-room apartment??????"

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Blueberry expressed:

"Keep in mind, this property was a bergie fest for years when the previous developers couldn't finish it, like now you must pay 9 milly when it was homeless dwellings not too long ago."

Zeke replied:

"And the price is ‘Reduced."

Endzo shared:

'They're selling to Europeans, but yalla budy fighting blacks, tryna kick blacks out of Cape Town."

Watch the video below:

Patriotic Alliance member Liam Jacobs also weighed in on the pricey property in a TikTok video. He accused the Democratic Alliance of being fixated on building a city for tourism, while forgetting the actual needs of Capetonians.

3 Other stories about Cape Town rentals

• Briefly News reported that South Africans were in shock when a Cape Town real estate agent gave a tour of an apartment costing R22 000 per month.
• A woman who showed an R8 000 monthly apartment sparked outrage, with many questioning the price tag and comparing it to the small size and lack of modern finishes.
• A young South African woman stunned social media users when she revealed the reality of renting an R11 500 apartment every month. People wondered what the woman's salary was after splurging thousands on a rental property.

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Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News