Juanita Blaauw

South Africa’s property market is showing early signs of recovery, with the latest FNB House Price Index (HPI) revealing an increase to 1.2% year-over-year (y/y) in January 2025—the highest growth rate since June 2023. While still subdued, this trend signals improving buyer confidence, fueled by easing financial pressures and shifting lending conditions.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in real estate has revolutionised property transactions, offering tools for better property analysis and customer engagement. However, criminals are exploiting these advancements to perpetrate sophisticated scams that can be used to target property buyers and sellers in South Africa.

In today's ever-evolving real estate market, understanding the intricate balance between a property's value and its marketability is crucial for both sellers and buyers. We delve into the key differences between these concepts and explore how they impact property transactions. Plus, we'll take a closer look at how a property valuation is done in South Africa.