Cape Town’s Leading Commercial Office Hotspots
Cape Town remains the country’s premier city for commercial properties and office rentals, with a vacancy rate that is the envy of other major metros. Natural beauty, a resilient economy, and pro-business government policies are just some of the benefits that await business owners who relocate to the city.
Are you planning to semigrate from another province? Relocating from abroad? Or simply moving from another part of Cape Town? Our guide to the most desirable commercial areas in the Mother City will make the move that much easier.
Here are the areas to keep on your Cape Town office space radar, along with some featured properties hand-picked from our extensive portfolio.
Claremont: A Premier Business Destination in the Southern Suburbs
Claremont has emerged as one of the most dynamic and attractive commercial hubs in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. Offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern infrastructure, it has become a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties.
Over the past decade, the combined value of residential and commercial properties in Claremont nearly doubled, rising from R4.49 billion in 2012/13 to R8.85 billion in 2022/23—a 97.1% increase, signalling the area’s strong growth trajectory.
Ease of access
- The suburb’s strategic location offers quick access to the CBD, the port harbour, and Cape Town International Airport via well-maintained highways.
- This connectivity is one of the reasons why Claremont has consistently attracted businesses looking for a central yet peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
- The commercial landscape in Claremont is diverse, featuring premium office spaces like Draper on Main, a Green Star-rated building, and the recently upgraded Cavendish Square, which introduced a new outdoor boulevard to enhance pedestrian flow.
Rising demand
- Vacancy rates have improved significantly, dropping from nearly 20% during the pandemic to around 10% in 2023, reflecting a strong rebound in demand for office space.
- The area’s appeal is further boosted by its vibrant mix of retail outlets, restaurants, and proximity to world-class educational institutions such as the University of Cape Town (UCT), Varsity College, and MANCOSA, which also support a highly skilled workforce.
As a commercial destination, Claremont offers a blend of modern infrastructure with a relaxed suburban lifestyle. Businesses can secure high-end office space close to amenities like shopping centres, restaurants, and recreational spots.
This makes Claremont a highly desirable location for companies in sectors ranging from finance and technology to education and healthcare.
Featured Property: Aska House, Claremont
Located in the boutique-style Aska House, this top-floor 308m² office space offers a refined working environment in the heart of Claremont.
- The space includes a welcoming reception area, executive offices, a boardroom, and a private deck with a built-in bar which is ideal for entertaining or informal meetings.
- Modern finishes, large windows, and air-conditioning ensure a bright and comfortable interior.
- Tenants will benefit from 24/7 security, basement parking, and relief from loadshedding through the building’s backup systems.
Conveniently situated near Main Road with easy access to public transport, Cavendish Square, and lifestyle amenities, this property is ideal for growing startups, consultancies, or independent professionals.
Newlands: A Prestigious Location for Premium Office Space
Newlands, nestled beneath the iconic Table Mountain, offers businesses a tranquil yet strategically located address for their offices.
Acknowledged for its serene atmosphere, Newlands combines a rich history with modern infrastructure, making it a highly sought-after suburb for companies looking to establish themselves in Cape Town and local businesses alike.
In recent years, Newlands has witnessed the development of numerous commercial properties, with developments like the Great Westerford and Newlands on Main offering large, high-quality office spaces.
The area’s proximity to Claremont, coupled with access to the M3 and M5 freeways, makes it a convenient option for businesses that require both accessibility and an upscale address.
- Newlands is also known for its lush surroundings, which not only create an inspiring working environment but also offer numerous outdoor leisure opportunities.
- The mix of commercial and residential properties provides businesses with a high-quality work-life balance, a critical factor for employee satisfaction and productivity.
- An abundance of high-end retail outlets, fitness centres, and cafes further elevates the appeal of Newlands as a premium business destination
Featured Newlands Office Space: Great Westerford
Nestled in the Great Westerford Estate, a tree-lined historical site dating back to the 1800s, the Great Westerford evokes the elegance of years gone by while providing a host of ultra-modern features.
If you are looking for a prestigious office rental in the Great Westerford building, this 1 642m² second-floor space epitomises premium-grade commercial real estate in Newlands.
- Featuring top-tier finishes, a variety of sleek boardrooms, and a modern kitchen overlooking an inner atrium, the layout is both functional and elegant.
- Tenants benefit from amenities such as an on-site gym, crèche, free visitor parking, and access to tranquil gardens and a tea house.
- With excellent security and proximity to major highways and public transport, this space offers businesses a serene yet connected environment in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after suburbs.
CBD & Foreshore: The Heart of Cape Town’s Commercial Sector
Cape Town’s Central Business District (CBD) and the adjacent Foreshore area stand as the city’s commercial heart as they have for more than a century.
History meets the modern economy
- The CBD is home to a dynamic mix of historic architecture and contemporary developments, making it a highly desirable location for businesses of all sizes.
- The Foreshore, in particular, has undergone significant transformation in recent years, emerging as a hub for large-scale commercial projects and infrastructural advancements.
A hub for investors
- In 2023, the CBD experienced a remarkable surge in property investments, totalling an estimated R7.285 billion—a figure that more than doubled the previous year’s investments.
- This surge in commercial property investment is indicative of the area’s continued appeal to both local and international businesses.
A peak rental market
The office vacancy rate in the Cape Town CBD at the end of 2023 was 10.2%, an improvement from the 13.3% recorded in 2022. This trend is likely to continue, as the latest vacancy reports are expected to reflect further decreases in vacancy rates.
The CBD and Foreshore offer more than just office spaces. They are home to a diverse array of retail, dining, and entertainment options. This contributes to a vibrant atmosphere that fosters business growth and employee satisfaction.
As Cape Town continues to evolve, the CBD and Foreshore remain at the forefront, offering unparalleled opportunities for commercial ventures seeking a strategic and prestigious location.
Featured CBD Properties
Touchstone House, CBD – Office Space
This AAA-grade 111m² office suite occupies the 9th floor of the instantly recognisable Touchstone House in the Cape Town CBD.
- The unit features premium finishes, open-plan flexibility, and sweeping city views.
- This property is Ideal for professional firms seeking a central, sophisticated base with modern infrastructure.
- The building offers backup power, biometric access, and 24-hour security.
Touchstone House is close to major transport routes, including highway access and the MyCiti CBD loop, and with restaurants, coffee shops, and business services just a short walk away.
The Halyard – Retail Space
This prime ground floor retail space on the Foreshore, located opposite Harbour Place and the Rockerfeller Hotel, offers easy access on and off both the N1 and N2 highways.
With 1 038 m² of retail space to let in The Halyard, this prestigious space is ideal for businesses in the motor industry, food retail or as an upmarket showroom.
Observatory and Woodstock: Cape Town’s Creative Business Hubs
Observatory and Woodstock, just east of Cape Town’s city centre, have transformed into vibrant hubs for creative industries and innovative enterprises. Once primarily industrial zones, these areas now boast a mix of repurposed warehouses and modern developments that cater to a diverse range of businesses.
In Observatory, new developments like Black River Park offer flexible office spaces designed to accommodate tech firms, startups, and design studios.
The Woodstock Exchange is another prime example of the suburb’s transformation, offering office spaces that cater to a range of businesses from small startups to large creative agencies.
- The popularity of these areas is also driven by the significant increase in demand for office spaces under 500 square meters, reflecting a shift towards more adaptable work environments that cater to modern business needs.
- Accessibility via major transport routes, combined with a thriving cultural scene filled with cafes, galleries, and retail outlets, has made these areas particularly appealing to a younger, trend-savvy workforce.
Recent urban renewal initiatives have further enhanced the appeal of Observatory and Woodstock, improving both infrastructure and public spaces, which contributes to the area’s growing attractiveness as a sought after Cape Town business destination.
Featured Property: The Palms, Woodstock
The Woodstock Exchange is an exciting example of this area’s transformation, offering a range of commercial spaces that cater to diverse business needs.
Set within the historic Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre, this 244m² office space on the 3rd floor combines industrial heritage with modern functionality.
- High ceilings, exposed beams, and ample natural light create a stylish working environment ideal for creative businesses and knowledge workers.
- The open-plan layout allows for flexible configurations to suit creative or collaborative teams, making the premises suitable for a range of businesses.
- Tenants benefit from secure parking, 24-hour security, and a wide range of on-site retailers and eateries.
Ideally located with quick access to the N1 and N2, The Palms is accessible via a fast commute from the CBD, Southern Suburbs, and Northern Seaboard.
Find your ideal office space in Cape Town’s business ecosystem
The conservative value of South Africa’s commercial property market is more than R1.92 trillion, with Gauteng (R795.2 billion) and the Western Cape (R426.3 billion) dominating the landscape. With world class infrastructure, picture perfect natural beauty, and an entrepreneurial culture, Cape Town continues to be a thriving hub and the region of choice for businesses across a variety of sectors.
Whether you’re a startup looking for flexible Cape Town office space or an established business in search of the ultimate location, the areas in this guide offer unparalleled opportunities to grow and succeed.
From leafy suburbs to the bustling heart of the city, Cape Town’s commercial real estate landscape continues to grow, providing businesses with the perfect environment to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Choosing the ideal office space with so many great options out there can be daunting, unless you have a team of experts to guide you. Contact our area specialists today to begin the search for the commercial property that suits your needs.
