Earlier this year, the Housing Development Agency (HDA) told this publication that it achieved significant milestones, such as acquiring and releasing 12,151.5472 hectares of land for human settlements and rezoning 6,597.86 hectares for development purposes.

It said these accomplishments position them to expedite housing delivery and support sustainable, integrated communities.

On the other hand, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) recently told this publication that ensuring that land suitable for social housing is made available for development was a challenge.

In terms of value growth, Wenger says serviced vacant land is a key investment. He said that, unlike other assets that may depreciate over time, raw land is a finite resource that tends to appreciate, particularly in sought-after locations.

“Coastal areas, such as the KZN South Coast, are especially prized for their natural beauty, accessibility, and lifestyle appeal. By investing in land now, buyers can secure a tangible asset that not only retains its value but grows in worth over time.

"Buyers also have the option of holding onto the land and selling it at a higher price, generating a nice profit with little effort.”

The development director said another massive appeal for buying raw land is the flexibility it offers homeowners.

He said, unlike purchasing a pre-built home, land allows investors to choose what they want-within the parameters of the development.

“This optionality is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced world, where lifestyle needs and design trends can change rapidly and are preference-based. Raw land offers the freedom to create a home that aligns with your vision and timeline,” he notes.

Looking at the broader South African landscape, Wenger says there are even more reasons why investing in raw land is a savvy move right now.

He said from the stability offered by the Government of National Unity(GNU) to the South African consumer confidence in the property market sitting at a 10-year high, the outlook for the South African property market is good.

“This has been further strengthened by the announcement made by Finance Minister Enoch Gondongwana that an additional R46.7 billion has been allocated to key infrastructure projects.

"Alongside the push for private-public partnerships to drive infrastructure development, South Africa is on the right path, with road upgrades and enhanced connectivity ensuring this region is poised for growth,” Wenger said.

propertybuyers

Why buying fully serviced vacant land is a smart financial move for homebuyers