Morne Moller, Director, talks us through Rawson Developers’ recently completed and ongoing residential projects in and around Cape Town.
BUILDING HOMES, DESIGNING LIFESTYLES
Since 1993, Rawson Developers (Rawson) has successfully built more than 3,500 homes across over 50 different residential developments in Cape Town – the legislative capital of South Africa (SA).
The company was initially founded by Bill Rawson and Paul Henry, with Carl Nortje later joining the team and now heavily involved on a daily basis as Managing Director.
With over 30 years of experience, Rawson’s extensive expertise covers all aspects of property development, from the conceptualisation phase through to the launch of each new build.
“One of our key strengths is offering a comprehensive, end-to-end service, so everything is like a one-stop shop,” opens Director, Morne Moller.
Whilst each project has its own unique personality and appeal, one thing that never changes is Rawson’s commitment to creating interior and exterior spaces that complement people’s lifestyles.
As such, the company spends considerable time ensuring each apartment is not only beautiful but also features smart design, first-class finishes, and effortless flow.
“We’ve got a proven track record over the last three decades. With us building the majority of our apartments ourselves, we take personal care,” Moller assures.
“Another point is that we will always be slightly better priced than most developers. If someone builds a block right next to us, we will probably be five to 10 percent cheaper than them, for no reason other than trying to give people value for money and a good investment.”
Through its meticulous planning and in-depth local property knowledge, Rawson gives investors access to some of the best real estate opportunities in Cape Town and even markets and manages properties for them.
IN THE HEART OF CAPE TOWN
Having originally started out in Parklands before moving to the Southern Suburbs, including Newlands and Kenilworth, Rawson ventured into the Cape Town central business district (CBD) around 2021.
“We’ve got quite a strong footprint of developments, hotels, and residential blocks in the Cape Town CBD and sitting in Sea Point,” notes Moller.
Rawson’s biggest development in Sea Point – an affluent and densely populated suburb just a few kilometres west of the bustling Cape Town CBD – is Magnolia.
A peaceful oasis of culture, community, and connection, this seaside sanctuary right in the vibrant heart of Sea Point will offer a rare blend of nature’s calm and the city’s convenience.
With the clean scent of the ocean breeze, rhythmic meditation of the lapping waves, and aureate warmth of the Atlantic Seaboard’s world-famous sunsets, Magnolia reflects the refined taste and sophistication of coastal living.
This luxury residence and vibrant social hub has been thoughtfully designed to balance the lush life with a sense of community. Indeed, a sparkling rooftop pool and ample, spacious communal areas will allow for rest and relaxation, whilst the large open atrium and public ground-floor retail spaces, restaurants, and cafés will enable neighbours to network, connect, and meet up.
Rawson is currently on site at Magnolia, which is expected to be completed in April 2027.
“Magnolia will have 174 apartments and about 1,600 square metres (sqm) of commercial and retail space. We’ll put some coffee shops, restaurants, and small boutiques in there,” notes Moller.
Standing as a future icon of the world-renowned Sea Point cityscape, the building’s eye-catching exterior features clean lines and sophisticated curves; the interiors exude subtle elegance and chic, minimalist comfort at every step.
Each expertly appointed detail reflects timeless sophistication, from premium luxury finishes to the seamless flow of open spaces, creating a home that radiates warmth and exclusivity.
“We’ve got quite a strong footprint of developments, hotels, and residential blocks in the Cape Town CBD and sitting in Sea Point”
Morne Moller, Director, Rawson Developers
PAARDEN EILAND PIONEERS
In Paarden Eiland, a light industrial area of Cape Town, Rawson is also working on Maritime Place, an ambitious development that promises to establish a thriving community and signals the beginning of an exciting new era for the district.
Set for completion by May 2026, the building will be made up of 334 units and offer a variety of accommodation options, including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. From compact city living to spacious family-forward comfort, Maritime Place has something for everyone.
Refined, minimalist finishes give each unit a calm, effortless elegance, whilst balconies create a refreshing indoor-outdoor space with a range of breathtaking mountain and ocean views on offer.
“We’re the first to actually go in and build a residential block in Paarden Eiland. It has about 3,000 sqm of commercial space split between retail, light industrial, and commercial,” details Moller.
“The concept of Maritime Place actually came from Canary Wharf – once an industrial area that started upgrading to residential and commercial. Further down the road, there will be one or two other big developments, so we are pioneering the changing face of Paarden Eiland.”
Steeped in a unique urban, historical atmosphere and complemented by spectacular ocean and mountain views, Maritime Place will be the perfect place for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city whilst only being a few minutes away from the centre of Cape Town.
“The trade is the first ever hotel we’ve done ourselves. it’s very quirky and funky – imagine a European hotel in the centre of Cape Town CBD”
Morne Moller, Director, Rawson Developers
LUXURY AND QUIRKY
Elsewhere in the Cape Town CBD, The Trade Boutique Hotel (The Trade) offers 50 unique rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop pool and bar to catch those Cape Town rays – all housed in an historic, post-modern building steeped in nostalgic attention to detail.
Recently completed in 2024, The Trade offers a colourful, one-of-a-kind stay where thoughtfully designed interiors balance luxury with quirky touches in a nod to the building’s iconic architecture.
With three individually designed themes to choose from – Fred, Ginger, and Ruby – The Trade’s rooms and suites are inspired by art meets commerce and designed to make guests feel right at home, furnished with a living room and full kitchen as well as bathroom amenities.
“The Trade is the first ever hotel we’ve done ourselves. It’s very quirky and funky – imagine a European hotel in the centre of Cape Town CBD,” Moller tells us.
“We’ve been running it since November last year, and it’s going really well. The hotel is close to everything as it’s very central.”
Meanwhile, Rawson is currently busy developing Cape Town CBD, including finishing off the The York, which will be ready in September this year and add another 76 apartments to the area, as well as working on The Landing, which will contribute an additional 174 apartments.
With the completion of Magnolia and Maritime Place also on the horizon, Rawson continues to build homes and design lifestyles in the city.
