A portfolio of iconic projects has solidified Rabie Property Developers’ position as a pioneering force in the urban development landscape. Smart, inclusive, and sustainable communities that prioritise quality of life, environmental stewardship and integrated design are the catalysts for urban transformation, and developers like Rabie are at the forefront of this movement, setting benchmarks for others to follow.
WORDS & PHOTOS: SOURCED
With a legacy spanning over four decades, the company has consistently delivered award-winning residential, commercial, retail, and mixed-use projects that redefine how people live, work, and play in connected spaces.
By integrating and reinventing these diverse locations, Rabie is well-versed in creating cohesive communities that enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to robust urban development.
This achievement is best explained by Rabie CEO Mariska Auret, who says, “We believe in pushing the boundaries of innovation in property development. Every project we undertake is a testament to our commitment to creative and sustainable urban planning that drives investment, community growth and connections between people and businesses.”
An interior of Skywater, which epitomizes Rabie’s 46 years in property development.
Stylish Skywater raises the bar
One of Rabie’s most recent success stories is Skywater in Cape Town. Positioned near The Mother City CBD, V&A Waterfront, Lagoon Beach, and the Atlantic Seaboard, this peaceful retreat is just a stone’s throw away from Century City’s vibrant core. A thriving smart city, it blends lifestyle, nature, and business in a walkable, secure environment where everything one needs is just moments away.
Designed for contemporary living, Skywater’s apartments are suited for those who thrive in an active city lifestyle. Here smart layouts maximise natural light, while Juliet balconies create a connection to the outdoors.
Developed in collaboration with Motion Property Investments, Skywater comprises a limited collection of 122 apartments. It features A curated mix of Designer City Pads (29m²); Stylish 1-Bedroom Urban Suites (43m²); Signature 2-Bedroom Condos (62m²); and Exclusive Skyline Penthouses.
Residents can enjoy premium interior finishes; open-air corridors and natural ventilation which ensures a bright, airy atmosphere; larger units include balconies, smaller units include Juliet Balconies; eco-friendly design with a focus on lock-up-and-go; 24-hour security; Private entrance; secure covered parking; pre-installed fibre-to-the-home; and close proximity to secure parks and green areas.
Skywater is designed for effortless, modern living, with apartments well-suited for those who thrive in a vibrant urban setting.
A Legacy of Groundbreaking Developments
Skywater comes in the wake of numerous other ground-breaking developments. This includes another residential Century City hotspot, Park Place, which is immersed in an expansive garden setting which faces north over the waterways of Ratanga Park.
Rabie has also reimagined modern retirement with Oasis Life retirement estates, a collection of hospitality-driven estates for those aged 60 years young and over. Oasis Life is based on the Life Rights Model of retirement. Situated in the Western Cape, these range from Burgundy Estate to Sunningdale, Clara Anna Fontein in Durbanville and Constantia.
Rabie also creates inspiring places for people and businesses. These all champion the principles of new urbanism – building places where people can enjoy life to the full. Rabie has been the major driver of the Century City development, which comprises multiple mixed use precincts connected by canals and interlinked with green corridors, parks, and nature reservations
One of Rabie Property Group’s other Century City developments – Park Place.
New industry benchmarks
Rabie continues its trendsetting drive by embracing smart technologies, sustainable design, and community-focused planning. It remains committed to developing green buildings and has erected multiple 5-Star Green Star rated buildings and several 4-Star Green Star rated buildings at Century City.
COO Miguel Rodrigues is well-placed to comment: “We believe that setting new industry benchmarks helps us define market trends and drives our success. By keeping our finger on the pulse and leveraging operational excellence, we exceed customer expectations and ensure sustainable growth.”
Emerging trends in urban development
Sustainable and Green Development
- Green building certifications (e.g., EDGE, Green Star SA) are increasingly sought after.
- Energy-efficient design, water conservation systems, solar integration, and waste reduction features are now standard in premium developments.
- Developers like Rabie are leading with multiple 5-Star Green Star rated buildings, such as Century City and some of their other developments.
Mixed-Use Developments
- There’s a growing demand for walkable, self-contained neighborhoods that blend residential, commercial, retail, and recreational functions.
- These developments reduce commuting needs, increase safety, and foster a sense of community.
Smart Cities and Tech Integration
- Urban developments are integrating smart infrastructure—IoT-enabled utilities, digital access control, energy monitoring, and high-speed connectivity.
- Technology is being used to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality of life in cities.
- The City of Cape Town and Johannesburg Smart City projects aim to scale this trend.
Affordable and Densified Housing
- Urban sprawl is being countered by more densified urban housing models.
- There’s a shift toward affordable and inclusive housing to accommodate a growing urban population, especially younger professionals and first-time buyers.
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are key in addressing the housing backlog.
Biophilic and Nature-Integrated Design
- Urban developments are now prioritising green spaces, landscaped courtyards, rooftop gardens, and access to nature.
- This is closely tied to well-being trends and a desire for mental and physical health benefits in city living.
- Rabie’s Ratanga Park and its lush green open spaces are a standout example.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- Proximity to transport hubs is critical, especially with the continued expansion of MyCiTi Bus in Cape Town and Rea Vaya in Johannesburg.
- Developers are choosing sites near existing or planned public transit infrastructure to reduce car dependency.
Regeneration of Inner Cities
- Cities like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town are seeing a revival of inner-city areas through renovation and adaptive reuse of old buildings.
- These projects aim to make city cores safer, more attractive, and economically vibrant again.
Multi-Generational and Inclusive Communities
- Developments are designed to support all age groups, from young professionals to retirees.
- Features include creches, schools, medical centers, parks, and retirement living—all within one precinct.
- Rabie’s master-planned neighborhoods exemplify this well-rounded approach.
To find out more about Skywater, Download the Brochure here. Visit Skywater.capetown to register your
interest and to secure your future home.
For more information on Rabie’s developments and upcoming projects, visit www.rabie.co.za
