Renting in Rondebosch, Cape Town, typically costs R10,500 to R38,000 a month in 2026, from a studio to a three-bedroom house, and demand stays strong all year. This guide from The Property Bureau covers prices, tenants, transport and what landlords should know.
In short
- Rondebosch is one of the Southern Suburbs’ most consistently sought-after areas, driven by UCT, top schools, and the Main Road corridor
- Demand is strong year-round, with a notable uptick from January to March as students and academics arrive
- A broad range of tenants, from students and young professionals to families, makes for a wide and active rental market
The suburb
Rondebosch sits at the heart of the Southern Suburbs, with Rosebank and Mowbray to the north, Newlands and Claremont to the south, and the M5 on its eastern side. To the west, the University of Cape Town’s main campus rises on the slopes of Devil’s Peak above the M3. Wide, tree-lined streets and a mix of Victorian houses, newer apartment blocks, and established complexes give it a character that is hard to replicate. The suburb has a busy strip along Main Road, with cafes, pharmacies, Pick n Pay and restaurants, and quiet residential pockets that attract families and longer-term tenants. Rondebosch is consistently in demand, and well-priced properties in good condition rarely sit for long.
Typical rental ranges (2026)
| Property type | Monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | R10,500 to R14,000 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | R13,500 to R17,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | R18,000 to R23,000 |
| 2-bedroom house or townhouse | R22,000 to R30,000 |
| 3-bedroom house | R26,000 to R38,000 |
This is a guide only, based on our own letting experience in the suburb. Ranges reflect typical asking prices for well-maintained properties. Properties close to UCT’s upper campus and those in gated complexes typically command the upper end. For the national and provincial trend, the PayProp Rental Index is published every quarter.
Who rents in Rondebosch
- UCT academics, postgraduate students, and university staff seeking proximity to campus
- Young professionals and couples who value walkability and the Main Road amenities
- Families with children at Rondebosch Boys’ High, Rustenburg Girls’ High, SACS, Westerford and the other schools in and around the suburb
- Tenants relocating to Cape Town who want an established, well-serviced suburb with easy access to the CBD
Getting around
Rondebosch has a Metrorail station on the Southern Line with services to the CBD and Simon’s Town. The M3 runs along the western edge of the suburb and the M5 along the eastern side, giving fast highway access in both directions. Golden Arrow buses service Main Road frequently, and UCT’s Jammie Shuttle connects the suburb to upper and lower campus. The M3 brings the CBD to within 15 to 20 minutes by car in normal traffic.
What landlords should know
Rondebosch commands some of the stronger rental prices in the Southern Suburbs, and demand is broad, not dependent on a single tenant type. The January to March period is consistently active as UCT-related tenants look for accommodation, but non-academic demand is strong throughout the year. Properties close to UCT’s upper campus or within walking distance of Main Road are the fastest to let; freestanding homes on the quieter residential streets attract families who tend to stay longer. Vacancy periods beyond three weeks are uncommon when a property is correctly priced. If yours is sitting, pricing is almost always the cause.
With so many applicants, screening matters. We assess every applicant in person, then run a PayProp credit check, TPN verification, or both, and handle the deposit as the Rental Housing Act and the Property Practitioners Act require.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent in Rondebosch?
In 2026, typical asking rents run from R10,500 to R14,000 for a studio, R18,000 to R23,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and R26,000 to R38,000 for a three-bedroom house. Homes near UCT’s upper campus and in gated complexes sit at the upper end.
When is the busiest time to rent in Rondebosch?
January to March, when students and academics arrive for the university year. Demand from professionals and families stays steady for the rest of the year.
Which schools are in Rondebosch?
The suburb is home to Rondebosch Boys’ High, Rustenburg Girls’ High and SACS, with Westerford close by, which is why families often rent here for the long term.
How long does a rental take to let in Rondebosch?
When a property is correctly priced, it rarely stays vacant for more than three weeks. A longer wait almost always points to the price.
We manage a number of properties in Rondebosch. If you own a rental property in the area and want to know what it should be achieving, request a free rental valuation, or see our property management page.
For a broader overview of the rental market across all the major suburbs, see our guide to renting in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. If you are comparing nearby areas, our guides to renting in Kenilworth and renting in Claremont cover suburbs with a similar profile. Browse our current properties to rent or visit our landlord services page if you are considering letting your property.
Sources: The Property Bureau letting data for Rondebosch and the PayProp Rental Index (payprop.com). Last reviewed 25 September 2026.
