Renting in Kenilworth, Cape Town, typically costs R6,500 to R27,000 a month in 2026, from a studio to a three-bedroom house, usually a little below Claremont. This guide from The Property Bureau covers prices, tenants, transport and what landlords should know.
In short
- Kenilworth offers a quieter alternative to Claremont. Well-connected, walkable, and centred on Main Road and the racecourse
- Rental demand is steady; 1 and 2-bedroom apartments move quickly when priced correctly
- Popular with young professionals and couples; also draws families for proximity to several top schools
The suburb
Kenilworth sits between Claremont and Wynberg along the Southern Suburbs Main Road corridor. It has a more residential character than Claremont: calmer, less commercial, and centred on the landmark Kenilworth Racecourse. Summerley Road and surrounding streets offer a mix of apartments, townhouses, and freestanding homes within walking distance of Pick n Pay, Woolworths, and a well-serviced local shopping strip. The suburb attracts tenants who want Southern Suburbs living without paying the premium that Claremont’s busiest blocks command.
Typical rental ranges (2026)
| Property type | Monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Bachelor or studio | R6,500 to R9,500 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | R9,000 to R12,500 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | R13,000 to R16,500 |
| 2-bedroom house or townhouse | R15,500 to R21,000 |
| 3-bedroom house | R19,000 to R27,000 |
This is a guide only, based on our own letting experience in the suburb. Ranges reflect typical asking prices for well-maintained properties. Units with racecourse views or close to the Main Road shopping strip command the upper end. For the national and provincial trend, the PayProp Rental Index is published every quarter.
Who rents in Kenilworth
- Young professionals seeking a quieter base with easy access to Claremont and the CBD
- Couples and small families who prefer residential streets over a busy commercial strip
- Families with children at nearby schools, including Wynberg Boys’ High, Wynberg Girls’ High and Springfield Convent in neighbouring Wynberg, and Rustenburg Girls’ High in Rondebosch
- Tenants priced out of Claremont who want Southern Suburbs proximity without the premium
Getting around
Kenilworth has a Metrorail station on the Southern Line, with direct access to the CBD and Simon’s Town. The M3 and Main Road provide fast road links to the city (approximately 20 minutes in normal traffic) and southward to the peninsula. Golden Arrow buses service the Main Road corridor, and Uber is reliably available. The suburb is walkable for daily errands along and near Main Road.
What landlords should know
Kenilworth typically prices slightly below Claremont but draws from the same tenant pool. Correct pricing relative to condition and position is the primary lever: a unit vacant beyond three weeks in this suburb is almost always a pricing issue rather than a demand problem. One-bedroom apartments are the most competitive segment; two-bedroom units with parking and security let quickly. Freestanding houses in good condition on the residential side streets appeal to families who cannot find what they want further north in Rondebosch or Newlands.
A steady tenant pool still needs careful screening. 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 Kenilworth?
In 2026, typical asking rents run from R6,500 to R9,500 for a studio, R13,000 to R16,500 for a two-bedroom apartment and R19,000 to R27,000 for a three-bedroom house. Racecourse views and homes near the Main Road shops sit at the upper end.
Is Kenilworth cheaper than Claremont?
Usually, yes. Kenilworth typically prices slightly below Claremont while drawing on the same tenants, which makes it a good choice for people who want Southern Suburbs convenience without Claremont’s premium.
Does Kenilworth have a train station?
Yes. Kenilworth station is on the Southern Line, with services to the CBD and Simon’s Town. The M3 and Main Road give road access to the city in about 20 minutes in normal traffic.
How quickly do rentals let in Kenilworth?
When a property is correctly priced, it rarely stays vacant for more than three weeks. One and two-bedroom apartments with parking and security let fastest.
We manage a number of properties in Kenilworth. 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 looking at neighbouring areas, our guides to renting in Claremont, renting in Wynberg and renting in Rondebosch cover those suburbs in detail. 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 Kenilworth and the PayProp Rental Index (payprop.com). Last reviewed 25 September 2026.
