SONA signals renewed confidence for SA property market

• Infrastructure, energy and water investment expected to unlock property development and investor confidence across major metros.
• Political and economic stability supports interest rate relief and renewed buyer and developer activity.
• Municipal reform and faster approvals critical to unlocking investment and housing supply.

SONA sets the tone for property recovery

‍President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) highlighted economic stabilisation, infrastructure investment and governance reform as priorities for the year ahead. For the property sector, these signals matter.

Investor confidence, municipal performance, infrastructure reliability and interest rate direction directly influence buying, development and property values.

Industry leaders broadly welcomed the direction of reforms but stressed that rapid implementation will ultimately determine how strongly the real estate market benefits.

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Fritz Swanepoel - CEO, Leapfrog Property Group
“SONA reinforces the green shoots already visible in the property market. Four quarters of GDP growth and fiscal stability signal returning confidence, particularly in mid-to-upper market segments where sentiment drives activity. Continued stability of the Government of National Unity is critical, as political certainty supports further interest rate relief and market momentum. Infrastructure reform remains important, but sustained economic and political stability ultimately underpins a thriving real estate sector.”

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‍Adriaan Grové - CEO, MyProperty and Entegral
“The commitment to address water and logistics challenges is welcome, but modernising property requires equal urgency in digital infrastructure. Faster digitisation of the Deeds Office and reduced municipal red tape are essential to unlock development and accelerate transactions. Integrating infrastructure reform with AI-driven and data-centric property systems can create a competitive, transparent and efficient property market, attracting both developers and investors.”

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Chante Venter - CEO, Wise Move
“The R156 billion commitment to water infrastructure is critical, especially for metros under pressure. Semigration trends increasingly follow reliable service delivery, so reforms at municipal level will directly influence future property values. Acknowledging failures is a starting point, but implementation will determine growth.

Reliable water and electricity supply remain decisive factors for households relocating to well-managed municipalities.”

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Samuel Seeff - Chairman, Seeff Property Group
“SONA delivered encouraging signals, including lower inflation, improved investor confidence and infrastructure commitments. Stabilised electricity supply and R1 trillion in infrastructure investment are critical for economic and property market recovery.

‍Digitising property processes and removing red tape will unlock development growth, while housing reforms and clearing title deed backlogs expand ownership opportunities.

‍However, swift implementation is essential, along with tax relief measures, including raising transfer duty thresholds to assist first-time buyers entering the market.”

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Stephan Potgieter - CEO, BetterBond
“Economic stabilisation, infrastructure upgrades and housing reforms provide positive momentum for the housing market. Lower inflation and interest rates improve affordability and access to ownership, while plans to unlock public land and promote private-sector housing partnerships support urban regeneration.

Water and municipal reforms are critical for sustaining developments. However, incentives for first-time buyers remain absent. Ultimately, successful implementation of these commitments will determine whether housing growth and investment continue strengthening.”

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Stephen Whitcombe - Managing Director, FIRZT Realty
“The strong stance against crime and municipal dysfunction is welcome, as safety and governance directly influence property investment decisions. Infrastructure investment, water security reforms and municipal accountability are critical for restoring investor confidence.

Reliable energy supply and logistics efficiency directly impact development viability and property values. The planned State Property Company and housing subsidy reforms could unlock development opportunities. However, disciplined execution, clear timelines and measurable outcomes will ultimately determine success.”

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Implementation now key for property momentum

‍Across the industry, the message is consistent: SONA 2026 signals renewed optimism for the property sector, supported by economic stabilisation, infrastructure commitments and governance reform.

Yet confidence will ultimately depend on execution.
If government delivers on infrastructure, municipal reform and administrative efficiency, South Africa’s property market could see sustained recovery, stronger investment activity and improved housing access over the next two years.

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