2026: A year of reset and opportunity for property
Welcome to our first edition of 2026. We begin the year with encouraging signs of renewed momentum across South Africa's property landscape. As the market finds its footing, the data points to growing confidence and more considered decision-making. Lightstone's annual Estate Agent Perception Survey suggests a potential turning point, driven by easing interest rates, evolving buyer behaviour, and stabilising demand. In this edition, we unpack these signals and hope you find the insights valuable and thought-provoking. We also share news on our strategic collaboration with 1st for Women, look at festive travel and shopping patterns, and share our monthly house price index.
Estate Agents eye a brighter 2026
Despite a tougher-than-expected 2025, Estate Agents are entering 2026 with renewed confidence. While many fell short of sales targets, optimism is building as interest rates ease, demand begins to stabilise and buyer behaviour evolves. The latest Lightstone Estate Agent Perception survey reveals why Estate Agents believe 2026 could mark a meaningful turning point for South Africa's residential property market.
Read MoreSmarter property solutions for women
Women are remoulding South Africa's housing market, and the data proves it. As women play a role in 70% of residential property purchases, Lightstone and 1st for Women have collaborated to connect property insights with tailored home and contents insurance. The strategic alliance reflects a powerful shift toward financial independence, smarter buying journeys, and protection designed around how women live, buy, and invest today.
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Festive traffic up, travel distances down
Traffic volumes on South Africa's major routes rose sharply in December 2025, with service station stops up 4%, according to Lightstone's analysis of anonymised Tracker data. But average distances travelled fell by 5%, suggesting holidaymakers stayed put once they arrived. The data points to intentional, family-focused travel, with strong inter-provincial movement and concentrated activity along key corridors.
Read MoreHouse Price Inflation eases to 3.4%
Lightstone's latest Property Index shows national House Price Inflation easing slightly to 3.4% year-on-year. The Western Cape continues to outperform Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, while inflation has stabilised across value segments, led by robust growth in Low-Value properties and steady performance in Mid-Value and Luxury bands.
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