The in-demand Cape Town rentals that start at R2 000 (if you qualify)

Even those renting rooms in shared spaces are forced to spend upwards of R4 000 a month on rent.

But in one Cape Town suburb, where the average home is over R1 million, Capetonians can rent for R2 000 if they meet specific conditions.

Cape Town suburbs with affordable rentals

Cape Town has struggled with affordable housing as demand drives up prices.

But in a handful of suburbs and through a handful of providers, rentals can be affordable for tenants who meet strict conditions.

In Mandalay, Communicare, a 90-year veteran in “social housing rentals,” rents rooms for R2 000.

To qualify, tenants must be between 50 and 65 and able to take care of themselves.

They must also prove their income.

But it’s not only Mandalay.

Prospective tenants can rent in other Cape Town suburbs like Newlands and Lakeside for R4 000 a month.

In Newlands, tenants can rent a bedroom and shared facilities for this price.

In Lakeside, tenants can get an unfurnished studio for R5 500 a month.

But tenants have to adhere to strict rules and pass a strict assessment to apply.

In the Lakeside rental, for example, tenants can’t be blacklisted and must have a clean credit record.

Prospective tenants must also have an income of R18 400 to apply.

In Newlands, applicants must be women.

Pets aren’t allowed.

Affordable Family Housing

There are also affordable family homes.

In Bothasig, tenants can rent a 2-bedroom flat for R5 700.

In Rugby, the starting rent for a 2-bedroom flat is R6 300.

Ruyterwacht has 3 bedrooms for R8 000 a month.

In the Bothasig and Rugby developments, tenants have strict occupancy rules.

When applying, tenants must provide certified documents, including bank statements and any dependants’ birth certificates.

Communicare lists some of the city’s most affordable rentals, but they aren’t the only ones.

FCI Community Housing Service offers 2-bedroom flats in Goodwood for R6 000.

Cape Town Suburbs with Affordable Rentals

In Strand, tenants can rent a 2-bedroom flat for less than R8 000 a month.

To qualify, they’ll need a household net income of R24 000 and a clear ITC report.

In Gordons Bay Central, a 2-bedroom rents for R8 250.

Closer to Cape Town, families have Brackenfell and Bellville, where 2-bedroom rentals start at R8 250.

Suburb	Affordable Rent	Average Rent
Bothasig	R5 700	R13 000
Rugby	R6 300	R10 000
Ruyterwacht	R7 000	R9 000
Gordons Bay	R7 000	R9 800
Strand	R7 500	R10 900
Brackenfell	R8 250	R12 100
Bellville	R8 300	R12 000