Lydia Nefdt

This Women’s Month, we’re celebrating the remarkable women shaping South Africa’s property market, and Michelle Severin is a shining example. With nearly a decade as a qualified agent and a deep passion for connecting people with their dream homes, Michelle has built an award-winning career at Century 21 Wildlife.

Africa’s millionaire population is set to soar by 65% over the next decade, according to the newly released Africa Wealth Report 2025 by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth. This rapid growth is reshaping the continent’s economic map — and South Africa, with its thriving high-end real estate sector, stands to benefit significantly.

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.