A woman’s place is to own a home
It’s Women’s Month and we are celebrating the growing power and presence of women in South Africa’s property market. From outpacing men in homeownership - particularly in lower-value housing - to leading transformation across the real estate industry, women are driving meaningful change. In this issue, we unpack the latest ownership trends of women buyers, spotlight inspiring female trailblazers, and showcase how Lightstone’s award-winning tech is shaping a smarter, more inclusive future for property in South Africa. Dive in and explore the stories shaping tomorrow’s market. Plus, explore insights from our latest House Price Index.
Women rise in property ownership
Women are changing the face of property ownership in South Africa. As more women assert their financial independence, they’re outpacing men in homeownership - especially in lower-value housing segments. From subsidised homes to estate properties. This Women's Month, we spotlight the growing influence of female buyers and the broader socio-economic transformation they’re driving as a result.
Read MoreReal estate’s female trailblazers
Nearly half of South Africa’s Estate Agents are women and they’re not just participating they’re transforming the industry. We connected with trailblazers Rubé Bradfield, Principal at Home & Hectare Real Estate and Debra Maddocks, Managing Partner at Tyson Properties Helderberg - two powerhouse leaders using data, empathy, and digital tools to redefine success in real estate. Their stories inspire a new era of tech-enabled, purpose-driven leadership.
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Lightstone wins Platinum at RESIDE Awards
Lightstone won the 2025 RESIDE Proptech Innovator of the Year (Platinum) Award for its AI Valuation Model (AiVM), which is also accredited by the European AVM Alliance. The RESIDE Awards recognise excellence in real estate innovation, celebrating impactful advances in technology, customer service, and industry transformation. This achievement marks a major step in Lightstone’s mission to simplify complex decisions and improve transparency in South Africa’s property sector.
Read MoreThe future of PropTech is ethical, explainable, human
Lightstone’s AI-powered property valuation model is redefining trust in PropTech. Built with South Africa’s complex housing market in mind, the solution blends global standards with local relevance. With transparency, responsibility, and fairness at its core, Lightstone is proving that meaningful innovation isn’t just about speed, it’s about building intelligent systems that empower people and shape better financial decisions.
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Lightstone’s latest House Price Index
Lightstone’s latest Property Index as at end of June 2025 reveals that national house price inflation has climbed to 4.5%. The Western Cape continues to outperform Gauteng and KZN, though its growth is levelling off. Value segments show steady gains, with Luxury properties reaching 6.4% inflation and the Low-Value segment holds at a notable 7.5%.
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