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 / studio | R6,500 – R9,500 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | R9,000 – R12,500 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | R13,000 – R16,500 |
| 2-bedroom house / townhouse | R15,500 – R21,000 |
| 3-bedroom house | R19,000 – R27,000 |
This is a guide only. 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.
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 RGHS, Wynberg Boys High, and Rustenburg Girls High
- 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 Simonstown. 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.
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.
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 and renting in Wynberg cover those suburbs in detail. Browse our current properties to rent or visit our landlord services page if you are considering letting your property.
