Clifton’s gem: What makes Nettleton Road the most expensive street in SA
After a staggering R170 million was spent on empty plots here, Nettleton Road has become the ultimate symbol of status.
Perched above Cape Town’s stunning Atlantic Seaboard, Nettleton Road stands as the crown jewel of South African luxury real estate.
This private, elite street features breathtaking mansions, billionaire homeowners, and record-breaking property prices.
So, what makes Nettleton Road one of the country’s most sought-after addresses?
A street that redefines wealth
Nettleton Road has always symbolised wealth, but its property prices have skyrocketed in recent years.
In early 2025, two adjacent vacant plots totaling just 2,700 square metres sold for an astonishing R170 million. That’s right, R170 million for empty land, with no house, no finishes, just the prestige of the location.
This sale is part of an ongoing trend. In 2017, a six-bedroom mansion on Nettleton fetched R120 million, marking one of the highest residential property sales in South African history at the time.
By 2021, a 1,200 square metre villa, complete with a cinema, gym, wine cellar, and a cantilevered pool, reportedly sold for over R150 million.
What makes Nettleton Road so valuable?
Nettleton Road offers more than just breathtaking ocean views—though those are certainly part of the appeal. Every home faces west, perfectly positioned to capture Cape Town’s legendary sunsets over the Atlantic.
Clifton’s iconic beaches stretch out below, while Lion’s Head towers above. Homeowners enjoy top-tier security, unmatched privacy, and the rare value of limited availability—only a few properties sit along this quiet cul-de-sac.
Architectural prestige also plays a key role. South Africa’s leading architects—like Greg Truen and Stefan Antoni—have turned Nettleton Road into a showcase of bold, glass-walled designs that defy gravity.
These homes come packed with high-end features: heated infinity pools, private cinemas, wellness spas, multi-car garages, and staff quarters. But more than that, they offer something truly exclusive, status.
Who lives there?
You won’t find names on buzzers on Nettleton Road. Privacy is the norm. But it’s no secret that tech entrepreneurs, mining magnates, and international investors have snapped up properties along the exclusive road.
There’s heavy foreign interest too, especially from German, UK, and Middle Eastern buyers looking for high-end African investment properties or holiday homes.
Interestingly, though, while it exudes wealth, Nettleton Road hasn’t always been ultra-premium.
In the 1970s and ’80s, Clifton was already desirable, but Nettleton itself was mostly undeveloped. Over the past 25 years, as Cape Town transformed into a global destination, the road’s potential was recognised and monetised.
Now, it’s Cape Town’s answer to Malibu’s Carbon Beach or London’s The Bishops Avenue. But with better views and better weather.