RDP Housing in the Western Cape: How to Apply
The Western Cape has one of South Africa's highest housing demands, driven primarily by the City of Cape Town and in-migration from other provinces. The City of Cape Town manages its own housing waiting list, while the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements oversees provincial projects and smaller municipalities.
City of Cape Town Housing
If you live within Cape Town's boundaries, you must apply through the City of Cape Town's housing department. The City maintains its own waiting list, which is separate from the provincial list.
- Phone: 0860 103 089
- Walk-in: Housing and Settlements Management, 44 Wale Street, Cape Town
- Regional offices: Bellville, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Helderberg, Tygerberg
- Online: www.capetown.gov.za/housing
Western Cape Department of Human Settlements
- Phone: 021 483 3748
- Walk-in: 27 Wale Street, Cape Town
- For municipalities outside Cape Town: George, Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Knysna, etc.
- Email: info@westerncape.gov.za
Cape Town's housing waiting list has over 300,000 households. Waiting times for a free house in Cape Town can exceed 15–20 years in most areas.
The Cape Town Housing Register
Cape Town uses a comprehensive Housing Needs Register. Your application is scored and prioritised based on your current living conditions, time on the list, and vulnerability factors.
Residents of informal settlements that are earmarked for in-situ upgrading under the Upgrading of Informal Areas Upgrade programme are given priority.
Housing Outside Cape Town
- George Municipality: 044 801 9111
- Drakenstein Municipality (Paarl/Wellington): 021 807 4500
- Stellenbosch Municipality: 021 808 8111
- Knysna Municipality: 044 302 6300
- Oudtshoorn Municipality: 044 203 3000
Social and Community Housing in Cape Town
For those who do not qualify for free RDP housing but cannot afford market rent, the City of Cape Town also offers Social Housing and Community Residential Units in areas such as Woodstock, Salt River, and Bellville.
These are subsidised rental units managed by accredited Social Housing Institutions (SHIs). Apply through the City of Cape Town housing department.