This Small Karoo Town In The Northern Cape Is On The Market

For most folks in South Africa, buying a house is the ultimate dream.

Buying a whole town, on the other hand, sounds like a fantasy (or the plotline of a wacky sitcom).

Not anymore: in the Northern Cape, there lies a whole town that has been put up for sale. Take a look…

MIDDELPOS ON THE MARKET

Per a recent residential property listing published by Home and Hectare Real Estate, the town of Middelpos is ready to be sold to the highest bidder.

Spanning 103 hectares, Middelpos – described as “one of the few remaining authentic Karoo villages in South Africa” – is situated halfway between Sutherland and Calvinia on the R354 in the Upper Karoo of the Northern Cape.

Its close proximity to Tankwa Karoo National Park makes it an ideal stopping point for visitors and tourists, especially those looking for overnight accommodation.

WHAT THE SALE INCLUDES

The successful buyer of Middelpos will legally own the town’s following infrastructure:

• The Middelpos Hotel
• The General Dealer
• Factory building
• Three dwellings (in good condition)
• Hall
• Old post office
• Borehole
• Irrigable land (measuring 4.75 hectares).

All in all, these represent authentic, Karoo-made structures that are ripe for fixing up. Along with the rest of the property, there’s strong potential for new development across the business, residential, manufacturing and tourism sectors.

SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY

In addition to the economic benefits, Middelpos offers the opportunity to own a piece of South African history so far unaffected by the march of modernisation.

This rural town began life as a trading outpost in 1860. Much like how it accommodates passersby of today, it primarily served the needs of the surrounding farms.

It is also the setting of Middlepost, the 1989 novel written by SA-born British actor Sir Antony Sher, whose family prospered in the area.

SALE DETAILS

If buying a town appeals to you, then you can participate in the timed auction next month.

Bidding opens on 21 May 2026 at 12:00. It will close on 22 May 2026 at 12:00. Viewings are currently by appointment only.

Share in the comments below if you’ll be one of the bidders looking to buy Middelpos in May – we’d love to hear from you!