Pam Golding Properties has further expanded its global footprint by establishing a presence in Germany, thereby strengthening its reach into one of Europe’s key residential property markets.
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Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of Pam Golding Properties, comments: “Focused on globalising the business – in addition to our footprint across several African countries, as well as the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and Seychelles, and more recently, bespoke offices in Paris and Dubai – this move represents another important step in building a network of destinations where it makes strategic sense for us to operate.”
South Africa is attracting growing interest from German property buyers, with the company’s own transaction data showing that Germany has become its second-largest source of international buyers after the UK, and its fastest-growing major market.
Says Dr Golding: “According to our own data, our sales to German purchasers increased from 18 in 2018, at an average purchase price of R5.78 million, to 50 in 2025, with the average price rising to R9.15 million. German buying on the Cape Atlantic Seaboard has increased almost seven-fold since 2021, while strong growth is evident in the Cape Winelands – historically a popular destination for German buyers – and Hout Bay.
A second home, or seasonal base
“The appeal of South Africa lies in a combination of lifestyle, relative value, accessibility and flexibility. For some buyers, the country provides a second home or seasonal base, particularly during the European winter, while others are considering a longer-term move for lifestyle, family, business or professional reasons.
“Cape Town is particularly attractive to internationally minded German entrepreneurs, investors and professionals. Its minimal time-zone difference with Germany also makes it well suited to remote working, while its natural environment, outdoor lifestyle, hospitality, restaurants and proximity to the coast add to its appeal,” says Dr Golding.
Lifestyle locations in demand
On the Atlantic Seaboard, areas including Clifton, Camps Bay, Bantry Bay and Bakoven appeal to German and other international buyers seeking a premium coastal lifestyle, privacy and proximity to Cape Town’s beaches, restaurants and international community.
Marie Rath.
In the Cape Town Southern Suburbs, Constantia appeals particularly to families seeking larger homes, established neighbourhoods, greenery and access to leading schools. Hout Bay, which provides a more relaxed, family-oriented alternative, has particularly strong international demand, with around 40% of residential sales across all agencies in the area estimated to be to international buyers, of whom approximately 80% are German.
The Cape Winelands attract buyers drawn to space, vineyards, nature and a slower pace of life, while the Garden Route’s George and Plettenberg Bay are gaining interest among those seeking secure coastal or golf-estate living. Langebaan on the Cape West Coast is another niche attraction, particularly for buyers drawn to kitesurfing, other water sports, and an active outdoor lifestyle.
Says international real estate adviser, Marie Rath, who represents Pam Golding Properties in Munich, Germany and in South Africa: “While German buyers are open to sectional title properties, particularly as lock-up-and-go homes, second homes or investments, our transaction data shows a clear preference for freehold ownership, with the latter accounting for approximately 2.5 times the volume of sectional-title purchases by German buyers.
“The common denominators are security, privacy, outdoor space and lifestyle. Preferences range from modern apartments and premium coastal villas to spacious Winelands homes and properties in secure gated communities. The price spectrum is similarly broad, extending from smaller apartments bought primarily for investment through to high-end family homes and trophy properties.”
Beyond South Africa
Adds Dr Golding: “In our experience German demand is also growing in other international lifestyle destinations. Mauritius is attracting increasing interest from German high-net-worth individuals, attracted by its private villas, exceptional quality of life, privacy, residency options and investment environment. German buyers are also active in Dubai and the wider UAE, although current interest is more strongly investment driven.
“Another significant and interesting trend is the growing connection between Germany’s start-up, investment and creative communities and Cape Town. Entrepreneurs, founders, investors, venture-capital professionals and creative specialists are spending increasing amounts of time in the city. For some, an initial extended stay can evolve into a second home, splitting the year between two countries or eventually relocating permanently.”
This growing international connection, combined with South Africa’s lifestyle offering, relative value and diverse property options, is positioning the country – and particularly the Western Cape – as an increasingly attractive destination for German residential property buyers.
Billy Rautenbach and Stefan Terry.
Demand for family-friendly villa communities in Dubai
Strategically located in Dubai Internet City’s Business Central Towers, Pam Golding Properties’ Dubai operation, led by operations director Billy Rautenbach, and partnered with Dubai-based SVN Capital, serves local and international investors, buyers, sellers, developers, landlords and tenants, while giving the company’s global client base access to Dubai’s dynamic property market.
The office provides a comprehensive residential property service, from entry-level investment opportunities to the ultra-luxury segment, while catering to the property-related requirements of both companies.
“Dubai has evolved into a mature and resilient property market, popular among SA expats,” says Dr Golding. “Dubai’s market is dominated by apartments, although villas and townhouses remain highly sought after, particularly among families and long-term residents. Demand ranges from younger professionals seeking city living in areas such as Dubai Marina and Business Bay, to families favouring villa communities including Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Mira and Springs/Meadows.”
“Investor activity is particularly strong in emerging apartment nodes offering accessible entry prices and attractive rental yields, while demand for entry-level townhouses and villas is also growing. Entry-level pricing typically starts from around AED1 million, extending to ultra-luxury properties in excess of AED 200 million,” adds Rautenbach.
The diverse market also includes investors acquiring older properties in sought-after areas for renovation and resale, as well as high-net-worth buyers seeking prime penthouses and branded residences as long-term investments or lifestyle assets.
For information, contact Marie Rath on +49 172 14 36 89 2 or [email protected] or Billy Rautenbach of Pam Golding Properties Dubai on +971 58 670 1008 or [email protected]
Top photo: A R65m six-bedroom home in Franschhoek for sale.
