A STREET tucked against Cape Town’s iconic Lion’s Head is earning a global reputation for jaw-dropping real estate prices and panoramic coastal views. Nettleton Road in Clifton, South Africa, is now widely regarded as Africa’s most expensive address, with mega-mansions valued at over $10.2 million.
The street’s international fame grew recently thanks to a viral TikTok by creator @Cool Story Bru!, who described it as ‘the most insane street that’s reserved for the mega-rich’. The dramatic cliffside location, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is a spectacle in itself.
‘Nettleton Road in Clifton is the most expensive street in South Africa, perched high up against Lion’s Head with a brilliant view of the city and ocean,’ said the TikToker.
Mansions built for the ultra-wealthy
Homes on Nettleton Road typically start at around $4.6 million, with high-end properties regularly commanding prices of $8.1 million or more. Some listings have even crossed the $10.2 million threshold — cementing the road’s status as a playground for the ultra-wealthy.
A standout property at 5 Nettleton Road was recently listed for $8.1 million. Marketed by Lance Real Estate, the home is celebrated as an architectural masterpiece by world-renowned designer Stefan Antoni, famed for his sleek, modernist style.
‘This is one of the most prestigious addresses in the country,’ said Lance Cohen of Lance Real Estate in an interview with BusinessTech. ‘It’s more than a home — it’s a statement.’
Why Clifton? location, views, and prestige
Located along Cape Town’s sought-after Atlantic Seaboard, Clifton combines stunning natural beauty with elite real estate appeal. Its homes are nestled into the slopes of Table Mountain National Park, offering dramatic ocean views and easy access to the city below.
The nearby Lion’s Head, rising 669 metres above sea level, serves as a majestic backdrop to the multimillion-dollar residences, creating postcard-worthy views from every angle.
The road itself is private, limited in space, and zoned exclusively for luxury housing — all of which drives its soaring value.
Foreign buyers welcome
According to property experts SEEFF, about 60 percent of Clifton’s high-end home buyers are from Cape Town, while the rest come from Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and a growing base of international investors.
Foreign nationals are permitted to buy property in South Africa, provided they adhere to local financial regulations. For those planning extended stays, a valid long-term visa may also be required.
With South Africa’s luxury market gaining traction, especially in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the country is increasingly attractive to buyers seeking both prestige and value in real estate.
Sandton: South Africa’s commercial crown
While Nettleton Road dominates residential luxury, Sandton in Johannesburg still holds the crown as Africa’s richest square mile. The district is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), high-end shopping malls, five-star hotels, and international business hubs.
Whether it’s beachfront elegance in Clifton or financial clout in Sandton, South Africa remains the undisputed leader in Africa’s high-end property market.
