A home buyers guide to newlands, cape town
Everything you need to know as a home buyer to help you find a home in Newlands, Cape Town.
Set on the slopes of Table Mountain, steeped in history, and characterised by tree-lined avenues, perennial streams and in close proximity to a wide range of world-class amenities and top-class schools, Newlands is one of the most sought-after residential suburbs in Cape Town.
Comprised of a number of neighbourhoods, each with its own characteristics and charm, and a wide range of housing options from apartments to large free standing homes, Newlands has properties that cater for all kinds of lifestyles from families to young professionals and retired couples. With its close proximity to the University of Cape Town, the Claremont CBD and a range of top schools, there is always a very strong rental market in Newlands, making it an excellent place for investors.
Whether you are a Cape Town resident looking to make a move, a semi-migrant looking to move down to Cape Town, or an international investor looking for a holiday home in the Cape, Newlands is one of the best neighbourhoods in Cape Town to find your dream home.
This guide gives you everything you need to know about property in Newlands. If you need assistance with finding a property in Cape Town, connect with us. We are architects by profession and real estate agents by trade and we specialise in matching people to their dream home, and then making that dream a reality with renovations and upgrades to meet your needs.
Table of contents
Newlands history
Forestry, fresh mountain spring water and a long lineage of governors and statesmen underpin the history of Newlands.
In 1700 Governor Willem van der Stel was granted land outside of the Cape settlement which he named De Nieuwe Land and developed as a country residence. This included a modest lodge, a formal garden and an oak plantation. Newlands House, which stands today as a reminder of those times, was built by Ryk Tulbagh, another Governor of the Dutch East India Company, in 1751 on those very grounds. The property was transferred into private ownership and back to government ownership several times between 1791 and 1826 when it was transferred into private hands for the last time. It has remained in private ownership ever since, although for many years up until as late 1911 it was leased by the British colonial government and the Union of South Africa for their governors and high-ranking officials.
Even before the Governors of the Cape took up residence in Newlands, the area was recognised for its natural resources. Prior to European settlement in the Cape, the Newlands forests formed part of the rich hunting lands of the Khoisan Cochoqua peoples. From as early as 1652 when Jan Van Riebeeck established a trading station at the Cape, timber was harvested off the slopes of Table Mountain and transported to the growing settlement along a woodcutters wagon trail that ran along what is now Newlands Avenue.
Water is inextricably linked to Newlands. Not only is Newlands the wettest suburb in South Africa, with on average over 1300mm of rainfall per annum in the built up areas and as much as 2000m higher up in the forest, but it is also home to a number of perennial streams and springs.
The first brewery in South Africa was established at Montebello by the Dutch East India Company in 1696 and master brewer Ruttgert Menssink made use of the nearby springs. Beer has been brewed in this area using the purest Table Mountain spring water ever since. The Old Cannon Brewery, the Mariendahl Brewery and Josephine’s Mill, which ground malt and hops for the breweries, have been lovingly restored and re- purposed, and now stand as proud custodians to this neighbourhood’s rich brewing history.
Newlands has only grown in stature with time. Newlands Cricket stadium is one of the most iconic and beautiful cricket stadiums in the World. The Newlands rugby stadium has stood for over 130 years, and is the second oldest rugby stadium in the world, but sadly a decision was made to abandon it and it is currently earmarked for residential and commercial development. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is one of the finest botanical gardens in the world and plays a pivotal role in the conservation of South Africa’s unique botanical heritage as well as being one of the most important tourist attractions in the Cape.
Newlands Neighbourhfids
Newlands is a large and diverse suburb that has several neighbourhoods each with its own distinct character. Here you will find anything from expansive homes on large grounds to urban lock-up-an-go’s. Luxury apartments abound as do townhouses and freestanding homes on secure estates.
The Village as it is known, is the oldest part of Newlands. First established as workers’ cottages for the brewery workers and foresters, the quaint old cottages have been upgraded and expanded through the years. Collectively, with their character-filled facades, secret courtyards and beautiful gardens, they lend a village character to the neighbourhood.
The properties are generally quite small and are perfect lock-up and go’s for couples. There are however a number of properties on the banks of the Cannon and Palmboom Rivers that are larger and well-suited to family living.
At the bottom of Kildare Road, the homes give way to a small commercial node where you will find everything from coffee shops to restaurants, clothing and design boutiques and more. Everything you need is right on your doorstep.
Adjacent to the village, and with the Liesbeeck River running along the lower end of the neighbourhood, is Newlands, Hiddingh. Along the quiet, tree-lined avenues, you will find larger homes with plenty of space to raise a family, entertain and relax in tranquil surroundings.
Connected to the Village by a pedestrian pathway and with direct access to the parks along the Liesbeeck River, Newlands Hiddingh offers the best of both worlds – a connection to nature and close proximity to the urban node of Newlands Village. This is one of the most sought-after parts of Newlands due to the large properties and the ease of access to all amenities.
Upper Newlands is right on the doorstep of Table Mountain. An underpass below the M3 gives you direct access to Newlands forest and from there, the rest of Table Mountain is your playground.
Similar to Newlands Hiddingh, the properties in Upper Newlands are well-sized and perfect for raising families. There are also a number of smaller homes and secure townhouses that make Upper Newlands popular for everyone.
Multiple streams running off the mountain run through the area, the most well-known of these, the Cannon River used to feed the Old Cannon Brewery, the buildings of which have since been converted into a grand residential home.
Right in the centre of Upper Newlands, you will find the Foresters Arms, known by locals as Forries, one of Cape Town’s oldest pubs. Perfect for a quick mid-week drink or meal with a friend and brimming with activity on weekends and when there’s rugby on. Forries is a true neighbourhood pub.
Technically part of Rondebosch, the Westerford neighbourhood is really a part of Newlands in character and location. Tucked away in between Westerford High School, one of the top-ranked co-ed schools in South Africa and SACS, the oldest boys’ school in the country, Westerford is a perfect location for young families looking to move into the Southern Suburbs schools belt.
Houses are generally smaller than those of Hiddingh and Upper Newlands, but larger than those of the Village. There are numerous large apartment blocks with generously sized flats in the area and so Westerford is also well suited to young professionals and those downscaling and looking for low-maintenance properties.
Similar to the Village, there is a commercial node at the lower end of Westerford, with a wide range of shops and restaurants, including a Woollies, two ice cream shops for the kids to choose from and so much more.
Westerford is just a short walk across the Main Road to Newlands Cricket Ground and Rugby Stadium, as well as Tim Noakes’ Sports Science Centre which has a world-class gym and training facilities. It is just around the corner from the University of Cape Town and has direct access to the M3, bringing the whole of Cape Town within easy reach.
Fernwood is located around the corner of the mountain from the rest of Newlands and sits between the upper reaches of the Liesbeeck River and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. This part of Newlands is similar in character to Hiddingh and comprises large homes with big gardens amidst leafy green streets. The upper portion of Fernwood sits on the lower slopes of Table Mountain and many of these properties have extensive views south towards False Bay and the peninsula, while others have direct access to the mountain itself.
The properties in the lower portion of Fernwood are on flatter ground that runs down to the Liesbeeck River. The residents of Fernwood and the neighbouring Bishopscourt Village have rehabilitated the banks of the river with indigenous planting and created pathways and picnic spots on the river’s edge making this one of the most attractive parks in Cape Town.
Set in beautifully manicured gardens that amble down to the Leisbeeck River, The Vineyard Hotel is one of the finest and most peaceful locations to stay when visiting Cape Town. It is nestled into the so-called Vineyard Pocket of Newlands, across the Liesbeeck River from Hiddingh, and a stone’s throw away from the Claremont CBD and Cavendish Square Shopping Mall.
Perfectly located for young professionals, there is a wide range of freestanding homes, townhouses and apartment buildings to choose from for homeowners and investors alike.
This little know pocket of Newlands sits just the other side of the Liesbeeck River from Newlands Village. It has easy access to the Claremont CBD and Cavendish Square as well as the smaller commercial nodes around Westerford and Newlands Village. It comprises of medium-sized freestanding homes, some of which are on the banks of the Leisbeeck River and benefit from extraordinarily beautiful and uninterrupted views of Table Mountain.
Home to arguably the most beautiful cricket stadium in the world, the Newlands Brewery and previously Western Province Rugby and the Stormers, this part of Newlands consists of a diverse mix of residential and commercial property and has a bit of everything for everyone. The local commercial centre of Palmyra Junction is just a stone’s throw away as are some of the finest schools in the country, making this pocket of Newlands an incredibly convenient place to live.
Amenities in Newlands
South Africa’s first formalised education institution stands at the centre of Newlands. SACS (South African College Schools) was established in 1829, and in 1874 it was split into what is now the University of Cape Town which is within walking distance of Newlands, and the Boys’ school. Other fine public and private schools in Newlands are San Souci Girls High and Kildare Pre-Primary. Within easy reach of Newlands are many of the finest schools of the Cape including:
- Westerford High (situated in the Westerford pocket of Rondebsch, which is just a block or two from SACS and Newlands proper).
- Rustenburg Girls High and Primary Schools, just around the corner in Rondebosch.
- Rondebosch Boys High and Primary Schools, which are also just a five-minute drive away in Rondebosch.
- Bishops Boys Diocesan College (primary and high schools), also in Rondebosch.
- Herschell Girls High School. In Upper Claremont a stone’s throw away from Newlands.
- Springfield Girls Covent School is also a mere 15-minute drive from Newlands.
- Grove Primary School in Upper Claremont.
- Wynberg Boys and Wynberg Girls High and primary schools are less than 15 minutes away from Newlands.
Newlands is gifted with direct access to Table Mountain from either Newlands Forest or Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. You can enjoy gentle walks, hiking and mountain biking in these world-class facilities. Newlands forest and the slopes of Table Mountain above the forest are dog friendly. Kirstenbosch has regular guided walks for botanical enthusiasts, as well as an indigenous plant nursery, a wonderful book and gift shop, a delightful tea garden and a fantastic restaurant.
The Liesbeeck River runs from Kirstenbosch through Fernwood and across into Hiddingh and continues down to Rondesoch. It is accessible for much of its journey via a well-maintained cycle and pedestrian pathway. Fernwood has a wonderful park with picnic tables on the banks of the river, while in Hiddingh there are play parks above the river and at the river’s edge.
Each pocket of Newlands has at least one well-maintained play or dog park making Newlands one of the most child and dog-friendly suburbs in Cape Town.
From homeware and fashion stores to grocers, butchers and bakers, and essential services such as pharmacies and hairdressers, Newlands has it all.
Cavendish Mall and the commercial hub of Claremont CBD are on the border of Newlands, a short walk from many parts of the suburb. The award-winning Cavendish Mall has over 200 retail outlets, including all the major anchor tenants such as Woolworths; speciality stores such as Le Creuset; a wide range of fashion and beauty shops, large and small; food and beverage options in abundance such as Kauai and Colcacchios; an Exclusive Books; a large cinema complex and so much more.
For a more intimate shopping experience, there are commercial hubs with boutique shops, essential services and restaurants, cafes and pubs in the Dean Street Arcade in Westerford, in the commercial hub of the Village at the bottom of Kildare Road and around the corner from Kelvin at Palmyra Junction.
Newlands also has two fantastic family-run corner shops, The Avenue Café and Grocers Ltd run by the Bahatkar family for over 75 years, on the corner of Newlands Avenue and Governors Lane, and the Kirstenbosch Provisions Store in Fernwood.
Newlands has a number of long-established family-run restaurants offering a wide variety of dining experiences and cuisines. For some of the finest Italian food in the Cape, try Mama Roma in the Dean Street arcade, or Basilico in the Village. Thaiyashi, on Dean Street, offers authentic Thai food as well as a variety of other Asian cuisine such as Sushi and Chinese Noodles.
The Forrester’s Arms, known locally as Forries, is one of the oldest pubs in South Africa and offers fantastic pub grub along with one of the best collections of draught beers in the Cape. Barristers, just down Kildare Road from Forries is not only a popular spot for an after-work drink but also offers fantastic pub lunches and one of the best all-round menus in the Cape.
For those seeking a quiet meal in beautiful, peaceful surroundings, the Gardeners Cottage in Montebello, the restaurants at the Vineyard Hotel and the Tea Garden and Moyo Restaurant in Kirstenbosch offer delicious meals and afternoon tea in truly spectacular surroundings.
Coffee shops abound in Newlands. Vida e Cafe by the Dean Street Arcade is a popular spot for early morning meetings, Importers in the Village are always busy in the mornings and is a favourite spot for cyclists coming off the mountain from their early morning rides.
And finally, for the Kids, Newlands is home not no less than three ice cream shops! The Creamery and Gelato Mania on Dean Street, and Kirstens Kick-Ass Ice Cream the in the Village.
Located on eight acres of beautifully manicured gardens on the banks of the Liesbeeck River sits the Vineyard Hotel. Originally built in 1800 as a country residence for Lady Anne Barnard, remnants of the old country house are sensitively incorporated into what is now a beautifully appointed, modern hotel with world-class leisure, function and business facilities.
Closer to the hustle and bustle of the Claremont CBD and within walking distance of the Newlands stadiums are the Newlands Southern Sun and Park Radisson hotels that cater to holiday-makers and business visitors alike.
Throughout Newlands, there are a number of well-established guest houses, and homes and apartments offering accommodation directly or through bookings platforms such as Bookings.com and Air-BnB.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are internationally acclaimed and regarded by many as the most beautiful in the world. The gardens attract thousands of visitors daily and offer a wide range of activities from guided walks through the gardens, to open-air concerts on balmy Cape summer evenings, art exhibitions, an indigenous nursery, a gift shop and two fine restaurants.
Newlands is known internationally for the iconic Newlands cricket and rugby stadiums. The cricket stadium in particular, with its spectacular views of Table Mountain, is renowned as one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world. Popular and well attended all season long, it traditionally hosts a New Year’s test match which is the highlight of many a cricket fans trip to South Africa.
Newlands Brewery is the oldest operational commercial brewery in South Africa and still sources its water from the famously pure Newlands springs. It is located on the grounds of the old Mariendahl Brewery and a number of the original buildings dating back to 1820 are still in use and open to the public. Here you can book a tour of the brewery that ends with a beer tasting and a few pints in the brewery’s historic pub.
Newlands Forest is one of Cape Towns’ favourite places to take a walk. Whether it be a gentle stroll, a walk with the kids or your dogs, or an adventurous mountain trail run, Newlands Forest has trails, paths and jeep tracks suitable for everyone. The forest’s mixture of indigenous afromontane forest, and pine and eucalyptus plantations, provides cooling shade and protection from the wind. The numerous streams and rivers with their clean and mineral-rich water, provide not only refreshingly cool drinking water but also endless entertainment for children and dogs. The City also maintains a very popular picnic spot in Newlands Forest where there are built-in braais and seating under the shade of tall pine trees. And finally, the forest is also home to Newlands Fire Base and the City of Cape Town’s fire-fighting helicopters, a big attraction to young children, especially when the helicopters are operational.
The Montebello design centre is a community-run arts and crafts centre that occupies the old stables and several farm buildings of what once was Ohlssen’s Brewery. Here you will find a range of artists and craft makers, delis, an idyllic nursery and the Gardeners Cottage, a quaint little tea room and restaurant nestled under two spectacular Camphor trees that were planted circa 1752.
Newlands public swimming pool is located in the Sans Souci neighbourhood and has been in use for over sixty years and offers an Olympic size pool, a kiddies pool and a diving pool. It is popular on hot summer weekends where you will find families picnicking on the lawns adjacent to the banks of the Leisbeeck River.
Property statistics for Newlands
Residential property statistics for Newlands, Cape Town in 2022
