IOTY 2026: The finalists are in, who will take the title?

By Neale Petersen

September 14, 2026

Partner Content

Almost 200 entries have been narrowed down to South Africa’s standout property investors competing for the prestigious 2026 titles.
Finalists compete across major and specialist categories, celebrating investment performance, innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging property talent.
The winners will be crowned this Saturday, 19 September, at the Investor of the Year Black Tie Gala in Sandton.

The countdown is on. Following almost 200 entries from property investors across South Africa, the finalists for Investor of the Year 2026 have been announced, setting the stage for the culmination of the competition at the Black Tie Gala Awards Evening this Saturday, 19 September 2026.

Now in its fifth season, Investor of the Year is brought to you by the SA Property Investors Network (SAPIN), in partnership with Absa Home Loans. The awards recognise the people behind the deals — from investors completing their first transactions to experienced entrepreneurs building substantial property portfolios.

From almost 200 entries to the final stage

‍The 2026 finalists span a diverse range of strategies and experience levels, competing across the principal Beginner, Intermediate and Big League categories, as well as specialist awards recognising rising talent, women and youth in property, township investment, innovative dealmaking, renovations and short-term accommodation.

But the competition is about more than who owns the biggest portfolio. It is about the strategy, resilience, execution and entrepreneurial thinking behind each investment journey — and recognising investors who have turned property opportunities into tangible results.

REI joins the judging panel

‍Real Estate Investor Magazine is proud to once again be closely involved in IOTY 2026 as Media Partner, sharing the stories and achievements shaping South Africa’s property investment community.

I will also be joining the IOTY 2026 judging panel, alongside Nondumiso Ncapai, Managing Executive at Absa Home Loans, and Mabuye Mokoena of Mokoena Africa Group, helping assess this year’s finalists ahead of the announcement of the Season 5 winners.

Who will be crowned Investor of the Year 2026?

‍The winners will finally be revealed at The Maslow, Sandton, this Saturday evening, when investors, property leaders, partners and members of the wider investment community come together to celebrate the people behind some of South Africa’s most compelling property journeys.

And there is plenty at stake: the 2026 main prize is R100,000, the biggest prize in IOTY history.

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY

Investor of the Year 2026 Black Tie Gala

Saturday, 19 September 2026
The Maslow hotel, Sandton, JHB
18:00 till late
Dress: Black Tie

Come and meet the finalists, connect with South Africa’s property investment community and be there when the Investor of the Year 2026 is crowned.