Where forex goes further…
South Africa offers a unique combination of diverse opportunities and advantages that make it an attractive destination for homeownership and investment in property. There are so many beautiful beaches, world-class urban infrastructure, rich wildlife, any adventure activity you can think of, great food and better wine. Not to mention friendly people, a vibrant culture and history connecting us all. Our unique blend of cultures and traditions makes it one of the most welcoming places to live (if not the most).
If you are considering South Africa for your next property purchase, the options are endless for family or holiday homes, long-term investments or short-term revenue-generating apartments. Here are five reasons we believe investing in property in SA is a good idea:
1. The diverse range of properties: Beach to bush
Whether you’re looking for a lock-up-and-go apartment in a central urban area, a house in a secure luxury estate, a view of a golf course or a holiday home close to both beaches and mountains, you’re in luck. South Africa is home to a wide range of property types, from luxury estates to affordable homes or coastal getaways, and there is a constant supply of these on the market at any point in time.
We boast with some of the most breathtaking landscapes, from coastal beaches to mountains, vineyards and wildlife reserves. Our well-developed infrastructure includes modern roads, well-positioned airports connecting major and smaller centres, and access to the country is easy from almost everywhere in the world.
2. Affordability: Rands & sense
A leading local property data provider reports that foreigners purchase between 2-3% of residential properties sold in South Africa annually, which translates to just less than 8000 at last count. This figure has increased slowly but significantly in the last decade. Gauteng is the region with the most foreign property purchases, followed by the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
For everyone coming over with foreign currency, the South African rand (ZAR) is relatively weak against major currencies like the USD, EUR and GBP, making properties more affordable for international buyers as their currencies stretch a lot further. Foreign investors can get more value for their money compared to property markets in many developed countries.
3. Bricks & mortar: Quality, affordable, sustainable
Our cities and urban-adjacent areas continue to experience significant growth, which drives both the supply and demand for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. Towns adjacent to large cities like Durban and Cape Town are becoming property investment hotspots due to their expanding economies and infrastructure upgrades, and South Africans are taking advantage of the move out to quieter areas prioritising quality of life. In the past 12 months, according to Stats SA, the total value of building permits delivered by local municipalities rose by 9.2% in 2024, indicating appetite for new builds.
We’re also seeing a rise in eco-friendly developments and properties with sustainable energy solutions, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Incentives for solar energy and water-saving technologies are adding value to properties and making these more appealing to potential tenants/those looking for holiday accommodation for the certainty and comfort it brings.
4. Show me the money: Properties that pay themselves off
With millions of visitors annually, South Africa’s tourism industry supports the demand for vacation homes and investment properties in popular locations.
In urban hubs like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and along the Garden Route, and the many towns surrounding these hubs, there is consistent demand for rental properties all through the year thanks to the scenery, experiences, mild climate and abundant sunshine. These all offer strong returns for buy-to-let investors, providing opportunities for short-term rentals, especially through reliable platforms like Airbnb. This platform advertises over 18,000 active listings in Cape Town alone, showing the clear popularity of short-term rentals in the area. The city reports that short-term rental accommodation is booked for 259 nights a year with an occupancy rate of more than 70%.
5. You’re covered: Regulations protecting property owners
South Africa has a well-regulated and robust property market with strong legal protections for property owners. The buying process is transparent, ensuring security for both local and international buyers, as well as all other industry players.
In South Africa, there are currently no restrictions on foreign nationals owning property. However, buyers must comply with specific procedures regarding registration when purchasing property.
We recommended that you seek guidance from our GetGo Home Loans experts when navigating the complicated process. We will provide you with knowledgeable and proficient advice in this area. This is what we do and what we love. We help people (South Africans and international buyers) own homes!
