What is private property?

Author
MyProperty
South Africa's #1 independent property portal

Private property refers to a type of ownership in which an individual or entity, such as a person, family, corporation, or legal organization, has exclusive rights to possess, use, transfer, and dispose of an asset or resources. In the context of real estate, private property typically includes land, buildings, and other immovable assets such as a house, apartment, or commercial space. The concept of private property is based on the idea that individuals can have legal ownership and control over their possessions, allowing them to make decisions about the use and management of these assets. This is in contrast to public property, which is owned and managed by government entities for the benefit of the general public. Private property rights are protected by the legal system, and these rights can be enforced through legal means if necessary. The specifics of private property laws and regulations vary from country to country and are often determined by factors such as local customs, cultural norms, and the prevailing economic system. In general, private property owners have the following rights: Possession: The right to occupy and use the property as they see fit, within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations. Exclusion: The right to prevent others from entering or using the property without permission. Transfer: The right to sell, lease, or give away the property to another party. Profit: The right to derive income or other benefits from the property, such as rent or appreciation in value. Understanding the concept of private property is essential when navigating the real estate market, whether you're looking to buy, sell, or lease property. It's crucial to be aware of local laws and regulations governing private property rights and to work with a knowledgeable real estate professional who can guide you through the process.

Property questions?
Get quick answers about buying, selling, renting, and more from our AI powered real estate bot
General Property News
Foreign Buyers Flock to Franschhoek as Luxury Demand Surges
Market & Opinion
Foreign Buyers Flock to Franschhoek as Luxury Demand Surges
27 Jun 2025
High-end properties in the scenic Franschhoek Valley are attracting a wave of international buyers, with homes, hotels, and wine estates fetching premium prices and selling within days, often without any formal marketing.
read more
The property market in May 2025: Supply crunch fuels house price recovery
Market & Opinion
The property market in May 2025: Supply crunch fuels house price recovery
24 Jun 2025
Despite tough economic headwinds, South Africa’s residential property market is slowly finding its feet again, with house prices starting to edge upwards.
read more
National Rent Growth Hits 5.6% as Landlords Regain Lost Ground
Market & Opinion
National Rent Growth Hits 5.6% as Landlords Regain Lost Ground
17 Jun 2025
South Africa’s residential rental market kicked off 2025 with its best performance in years, according to the latest PayProp Rental Index. Average national rental growth reached 5.6% in Q1, the strongest quarterly increase since Q3 2017, pushing the average rent to R9 132.  Growth peaked in February, which saw a year-on-year increase of 6%, the highest monthly growth recorded since August 2017.
read more
South Africa's house prices are rising - but what does that really mean?
Market & Opinion
South Africa's house prices are rising - but what does that really mean?
12 Jun 2025
After several years of uncertainty, the South African property market is gradually regaining its footing. In a trend that may be encouraging for sellers, investors, and first-time buyers, we’re starting to see house prices creep upward. 
read more
Real Estate Tools
Get pre-qualified
Make offers with confidence knowing what you can afford. Then shop for the best home loan
Bond Calculator
Calculate the estimated repayments on a home loan and savings with extra payments