The 2025-year has once again seen the coastal property markets of the Western Cape, including hotspots such as Plettenberg Bay, perform well above the rest of the country. This has been driven by factors such as lifestyle migration, retirement, remote working, and holiday home investments.
Lightstone data shows that the Plettenberg Bay property market performed notably better compared to 2024. A total of 682 property transactions worth over R2.8 billion was recorded, this being the highest in volume and value since the 2021/2 boom period, up by about 33% (volume) and 27% (value) respectively.
The overall average transaction price of R4.7 million for 2025 is about 9.3% higher than in 2024, driven by a higher volume of sales over the R5 million. There were also a notable number of sales over R10 million and R20 million including the highest sale on Beachy Head Drive of R36 million, concluded by Alet Ollemans from Seeff Plettenberg Bay.
Alet says estates have seen tremendous growth in recent years and represented the highest volume of high value transactions for 2025 at about 39% of all transfers, followed by freehold properties at 38% and sectional titles at 23%.
Freehold estate properties transacted at R5.2 million on average, and sectional titles in estates at R3.2 million. Freehold properties outside of estates averaged at R5.9 million (R9.1 million for high-end properties), slightly higher than estates, due to high value sales over R15 million pushing up the average. Sectional title property transacted at around R3.1 million on average.
While the most active price band remains between R2 million and R4 million, there has been a significant shift toward the luxury segment in recent years, especially in the estates and for waterfront properties. Transactions over R5 million increased to just over 20% of the market, predominantly within the estates. Transactions over R10 million make up about 7% of all transactions for the year.
She adds that Plettenberg Bay is now the top luxury destination on the Garden Route for property buyers and investors. The investment case is further supported by the excellent price growth performance with median property prices doubling over the past decade, and up by a significant 38% over 2024 driven by higher-value sales.
The strong performance and sustained demand have set the tone for a positive year ahead. This is supported by the more favourable economic outlook for 2026 with higher growth expected, contained inflation, the falling currency against the US Dollar, and the potential for further interest rate reductions.
We’ve also seen another bumper summer tourism season in Plettenberg Bay, and there is a general air of positivity around, underscoring our confidence in the market, she adds. There is every reason to feel positive about the property market. The interest rate is lower compared to what it was at the start of last year, and there are some really good buying and investment opportunities in the market.
Alet concludes by noting that, barring any significant global upheaval from international US/Trump policy shifts, 2026 is expected to be another productive year for property sellers and landlords. Plettenberg Bay continues to be a secure and rewarding investment, offering consistent opportunities for property buyers and investors looking for long-term value in a world-class destination.
While the market is favourable for sellers, it, however, remains vital that the property is priced correctly otherwise it does not sell. Work with an experienced agency to ensure you get the best advice.
Should you want to sell or buy a property in Plettenberg Bay - please call us on 044-533-0311 (office) or 083-657-5678 or alet@seeff.com
Alet Ollemans
Licensee, Seeff Plettenberg Bay
