Sometimes we take great delight in showing you lavish mansions that will set one back anywhere from R50 million to R100 million. Why? Because it’s nice to dream and you might one day win the lottery, assuming you play of course.

The thing is, that to us mere mortals at least, owning a house that looks like it should belong to Charlie Sheen’s cocaine dealer is not exactly practical. Buying your first house or an investment property is scary, and one always wants to be sure they’re getting the most bang for their buck.

If you’re dipping your toes in the market and R2 million seems like kind of figure you might work around then here we go, five spots in (or close to) Cape Town’s CBD, where the real moving and shaking happens.

We’ll start with the lower priced apartments and build our way towards the ones that might stretch your budget. And we’re off…

One Bedroom Apartment, City Centre – R1 450 000

Your pluses on this one…

Lovely 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment in the city centre with a view of the stunning city lights at night. Enjoy the pool on a warm summer’s day/evening. Be close to all Universities and walk to Wembley Square for all your shopping goods. Easy access to highways. 1 x parking bay.

That’s right, there just happens to be a pool in this block so who’s the popular city dweller now?

One Bedroom Apartment, City Centre – R1 675 000

It doesn’t really come more central than overlooking Greenmarket Square. Cracking wood finishes, an open plan that makes the most of the space available and a stone’s throw from stumbling home off Long Street.

That will do just fine, thank you very much.

Two Bedroom Apartment, City Centre – R2 000 000

So the listing comes with this description…

Perfect location next to city varsity, close to Wembley Square and Gardens Centre, walk to Kloof Street and dine at top restaurants.
Enjoy a stunning pool on the roof in summer and fall in love with the Table Mountain view from your bedroom balcony and lounge. A very safe underground parking bay.

I really don’t think they are doing that view justice. I mean really, we know Capetonians power up in the morning by taking pictures of the mountain and then seeing how many likes they get on social media, and views don’t get much better than that.

Now we’re going to be naughty and go just a touch over two bar. We like naughty…

Two Bedroom Apartment, City Centre – R2 150 000

Over to those in the know:

This trendy 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment is situated in the City Centre in Fountain Suites. This apartment comes fully furnished with open plan and light living areas. 2 underground parking bays and 24 hour concierge.

Gym and indoor heated swimming pool. Great Investment and Great location in the city centre.

A swimming pool that’s indoor and a gym that doesn’t have that weirdo in the neon shorts watching himself in the mirror? Sign me up, thank you very much.

Two Bedroom Apartment, Sea Point – R2 185 000

Here’s the seller with the lowdown:

Living in the fab lane is what you get here. This tastefully furnished and spacious apartment consists of 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Located in a secure block minutes away from popular Sea Point promenade. Big communal pool with separate social area calls for entertainment. Communal laundry available for residents use. Internet and DSTV facilities provided at a cost from Body Corporate. 24 hour surveillance cameras and on-premises patrolling security during the night.

I also saw the word ‘negotiable’ thrown into the mix, maybe it’s time you played hardball to see if you can wangle this one down below R2 million? Anywhere near the Sea Point promenade is worth a second look, you only get the best view of the most spectacular sunsets Cape Town has to offer.

There you have it – five options to consider if you’re looking at forking out somewhere in the region of two bar on your next big investment. Good luck out there…