15 years of property insights
Growth, development, and investment trends
South Africa's property market has undergone significant changes in the 15 years Lightstone Property has been partnering with the real estate sector, and in celebration of this milestone, we share the key trends that have emerged in shaping the landscape in a comprehensive report. We also look at steady population growth in urban-adjacent areas and debate the shifting investment focus in a podcast. We hope that you enjoy our spring edition!
Steady population growth to areas around cities
South Africa's population grew from 54 million in 2013 to nearly 62 million in 2023, with urban areas increasing by 15.3% and adjacent areas by 46.2%. Urban growth was highest in the Western Cape, with significant movement from rural to adjacent areas in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Cape Town leads in new property registrations, but smaller towns and lower-priced properties are also seeing growth, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Wealthier semigration destinations, like Drakenstein, are popular for high-value properties.
Is residential property losing its investment appeal?
Residential property investment in South Africa has slowed, with investor volumes flattening since 2022, particularly in non-metro areas. Cape Town's stock shortages and rising house prices are prompting investors to sell, while investor activity has increased slightly in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. There is a growing preference for Sectional Title units in Estates, while Freehold properties have seen decreased interest.
SA's changing property landscape over 15 years
In celebration of 15 years in real estate, Lightstone Property released a report highlighting key trends in South Africa's changing property landscape. These include declining sales volumes, fewer new and younger buyers, growing demand for Estates and Sectional Titles and increased semigration to the Western Cape. And in response to this ever-evolving property landscape, Lightstone has expanded its service and product range to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the property market.
A home for hire or a holiday haven?
Investing in property depends on personal needs — some want a tranquil holiday home, while others prefer rental investments. In this episode of Investec's Everything Counts podcast, hosted by Financial Journalist Motheo Khoaripe, Hayley Ivins-Downes, Managing Executive for Real Estate at Lightstone Property, joins Keshnie July, Lending Product Owner at Investec, and Tsholofelo Mokoma, Re/Max Horizon Property Practitioner, to discuss buying rental properties or holiday homes in South Africa.
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Rob Scrooby, Acutts Estate Agents
“I use Lightstone at least twice a week for all my CMAs (Current Market Analysis).”
