Big shift in where South Africans are looking to buy property

There has been a significant shift in where South Africans are looking to buy property, with a notable increase in demand for estate living, particularly among wealthy buyers and retirees. 

Several property experts told BusinessTech that estates have become the preferred choice for those seeking security, community, and lifestyle amenities.

Just Property’s chief executive officer, Paul Stevens, said security estates and sectional-title properties are becoming more popular due to safety concerns and affordability.

“Developers are focusing heavily on gated communities, which appeal to a wide demographic,” said Stevens.

He predicts that this trend will continue to grow, reshaping the urban living landscape. “While freehold properties still constitute a significant portion of the property market in South Africa, the shift towards sectional-title units and estates is gaining momentum.”

He added that the luxury market remains robust, particularly in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape. Stevens said cash buyers in this bracket are less sensitive to interest-rate fluctuations.

“This segment is resilient and continues to perform well, driven by local and international demand,” he explained.

Giovanni Gaggia, CEO of Real Estate Services, highlights that about 60% of retirees and affluent buyers are purchasing properties within their local areas. 

These buyers are downscaling from family homes to more manageable “lock up and go” properties or retirement estates. 

Gaggia explained that life rights estates such as Evergreen, The Somerset, and Helderberg Village are particularly popular among retirees. 

These estates often include hundreds of units with amenities like golfing, pickleball, bowls, and frail care facilities. 

The Strand area also has a growing number of apartment blocks and senior living homes. However, estates catering to those over 50 are proving to be the main attraction due to their active lifestyle. 

According to Lightstone data, 274,500 property transactions occurred in 2024, with 16% of these taking place within estates. 

The average price paid for estate properties was R2.4 million, indicating the growing appeal and value of these developments. 

Estates in demand

Gaggia added that in premium areas such as the Cape Winelands and KZN North Coast, buyers are paying between R5 million and R20 million or more for high-end estate properties.

Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, said that many wealthy buyers and retirees are drawn to lifestyle estates because they provide independent living among like-minded people and the added convenience of on-site facilities.

Seeff highlighted that certain areas are definitely favoured and experiencing rapid growth in estate popularity. 

Along the coast, places like Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster, Hermanus, and Gansbaai are attracting retirees and wealthy buyers looking for a relaxed, community-focused lifestyle. 

The Garden Route, particularly George, Mossel Bay, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay, is favoured for its mild climate, excellent infrastructure, and scenic beauty. 

In the Winelands region, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Somerset West are highly sought-after for their luxurious estates and proximity to Cape Town.

In Gauteng, the demand for estate living is booming in Pretoria East and Centurion.

Gerhard van der Linde, Managing Director of Seeff Pretoria East, notes that prices in Pretoria East estates range from R5 million to R18 million, with the R3 million to R5 million price band being the most popular. 

“Despite the subdued economic climate, buyers continue to prioritise estate living for its security, community atmosphere, and access to amenities like sports facilities, open spaces, and good schools,” said Van der Linde.

The most prestigious estates in Pretoria East include Woodhill Golf Estate, with prices reaching R10.5 million, and Silver Lakes Golf Estate, where several properties sold for over R10 million, peaking at R18 million. 

Other high-demand estates are Mooikloof Residential Estate, The Hills Game Reserve, Silverwoods Country Estate, The Wilds Estate, Lombardy Estate, and Mooikloof Heights Estate. 

According to Tiaan Pretorius, manager for Seeff Centurion, popular security, lifestyle, and golf estates in Centurion are drawing buyers in the R3 million to R4.5 million range.

The surge in estate living can be attributed to the growing desire for secure, well-managed communities that offer various lifestyle amenities, service delivery, and a strong sense of community. 

The property experts agree that as South Africans seek peace of mind, convenience, and a better quality of life, the estate boom will likely continue in the country.