Cape Town to auction 50 land parcels in 2026 to unlock private-sector investment

By Johnathan Paoli

The City of Cape Town is preparing for a major land release in early 2026, with plans to auction approximately 50 City-owned properties as part of a strategic push to stimulate economic growth across the metro.

The properties, which will be offered for sale and lease, are zoned for residential, commercial and industrial use and have been declared surplus to municipal requirements.

City officials say the large-scale auction is designed to attract private-sector investment, unlock underutilised land, and generate revenue that will be reinvested into essential municipal services.

While the final auction date has not yet been confirmed, it is expected to take place in the first part of next year.

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos, described the initiative as central to the City’s economic development strategy.

He said the release of well-located land was necessary to ensure that public assets actively contribute to growth rather than remaining dormant.

“As part of my mandate, I am prioritising the release of well-located land to unlock economic potential. I firmly believe that our land portfolio must drive economic growth rather than sit idle, and this auction sets the standard for how we will put our properties to productive, purposeful use,” Vos said.

According to the City, all properties included in the auction have been assessed and confirmed as no longer required for municipal operations.

The land parcels are spread across different parts of the metro, allowing for a mix of development opportunities that range from housing and small businesses to large-scale industrial activity.

To ensure accountability and public confidence, the City has committed to conducting the process through an open, competitive public auction.

Vos said this approach was essential to maintaining transparency and integrity in the disposal of public assets.

“To ensure full transparency, bidders will