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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Lake Properties, Cape Town is a young and dynamic real estate agency located in Wynberg, Cape Town. We offer efficient and reliable service in the buying and selling of residential and commercial properties and vacant land in the Southern Suburbs including Bergvliet,Athlone,Claremont,Constantia,Diepriver,Heathfield,Kenilworth,Kenwyn,Kreupelbosch, Meadowridge,Mowbray,Newlands,Obervatory,Pinelands,Plumstead,Rondebosch, Rosebank, Tokia,Rondebosch East, Penlyn Estate, Lansdowne, Wynberg, Grassy Park, Steenberg, Retreat and surrounding areas . We also manage rental properties and secure suitably qualified tenants for property owners. Another growing extension to our portfolio of services is to find qualified buyers for business owners who want to sell businesses especially cafes, supermarkets and service stations. At Lake Properties we value our relationships with clients and aim to provide excellent service with integrity and professionalism, always acting in the best interest of both buyer and seller. Our rates are competitive without compromising quality and service. For our clients we do valuations at no charge
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Monday, 16 February 2026

First-Time Landlord in Cape Town? What You Must Consider Before Renting Out Your Property


Lake Properties                                                                                         Lake Properties    

             
Lake Properties                                                                                         Lake Properties

Becoming a landlord for the first time can be financially rewarding — but only if you do it correctly. Many first-time landlords make avoidable mistakes that cost them months of lost rental income, legal headaches, or property damage. The truth is simple: renting out property is a business, not a favour.

If you’re a first-time landlord in Cape Town, here’s what you need to consider before handing over the keys.


Understand Your Legal Responsibilities as a Landlord

One of the biggest mistakes first-time landlords make is underestimating how regulated rental property is in South Africa.

You are legally required to:

  • Use a compliant lease agreement

  • Handle deposits correctly (including interest and inspections)

  • Follow strict procedures for notices and evictions

  • Respect tenant rights, even when the tenant is in the wrong

A single procedural error can delay an eviction by months. Courts will not protect landlords who don’t follow the law — even if the tenant stops paying rent.

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πŸ‘‰ Internal link suggestion: Understanding Rental Law in Cape Town
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Tenant Screening Is Non-Negotiable

Choosing the wrong tenant is the fastest way to lose money.

Proper tenant screening should include:

  • Credit checks

  • Affordability assessments

  • Employment verification

  • Previous landlord references

A tenant who “seems nice” but fails affordability checks is still a high risk. An empty property for one month is cheaper than a non-paying tenant for six months.

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πŸ‘‰ Internal link suggestion: How We Screen Tenants at Lake Properties
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Set the Correct Rental Price from Day One

Overpricing your rental leads to long vacancies. Underpricing leaves money on the table and attracts the wrong tenant profile.

Rental pricing must be based on:

  • Comparable rentals in your suburb

  • Property condition and size

  • Current market demand

Rental markets move quickly. What worked last year may be unrealistic today.

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πŸ‘‰ Internal link suggestion: Free Rental Valuation in Cape Town
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Budget Beyond the Monthly Bond Repayment

Rent is not pure profit — and first-time landlords often underestimate expenses.

You should budget for:

  • Maintenance and repairs

  • Municipal charges and levies

  • Letting and management fees

  • Vacancy periods

  • Landlord insurance

If your rental income only just covers your bond, you’re financially exposed.

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Use a Proper Lease Agreement (Not a Generic Template)

Online lease templates often:

  • Are outdated

  • Ignore current legislation

  • Fail in eviction or dispute situations

A professional lease protects both parties and clearly defines:

  • Rent increases

  • Maintenance responsibilities

  • Breach and notice procedures

  • Inspection schedules

If your lease can’t stand up in court, it’s useless.

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πŸ‘‰ Internal link suggestion: What Should Be in a Lease Agreement?
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Inspections Protect Your Deposit Rights

If you skip proper inspections, you lose your right to claim damages.

You must conduct:

  • A detailed incoming inspection

  • Ongoing routine inspections

  • A formal outgoing inspection

Everything must be documented and signed. Without this, deposit deductions are legally unenforceable.

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Decide: Self-Manage or Use a Professional Agent

Self-managing saves money — but costs time, stress, and legal risk.

A professional property manager handles:

  • Tenant placement

  • Rent collection

  • Legal compliance

  • Maintenance coordination

  • Disputes and notices

The wrong agent can be costly. The right one protects your asset.

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πŸ‘‰ Internal link suggestion: Property Management Services in Cape Town
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Think Like a Business Owner, Not a Favour-Giver

First-time landlords often try to be “nice” — and end up paying for it.

Successful landlords:

  • Enforce lease terms consistently

  • Act early on late payments

  • Keep communication professional

  • Make decisions based on facts, not emotions

Being firm doesn’t make you unfair — it makes you protected.


Lake Properties Pro-Tip πŸ’‘

Your first tenant sets the tone for your entire rental experience.
Get the pricing right, screen properly, and use a compliant lease from day one. Cutting corners at the start almost always leads to losses later. If you’re unsure, get professional guidance before the keys change hands — it’s cheaper than fixing mistakes.


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First-time landlord in Cape Town? Learn what to consider before renting out your property, from tenant screening to rental pricing and legal compliance. Expert advice from Lake Properties.

Call to Action

Ready to explore the best investment opportunities in Cape Town? 

Contact Lake Properties today and let our experts guide you to your ideal property.

If you know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying property,please call me

Russell 

Lake  Properties

ww.lakeproperties.co.za  

info@lakeproperties.co.za 

083 624 7129 

Lake Properties                   Lake Properties

Sunday, 2 November 2025

Homes with Granny Flats — Why They’re So Popular in Cape Town



Lake Properties                      Lake Properties

Lake Properties                    Lake Properties

What do we mean by a “granny flat”?

In the Cape Town context, a “granny flat” typically refers to a self‑contained secondary dwelling unit on the same property as the main house. It may be in the backyard, above a garage, or detached, and usually has its own entrance, kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom, and living/sleeping space. Sometimes the house owner lives in the main house and rents out the granny flat, or accommodates a family member there.


Why are they so popular in Cape Town?

Here are key reasons driving the trend:

1. Rental income potential

Given the high cost of property ownership and pressure on household budgets, homeowners view a granny flat as a way to offset their bond (mortgage) repayments by renting it out. The demand for rental accommodation in well‑located parts of Cape Town is strong. Also, owners may house extended family or older parents in the granny flat, helping with multi‑generational living.

2. Housing affordability & density pressures

Cape Town is facing significant housing demand and affordability constraints. For instance, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements reported that by 2020 there were over 570 000 households registered on the housing demand database in the province, with the majority in Cape Town.
In areas where full houses are unaffordable for many, adding a flatlet makes better use of the site and can help meet accommodation needs without full-scale new developments.

3. Flexibility for changing household needs

Granny flats offer flexibility: as family composition changes (e.g., parents move in, adult children stay longer, or needs change), the extra unit can be used for guests, a home office, a studio, or rented out. This adaptability is a big plus in a market that’s dynamic and uncertain.

4. Good investment property strategy

For property investors or homeowners upgrading, having a maid’s room, garage, or backyard space converted (or designed) into a granny flat can increase the utility and value of the property. Some studies in Cape Town note high returns on small‐scale rental units: one study found that in informal or backyard settings, micro‑developers achieved returns averaging 19 % to 44 %.
While those figures are for more informal units, it highlights the underlying logic of “use the land more intensively”.

5. Urban location advantages

Many properties that allow granny flats are in suburbs or zones close to amenities, transport links and job centres. In Cape Town the premium for location is strong, so adding a rental‑type unit in a “good” suburb improves yield. The zoning and municipal documents suggest that in certain suburbs, granny flats are already more accepted.


What are the challenges / things to watch?

While granny flats have appeal, there are a number of caveats:

  • Zoning and municipal approval: In some suburbs of Cape Town, the creation of a granny flat requires formal application under the zoning scheme. The municipal documents indicate that “proposed granny flats are advertised in areas such as Newlands and Sea Point where increased densities and new developments are highly sensitive”.
    This means you’ll need to check local municipal rules, obtain the required consent, and ensure building standards (plumbing, electrical, fire safety) are met.

  • Infrastructure and services: Increased density (one house + flats) puts pressure on services, parking, access, waste disposal, etc. If not managed properly, this can lead to conflicts with neighbours or compliance issues.

  • Quality & rental market risk: While the “flatlet” rental market exists, rental yield and tenant risk (turn‑over, vacancy, maintenance) need to be properly assessed. Not all units will achieve high rents or be trouble‐free.

  • Resale perception: Some buyers may see multiple units on one property differently (either positively as investment, or negatively because of perceived rental complicating the neighbourhood). Good design and management help.

  • Financial and tax implications: If you rent out the flat, you’ll have to consider tax (rental income), insurance, and maintenance costs. Also, the extra space may affect bond considerations or valuations.


Why it works particularly in Cape Town (and increasingly so)

  • The property market in Cape Town has shown strong price growth and tight supply compared to many other South African metros.
    That means homeowners are looking for any advantage to improve yield or offset costs.

  • The trend towards smaller households, more multi‑generational living, and flexible working arrangements means the granny flat model aligns well with evolving lifestyles.

  • The “backyarding” or flatlet phenomenon has already been documented in Cape Town’s informal sectors (though with quality, planning and service issues) and the formal market is adapting this concept in a more regulated way.

  • Many suburbs allow flatlets subject to conditions (setbacks, size limits, separate entrance) so there is regulatory precedent making it more feasible than entirely new builds or subdivisions.


So what does this mean if you’re considering it?

If you’re a homeowner (or investor) in Cape Town thinking about creating a granny flat, here are some practical tips:

  • Check zoning and consent: Look at the zoning of your property, local municipal bylaws and whether the area allows an ancillary dwelling. Engage with the local municipal planning office early.

  • Design for self‑containment: A good granny flat functions independently (kitchen, bathroom, separate entrance) which helps with rental or guest use. Ensure privacy (for both main house and flat) and access.

  • Consider rental market: Research the rental rates in your suburb for granny‑flats or studios. Ensure your projected rental covers costs (building/convert, maintenance, rates and taxes, insurance).

  • Quality finishes & tenant appeal: Even though you might be doing this for investment yield, good finishes, secure access, parking and amenities help attract better tenants and reduce vacancy/turnover.

  • Think about long‑term flexibility: Design so that the flat could later serve a different purpose if needed (home office, guest suite, older family accommodation) if you choose not to rent.

  • Management and maintenance: If you rent it out, think about tenancy management, insurance, asset upkeep, and whether you’ll manage it yourself or use a letting agent.

  • Neighbourhood fit: Ensure the style, size and usage of the granny flat is in keeping with the neighbourhood character and won’t trigger objections, especially in more “sensitive” suburbs.

Call to Action

Ready to explore the best investment opportunities in Cape Town?

Contact Lake Properties today and let our experts guide you to your ideal property.

If you know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying property, please call me 
Russell 
Lake Properties 
www.lakeproperties.co.za
info@lakeproperties.co.za 
083 624 7129 

Lake Properties                      Lake Properties

Monday, 29 December 2025

Areas to Be Careful of When Buying a House in Cape Town – And Why It Matters



Lake Properties                     Lake Properties

Lake Properties                    Lake Properties

Cape Town remains one of South Africa’s most desirable property markets, attracting homebuyers, investors, and semigrants year after year. However, not every area that looks affordable or well-located is a smart property purchase. Buying in the wrong area can expose you to crime, slow resale, low capital growth, and rising long-term costs.

If you’re planning to buy a house in Cape Town, understanding which areas require caution — and why — is critical.


1. High-Crime Areas on the Cape Flats

Certain areas on the Cape Flats require extreme caution when buying property, particularly for buyers unfamiliar with local dynamics.

These include:

  • Nyanga

  • Manenberg

  • Hanover Park

  • Delft

  • Philippi

  • Parts of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain

Why buyers should be careful:

  • High levels of violent and gang-related crime

  • Lower buyer demand outside the immediate community

  • Difficulty reselling unless priced well below market value

  • Higher insurance premiums and limited cover options

  • Reduced appetite from banks for home loan approval in some pockets

While there may be exceptions on a street-by-street basis, these areas generally offer weak long-term property growth and poor liquidity.


2. Transitional or Mixed-Use Suburbs

Some suburbs in Cape Town sit in a transitional phase — neither fully upgraded nor entirely run-down. These areas can perform very differently from one street to the next.

Examples include:

  • Maitland

  • Salt River

  • Elsies River

  • Parow Valley

  • Parts of Kraaifontein

  • Blue Downs

Why caution is needed:

  • Crime levels vary block by block

  • Industrial zones impact noise, traffic, and lifestyle

  • Capital growth is inconsistent

  • Poor street choice can significantly reduce resale value

In these suburbs, local knowledge is essential. Buying on the wrong street can turn a good-looking deal into a long-term liability.


3. Areas Close to Informal Settlements

Properties located near informal settlements often struggle to achieve strong appreciation, even when the homes themselves are well maintained.

Key concerns:

  • Pressure on municipal infrastructure and services

  • Slower property price growth

  • Higher security concerns

  • Limited appeal to future buyers

Proximity matters. Two homes a few streets apart can perform very differently purely due to surrounding development.


4. Inner-City and CBD Pockets

The Cape Town CBD, Woodstock, and parts of Salt River remain popular for investment, but not all buildings are equal.

Risks include:

  • Increased petty crime after hours

  • Poorly managed body corporates

  • Older buildings with rising maintenance costs

  • High tenant turnover in poorly secured blocks

Inner-city buying only makes sense when security, access control, and building management are strong.


5. Coastal “Bargain” Properties

Seaside homes are highly desirable, but buyers should be cautious of older or low-lying coastal properties.

Common issues:

  • Salt corrosion increasing maintenance costs

  • Damp and flooding risks

  • Higher insurance premiums or exclusions

  • Structural wear often underestimated by buyers

A coastal location does not guarantee good value if upkeep costs continue to rise year after year.


Why Area Choice Is More Important Than the House

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is focusing on the property itself while ignoring the neighbourhood. In Cape Town, location quality directly affects safety, resale value, rental demand, and capital growth.

You can renovate a house.
You cannot renovate an area.


Lake Properties Pro Tip

If a property seems cheap compared to surrounding suburbs, ask why. In Cape Town, affordability is often linked to crime risk, resale difficulty, or weak long-term growth. Always evaluate your exit strategy first — the best property is one that others will still want to buy from you in the future.

Call to Action

Ready to explore the best investment opportunities in Cape Town? 

Contact Lake Properties today and let our experts guide you to your ideal property.

If you know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying property,please call me

Russell 

Lake Properties

ww.lakeproperties.co.za  

info@lakeproperties.co.za 

083 624 7129 

Lake Properties                      Lake Properties

Wednesday, 19 November 2025

Why is Crawford such an attractive suburb to live and stay in




Lake Properties        Lake Properties    

Lake Properties        Lake Properties

  Crawford at a glance

Crawford is a compact, community-centred suburb on the Cape Flats, just south of the N2 and within easy reach of the city. It’s small in area (about 0.73 km²) but rich in local history and everyday conveniences — a neighbourhood that sits between the busier arterial routes and quieter residential pockets, offering real practical value for buyers who want proximity without the premium price tag of Cape Town’s high-end Southern Suburbs.

Why people choose Crawford — the practical upside

  • Transport and commuting: Crawford is served by a local Metrorail station and sits near major routes (M17 / Jan Smuts Drive and the M24/Turf Hall Road), which makes commuting to central Cape Town or nearby suburbs straightforward for people relying on road or rail. That connectivity is one of the suburb’s strongest selling points.
  • Affordability relative to the Southern Suburbs: While properties in classic Southern Suburbs like Rondebosch or Claremont can carry a premium, Crawford’s listings and recent sold prices are generally more affordable — attracting first-time buyers, investors and families who want a manageable entry-price into the metro area. Current listings on major portals show asking prices typically in the mid-low millions (depending on property type and condition).
  • Community and culture: Crawford has notable historical significance (for example, Thornton Road’s Trojan Horse memorial) and community landmarks such as City Park Stadium. These elements give the area character and a sense of rootedness that many buyers value — it’s not just “a place to sleep”, it’s a place with memory and local institutions.

The property market: what buyers and investors should expect

  • Stock and variety: Crawford’s market tends to include a mix of standalone houses, smaller complexes and some sectional-title units. Inventory isn’t as plentiful as in larger suburbs, so specific property types (e.g., family homes with gardens) can move quickly when priced well.
  • Price ranges (what you’ll see today): On property portals you’ll find a spread — some modest 2–3 bedroom homes under R2m, and larger family houses and exclusive listings stretching into the R3m–R4m range depending on size, condition, and whether a property has been renovated. These are active asking prices on sites listing Crawford homes.
  • Investment case: For buy-to-let or long-term capital growth, Crawford’s advantages are affordability and access. If rentals remain strong in value-tier suburbs and if redevelopment or area uplift occurs on the Cape Flats, there’s potential upside — but expect steady, not spectacular, capital growth compared to premium suburbs. Use realistic yield expectations and factor in management and maintenance costs.

Practical lifestyle considerations

  • Amenities & services: Local schools, small retail nodes and community sport facilities serve residents. Larger shopping centres, medical facilities and higher-order services are a short drive away in neighbouring suburbs.
  • Safety & infrastructure: Crime and safety vary across the Cape Flats and can be a concern in some areas; buyers should check latest local policing/crime statistics for the relevant precinct and take property-specific precautions (security measures, gated complexes, alarm systems). The national and provincial crime reports are useful reference documents when doing due diligence.

Who should consider Crawford?

  • First-time buyers who want access to central Cape Town without top-tier Southern Suburbs prices.
  • Young families seeking a neighbourhood with local schools and community spaces.
  • Investors looking for affordable stock with reasonable rental demand — especially if they plan to refurbish and add value.

Downsides to be realistic about

  • Perception & comparative prestige: Crawford is not in the same “prestige” bracket as suburbs like Bishopscourt or Constantia. That affects resale desirability among certain buyer segments.
  • Variable infrastructure & safety: Some streets and pockets are better maintained and safer than others — local knowledge matters. Do property inspections in person and talk to neighbours and local agents.
  • Liquidity: Smaller suburbs with limited stock can be slower to trade; pricing competitively matters if you need to sell quickly.

Lake Properties — Verdict

Crawford offers practical value: good connectivity, a strong community feel, and entry-level to mid-range pricing compared with Cape Town’s pricier southern suburbs. It’s a good fit for buyers who prioritise convenience, affordability and solid community roots over high-end luxury. That combination makes Crawford a compelling neighbourhood for families getting on the property ladder and for investors targeting long-term steady returns.


Lake Properties Pro-Tip

If you’re seriously considering a purchase in Crawford, do these three things before you make an offer:

  1. Walk the street at different times (weekday morning, evening, weekend) to get a real feel for safety, activity and neighbourhood noise.
  2. Pull the last 12–24 months of sold-price data for the exact street (not just the suburb) — patterns can differ hugely street by street. Use Property24 / PrivateProperty / MyRoof sold reports when available.
  3. Factor security & maintenance costs into your affordability calculation (gates, alarms, boreholes, reliable electricians/plumbers) — a slightly lower purchase price can be offset by higher day-to-day upkeep in some Cape Flats areas.

Call to Action

Ready to explore the best investment opportunities in Cape Town? 

Contact Lake Properties today and let our experts guide you to your ideal property.

If you know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying property,please call me

Russell 

Lake Properties

ww.lakeproperties.co.za  

info@lakeproperties.co.za 

083 624 7129 

Lake Properties                     Lake Properties

Thursday, 13 November 2025

How the Athlone Stadium has evolved and developed. What significance has this stadium played cultural history of Cape Town



Lake Properties                       Lake Properties
Lake Properties                      Lake Properties

How Athlone Stadium has evolved 

Athlone Stadium is more than concrete and floodlights — it’s a living piece of Cape Town’s social history. Tucked into the Cape Flats, it has been a sporting venue, a cultural forum, a focal point for community pride, and a mirror of South Africa’s wider political and social changes. Below I walk you through its journey: origins, upgrades, the role it plays in people’s lives, the problems it has faced, and what it means for the city today.


Origins — a stadium born of necessity and community

Athlone Stadium was established during a period when non-white communities had very limited access to major sporting facilities. From the beginning it filled a practical and emotional need: a venue where local football clubs, schools and community organisations could host matches and events without travelling long distances. For many people in the Cape Flats it quickly became a place where talent could be seen, local rivalries could be played out, and social bonds could be forged.

In those early decades the stadium was modest — basic stands, a grass pitch, and lots of community energy. It was the site of weekend leagues, school tournaments and the kind of communal gatherings that knit neighbourhoods together.


Physical development and major upgrades

Over time Athlone Stadium moved from a humble community ground to a modern multi-purpose stadium through a series of upgrades:

  • Improved spectator facilities: Gradual replacement and expansion of stands and seating, better access routes for crowds, and roofed sections for weather protection.
  • Lighting and pitch upgrades: Modern floodlighting for evening matches and improved pitch drainage and turf management so games could continue in seasonally wet weather.
  • Media and security: As the stadium hosted higher-profile matches it gained better media facilities, commentary positions and upgraded security infrastructure.
  • 2010 World Cup era investment: In the build-up to South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup many public sporting facilities across the country were renovated or upgraded. Athlone benefitted from investment in seating, safety, and player facilities — which helped lift its standards even though it was not a primary World Cup match venue.

These changes made the stadium more comfortable for large crowds and more suitable for semi-professional and professional matches.


Sporting significance — the home of Cape Flats football

Athlone has been central to football in the Western Cape. It’s been the regular host for local derbies, cup fixtures and league games, and a ground where scouts and fans could watch emerging talent.

  • Local clubs and matches: The stadium hosted matches for well-known local clubs and acted as a home base for several Cape Flats teams. It also staged big cup fixtures and inter-provincial matches that drew large, passionate crowds.
  • Youth development: Because it was accessible to local communities it became a hub for youth academies and development programmes — crucial for players who wouldn’t otherwise have access to proper training facilities.
  • Training and warm-up venue: During international event periods it has been used as a training or warm-up ground by visiting teams, raising its profile and the standard of facilities.

Athlone is therefore a stadium of grassroots strength — where community support translates directly into atmosphere and identity.


Cultural and social role — beyond sport

Sport at Athlone is inseparable from culture and community life. Over decades it has hosted:

  • Political and civic gatherings: From rallies to community meetings, the stadium has occasionally served as a civic stage in times of political mobilisation and social campaigns.
  • Music and cultural festivals: Concerts and cultural events that celebrate local music, heritage and identity have used the stadium as a large, central venue.
  • Community outreach: Health drives, job fairs, school events and charity matches — the stadium often doubles as a place where practical community services are delivered.

For residents it’s a place to meet — for joy, for protest, for business, and for celebration.


Economic and urban influence

A stadium of this scale affects its neighbourhood in real ways:

  • Local trade on matchdays: Informal traders, taxi operators, food stalls and small businesses see increased trade on event days.
  • Transport and connectivity: Investment in access roads and public transport to serve the stadium can bring broader benefits to the suburb.
  • Property perceptions: The presence of a well-maintained stadium can lift the profile of an area — attracting visitors and signalling municipal investment, which can influence buyer confidence.

That said, the uplift is uneven; some benefits are short-term (matchday trade) while long-term change requires sustained complementary investment.


Challenges and controversies

No public asset is without problems, and Athlone has had its share:

  • Maintenance costs: Large stadiums are expensive to run; without a steady stream of big events the municipality must balance upkeep with other service priorities.
  • Safety and crowd management: Big crowds require strict safety planning — any lapse affects public confidence.
  • Perception vs reality: For some potential investors the neighbourhood surrounding big stadia can be viewed as risky, even when pockets of revitalisation exist.
  • Under-utilisation at times: Periods when the stadium isn’t regularly booked reduce its contribution and make upkeep harder to justify.

Municipal management, community groups, and sports federations have all had to negotiate these tensions over time.


Current use and programming (today)

These days Athlone continues to be busy with:

  • League matches and tournaments (both adult and youth).
  • Community sports programmes aimed at skills development and social upliftment.
  • Occasional concerts, community drives and civic events.

It’s used as a flexible venue — part sporting arena, part community hall — which keeps it relevant even when big international fixtures aren’t taking place there.


Future prospects — where it can head next

A number of sensible directions would keep Athlone thriving:

  • Mixed programming: Combine sporting fixtures with concerts, conferences and community markets to increase utilisation.
  • Local economic integration: Formal programmes to help local traders and SMEs capitalise on event-day footfall.
  • Sustained youth programmes: Partnering with NGOs and private sponsors to guarantee long-term youth development initiatives.
  • Public-private partnerships: Carefully designed partnerships could fund needed maintenance while protecting community access.

If these pieces are aligned, the stadium can be a durable anchor for social and economic renewal in the area.


Timeline — key milestones (at a glance)

  • 1970s: Stadium established as a major community sporting ground for the Cape Flats.
  • 1980s–1990s: Grew as local football and community events increased; served as an important non-racial sports venue through late apartheid into the transition.
  • 2000s: Incremental facility improvements (seating, lights, pitch quality).
  • Late 2000s / 2010 period: Upgrades and investment around the World Cup era (improved stands, media facilities, safety upgrades). Although not a primary World Cup match venue, it supported the broader football ecosystem.
  • 2010s–today: Continued hosting of league matches, youth development programmes, concerts and community events; ongoing discussion about maintenance, programming and future investments.

Why Athlone Stadium matters to Cape Town — the big picture

Athlone Stadium matters because it’s where sport and society meet. It’s an engine for community identity, a practical platform for youth opportunity, and a visible sign that public infrastructure can be used for social good. In a city with sharp inequalities, stadia like Athlone are essential civic spaces where people from different backgrounds can share a common purpose — cheering a team, celebrating a festival, or attending a community fair.


Lake Properties Pro-Tip

If you’re involved in property in or near Athlone: look beyond short-term noise. The stadium brings consistent event-driven foot traffic, localized commercial opportunity (matchday traders, cafΓ©s, transport services) and municipal attention to infrastructure. If you’re marketing property nearby, highlight proximity to community amenities, good transport links on event days, and local youth programmes tied to the stadium — buyers who value community vibrancy and future potential will respond to that story. And if you’re considering investment, watch for municipal plans or public-private partnerships around the stadium — those are the moments when real uplift and value capture happen.

Call to Action

Ready to explore the best investment opportunities in Cape Town? 

Contact Lake Properties today and let our experts guide you to your ideal property.

If you know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying property,please call me

Russell 

Lake Properties

ww.lakeproperties.co.za  

info@lakeproperties.co.za 

083 624 7129 

Lake Properties                 Lake Properties

How We Screen Tenants at Lake Properties – A No-Nonsense Approach That Protects Landlords

     Lake Properties                     Lake Properties Lake Properties Tenant screening is one of the most critical steps in ...

Lake Properties,CapeTown