Patricia Mzamo

After several years of uncertainty, the South African property market is gradually regaining its footing. In a trend that may be encouraging for sellers, investors, and first-time buyers, we’re starting to see house prices creep upward. 

The South African housing market is showing some promising signs of recovery, but it's not quite smooth sailing just yet. According to the latest FNB House Price Index (HPI), house price growth remains slow, clocking in at just 0.9% in December. That’s slightly down from 1.0% in November, bringing the annual average to 0.8%—a dip from the 1.5% recorded in 2023. While this may seem underwhelming, it’s in line with expert predictions.

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can feel overwhelming too. After all, you’re not just choosing a property—you’re picking the neighbourhood where you’ll build your life. With cities embracing more urban living, finding the perfect area means balancing your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.