Lucretia Jacobs

When it comes to selling a home, every property owner dreams of securing the best possible price. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes sellers make is setting the price too high. While it might seem like a good idea to “test the market,” overpricing can backfire, leaving a home stuck on the market for months, attracting little interest, and eventually forcing the seller to accept less than fair value.

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.

The latest FNB Estate Agent Survey for the second quarter of 2025 reveals a slight cooling in South Africa’s residential property market. While activity and sentiment have dipped compared to the previous quarter, the affordable housing segment continues to shine, driven by interest rate cuts and increased demand from first-time buyers.