Prakash Desai

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.

The latest FNB Estate Agents Survey for Q3 2025 paints a cautiously optimistic picture of South Africa’s residential property market. After months of uncertainty, market activity, agent confidence, and buyer sentiment have all improved, particularly in the affordable housing segment, which continues to drive growth nationwide.

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.