Insights from URERU Seminar 1, 2026 | Rob Kane, Boxwood Property Fund
On 28 January 2026, the property industry gathered for URERU Seminar 1, supported by Quoin Technologies, where Rob Kane of Boxwood Property Fund delivered a compelling presentation titled “Cape Town Property’s Golden Age.” The seminar unpacked why Cape Town continues to outperform other metros, even amid global and local uncertainty.
Cape Town’s fundamentals remain exceptionally strong. In 2024, CBD property development reached R9.1 billion, up 25% year-on-year. Tourism exceeded 11 million visitors, generating R24.5 billion in spend, while the city achieved GDP growth of 1.2%, outperforming the national average.
Property has proven to be remarkably resilient through global crises. While share prices fluctuate during periods of uncertainty, net property income has remained stable, reinforcing real estate’s role as a long-term investment anchor.
Across sectors, performance remains robust. Commercial office space is seeing declining vacancies and rising rentals for high-quality, experience-driven environments. Residential demand remains strong, with city living now firmly established. Tourism and hotels are booming, retail success depends on active landlord management and streetscape quality, and logistics warehousing continues to face severe supply constraints.
The Cape Town CBD stands out as a case study in successful urban management. Contributing approximately 26% of Cape Town’s GDP within just 1.6 km², the CBD’s property value has grown from R6 billion in 2006 to R42.5 billion in 2025. The Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) plays a critical role through enhanced security, cleaning, social development, and marketing.
Rob Kane concluded with a clear message for investors: confidence is visible in the skyline. Where cranes dominate, growth follows.
