Cape Town has transformed from being just a tourist destination to a major corporate centre in Africa. Global technology and corporate biggies like Panasonic South Africa have also shifted their corporate headquarters here from other cities in recent years. This has earned Cape Town the moniker of Africa’s Silicon Valley, with 450+ technology firms present here. The e-commerce sector has also expanded rapidly, with the city hosting giants like OfferZen and Takealot.
The CBD here has seen major expansion and relocations in the financial, legal and medical segments too. Demand has also increased rapidly for furnished apartments in Cape Town and other accommodation to cater to relocations and shifts for long-term/temporary assignments. If you are also shifting here in the future, here is an accommodation checklist that will help.
What You Should Know Before Moving to Cape Town
Build your checklist before you make the switch to living in Cape Town. It will help you make a more informed decision.
- Accommodation Type: Hotels can be costly for extended/long-term stays and you will have to pay for dining, laundry and other add-ons. The space you get is also limited. Unfurnished rentals need you to invest sizeable time and money into setting up everything, handling logistics and so on. Filling the gap is possible with furnished apartments. They will help you move in immediately, without the hassles and costs of setting up.
- Lease & Service Terms: Read the agreement regarding the minimum stays and early termination penalties/clauses. Check the inclusions in the rate. Look for flexible lease terms, i.e. monthly rentals in Cape Town or longer leases that can be extended/modified conveniently. You can secure an apartment for 1-6 months to explore neighbourhoods before going for longer leases.
- Booking Formalities: These include the 1-2-month deposit, agreement signing and submitting documents (passport, visa and income proof for background/credit checks).
- Core Utilities & Connectivity: Verify if your building has a generator or battery inverter to keep your Wi-Fi, refrigerator and lights running during outages. Confirm the upload/download speeds and enquire about a backup Wi-Fi connection in the building. Clarify whether electricity or water are included in the monthly rate or billed separately.
- Safety Aspects: Check if your building has 24-hour manned security, key card access and CCTV surveillance. If you are renting a vehicle, verify that you have an allotted parking bay in a gated and secure perimeter. Verify the locations of the fire extinguishers, checking whether all sliding doors and windows can be securely locked.
- Work & Lifestyle: Confirm the availability of a dedicated work desk or a proper dining table with accessible power outlets. Check for a well-equipped kitchen with appliances, on-site laundry, flat-screen televisions and on-site amenities like meeting rooms, pools, gyms, etc.
- Services: Confirm the housekeeping frequency (weekly or 1-3 times each week), along with checking for services like concierge facilities, round-the-clock support, maid services, etc.
Best Neighbourhoods to Book your Accommodation in Cape Town
The final item on your checklist is choosing the right location/neighbourhood based on parameters like connectivity, amenities, safety, etc. Here are some neighbourhood recommendations for booking long-term furnished apartments in Cape Town when you move to the city.
- V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is a secure and luxurious entertainment district that is ideal if you’re a first-timer looking for more convenience. You will discover top-tier amenities here, including premium shopping malls, restaurants and private fitness centres. Connectivity is also top-notch, with easy access to key highways and MyCiTi bus terminals.
Consider choosing this neighbourhood if you want more walkability where everything is within reach. Nearby attractions include the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa), Two Oceans Aquarium and the Robben Island ferry departure point.
- Sea Point
Sea Point is nestled along the African Seaboard and offers a vibrant community environment. The area is known for its health-oriented amenities, including the iconic Sea Point Promenade and outdoor calisthenics parks. There is easy access to the MyCiTi bus network, helping you travel quickly to Clifton in the south and the CBD in the north.
You may choose Sea Point for a more pedestrian-friendly and affordable lifestyle that combines beautiful ocean views with excellent urban amenities. Nearby amenities include the Milton Beach, Sea Point Pavillion and the vibrant Mojo Market with its fantastic live music and food.
- City Bowl
City Bowl is the dynamic core area within Cape Town, offering contemporary apartment communities, co-working spaces and rooftop bars that attract professionals and digital nomads. Taxi services, access to key train stations and MyCiTi bus routes ensure seamless connectivity in the neighbourhood as well.
You may choose the locality if you want to stay centrally near leading historic sites, the corporate headquarters of renowned companies and top-tier nightlife. Nearby attractions include the Iziko South African Museum, Company’s Garden, the lower cable station for Table Mountain and the Greenmarket Square.
- Camps Bay
Camps Bay is a highly exclusive coastal locality that is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic mountain landscapes. You can expect a resort-style lifestyle here with access to fine dining restaurants, beach clubs and luxury boutique stores.
It is slightly further from the inner city, although there is great connectivity through the MyCiTi bus routes to the CBD and picturesque coastal drives for you to enjoy. Some of the nearby attractions include the Glen Beach for surfing, Camps Bay Beach and the Pipe Track hiking trails.
Use this checklist to make your Cape Town shift more convenient and hassle-free. Compare neighbourhoods and rates extensively before booking and enquire whether there are any corporate packages or extended-stay discounts available. Booking in advance also helps you get more options at better rates.
