What's moving young South Africans?
This Youth month we examine the buying habits of South Africa’s younger property buyers, who are increasingly opting for bonded, secure homes and entering the market later than in previous years. We also explore how South Africans embraced rest and relaxation over the 2025 Easter period, with vehicle traffic, air travel, and mall activity all pointing to a nationwide pause. In Johannesburg, we look at which fuel brand ranked highest as the preferred stop for fuel and convenience shopping. Meanwhile, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to industry excellence through Lightstone’s EAA-accredited AiVM tool, offering automated valuations that meet both local compliance requirements and global standards. Finally, we unpack the latest House Price Index.
Young buy later, opt for bonded, secure living
Young South Africans are entering the property market later and leaning towards bonded, secure living. In 2024, Youth (between ages 20–35) made up 30% of property purchases - down from 41% in 2014. Despite economic pressures, Youth buying patterns closely resemble older groups, focusing on Mid- to High- value areas. Lightstone's data reveals key suburbs and trends shaping this demographic property choices.
Read MoreVehicle traffic, air travel, mall visits over Easter
Over the 2025 Easter holidays, South Africans chose rest over retail, with road and air travel data revealing quieter than usual patterns. Long-distance driving peaked just before the holidays, while Freedom Day traffic dipped below typical weekend levels. Major airports saw fewer travellers compared to 2024 with OR Tambo outpacing Cape Town International in air traffic. Malls also experienced lower footfall. Gateway Theatre of Shopping in KwaZulu-Natal and Mall of Africa in Gauteng were the busiest malls.
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Joburg drivers reveal their go-to fuel stop
Engen was the most visited fuel station brand by Johannesburg drivers in March 2025, ahead of Shell, BP, and Sasol. High-traffic Engen stations included Oxford, M1 North and South, My City Sandton Court, and Midway Mews. Other busy locations were BP’s Grayston Drive, Shell’s Glenhove and Cosmo City, and Sasol Waterfall, highlighting key convenience hubs across the city.
Read MoreIndependence and global standards matter in property valuations
Lightstone’s AI Valuation Model (AiVM) is transforming property valuations in South Africa through faster, more accurate and explainable assessments. Now globally accredited by the European AVM Alliance and the first African member, Lightstone meets top international standards for transparency, data integrity and performance. Used by banks, Estate Agents, and consumers, the AiVM boosts trust, speeds up sales, and supports responsible lending.
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Lightstone's latest House Price Index
Lightstone's latest Property Index reports national annual house price inflation at 3.7%, with monthly growth at 0.76%. The Western Cape continues to outperform Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, though its growth has flattened, while the other provinces show rising trends off lower bases. Inflation in the Mid-, High-, and Luxury segments remains steady, while the Low-Value segment - despite a higher starting point - shows a declining trend, now at 6.5%.
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