Latest News & Developments
property trends
Good news for owners, bad for buyers as South Africa's average house price hits R1. 6 million for the first time
In 1994 the average house price was R150 000. Today the average house price in the country has exceeded R1. 6m, and it is getting tougher to own a home
How a VAT hike could affect consumer spending and Property markets
Real estate often acts as a hedge against inflation, as property prices have the potential to rise.
Potential increase in VAT could negatively impact property owners
The proposed change in VAT will shake up the property market significantly.
South Africa’s property prices rise, barriers remain for first-time buyers
As South Africa's residential property market shows signs of recovery with house prices rising, experts warn that affordability challenges remain, particularly for first-time buyers. Discover how economic factors are influencing the housing landscape and what options are available to new entrants seeking homeownership.
Expropriation and affordabilty: South African property ownership safe but still tough to get on ladder - experts
First-time buyers are not only facing steeper home prices but banks have also been obliged to adopt a more conservative stance towards credit provision - however despite the expropriation act, ownership still safe.
Real estate industry asks for R200m from President Ramaphosa’s transformation fund
In his SoNA 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa said they will set up a transformation fund worth R20 billion a year over the next five years to fund black-owned and small business enterprises.
South African property market hit by growing divide between affordability and access
Added to that, inconsistency of service delivery has imposed additional costs on property owners, who are forced to invest in alternative electricity supplies and water backups, among other solutions.
South Africa's human settlements sector struggles with housing accessibility for the gap market, warns DHS
Professor François Viruly, University of Cape Town associate professor and director of the Urban Real Estate Research Unit, said it is becoming increasingly clear that delivery of housing by different tiers of government does not meet the required demand.
Municipalities’ service delivery challenges: a direct threat to property values, says estate agency
In a response to Independent Media Property enquiry, the estate agency’s CEO Richard Gray, said if municipalities continue to fail in this respect, it will directly impact the value of properties, affordability and the availability of housing a few years down the line.
Business as usual for the property market, despite expropriation noise
The new Act is very specific in terms of the conditions for expropriation, and, importantly, the protection of the “property clause” under Section 25 of the Constitution remains in place, says Seeff. Others agree, saying it is not, on the face of it, the disaster some say it is.
Every cent counts, and the R156 saved on interest rates will help consumers. . . but not everyone thinks so
Academic says no case for optimism regarding the economy’s outlook based on the most recent interest rate cut but property group says it will bring relief.
First-time homebuyers likely to drive property market recovery this year
Richard Gray, CEO of Harcourts South Africa, said a recovering economy often stimulates property demand, making it an ideal environment for both buyers and sellers.
Crumbling infrastructure, deteriorating municipalities, threaten property sector
Speaking to Independent Media Property recently, Neil Gopal, CEO of SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association), said despite recent positive trends in the property market, the ongoing issues at the municipal level threaten to possibly derail the commercial and industrial property sector’s recovery.
Key trends set to shape South Africa's property market in 2025
IN 2025, the SA property market is poised for significant transformation, driven by technological evolution and shifting consumer behaviour.
Operation targets affluent areas with R130m unpaid debt
City Power has launched a surprise operation to restrict municipal services at Aspen Hills Nature and Dainfern Golf Estates, targeting R130 million in unpaid bills. The CEO highlights the alarming rate of defaults in affluent areas, urging residents to settle their debts.
Rental vacancies for properties less than R12,000 decline in Q3 2024 — report
A significant decline in rental vacancies for residential properties valued at under R12,000 per month has emerged in the third quarter of 2024.
Low GDP growth to knock South African consumers ahead of festive season
South Africa's economy faces challenges as it contracted by 0. 3% in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to a significant decline in agriculture. This slowdown raises concerns for consumers as high unemployment and living costs persist.
Can 2025 be the year SA fixes its affordable housing crisis? These experts hope so
Local property and housing experts at the forefront of the drive to solve the affordable housing crisis reveal their hopes for the sector for the new year
It’s good, but not great: South Africa's first interest rate cut in four years
The SA Reserve Bank cut the repo rate by 0. 25 basis points today, opening the way for more cuts to come.
Why Cape Town’s affordable housing crisis matters
Getting the lower to middle end of the property market to work could be a game changer and go toward turning the affordable housing crisis around.
House price outlook slightly dimmer, says FNB
High borrowing costs and uncertainty were discouraging potential buyers, while unfavourable selling conditions were causing some homeowners to hold back on listing their properties.
Escape into Mother City’s most exquisite homes on the latest season of ‘Listing Cape Town’
The reality show also portrays the glamorous Cape Town lifestyle.
Construction of Kommetjie retirement village begins
Devmark Property Group’s Imhoff Manor, a multi-million Rand pet-friendly and exclusive retirement village, will soon be a reality.
2024 property market: It is not only about interest rates
A number of other significant factors are on the horizon for South Africa’s property market this year.
House price growth may have bottomed, but will take some time to recover
Weak house price growth is expected to continue for a little while amid heightened uncertainty.