Jennifer Cooper

With the rising cost of living and tighter bank lending conditions, many homeowners are looking for ways to cut costs when selling, including the idea of avoiding estate agent commission by selling privately. While this may seem like a way to keep more money in your pocket, the risks in today’s market are far higher than most people realise. A private sale can quickly become expensive, stressful, and legally risky if you’re not fully prepared.

South African homeowners risk losing both time and value when they overprice their properties, according to the newly released MyProperty Sentiment Index 2025. The report, based on feedback from over 200 estate agents, reveals that over 75% of homes end up selling below the asking price — and in many cases only after extended delays.

For many South Africans, the start of the year marks the time when serious home-buying decisions are made. January and February traditionally mark a period of renewed market activity, with new listings and motivated sellers. If you are planning to buy property in 2026, one of the smartest moves you can make is to get pre-approved for a home loan before February.