Property mid-year outlook: Where smart money Is moving now

REI Tuesday Mailer

LEAD STORY

NASHO Warns: Illegal occupation is destroying social housing
Illegal occupation is threatening South Africa's affordable housing sector. Here's why NASHO says urgent legal reform can no longer wait.

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UPCOMING WEBINAR

Wednesday 8 July @12:00 | Investor of the Year: What separates the top 1%
Discover the habits, strategies and mindset that separate South Africa's most successful property investors from everyone else.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

What we are watching this week

Today marks the halfway point of 2026, and despite slower economic growth and ongoing global uncertainty, South Africa's property market continues to show remarkable resilience. Lower interest rates, improving investor confidence and new investment opportunities are creating reasons for cautious optimism as we enter the second half of the year.

This week's highlights

Social housing under pressure: Why NASHO says unlawful occupation threatens affordable housing.
Finance: Banks are demanding higher deposits—but homeownership remains within reach.
Investment: Billions flowing into Coega and Ngqura are fuelling Gqeberha's property boom.
Commercial property: Green-certified offices continue outperforming traditional buildings.
Wealth: The three essential steps every South African should know when inheriting money from overseas.

The months ahead will reward investors who stay informed, remain disciplined and are ready to act when opportunity presents itself.

INVESTOR INTELLIGENCE
News | Investing | Research | Reports | Advice

Banks tighten home loans as deposits climb higher

Inherited money abroad? 3 Steps to protect your wealth

Billions fuel Gqeberha's Property market boom

Green offices beat traditional buildings by 28% over 10 years

Why Smart Offices are winning the talent war

READ ALL THE LATEST PROPERTY NEWS

INVESTOR TV

RYNO DE KOCK: Body Corporate Insurance Explained
Discover the costly body corporate insurance mistakes trustees and owners make, how to avoid financial risk, and ensure your property is fully protected.

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WEBINAR REPLAY

‘Inside the Deal: How Smart Property Investments Are Structured’
Learn how successful investors source, structure and assess property deals, avoid costly mistakes, manage risk and build lasting wealth through smarter investment decisions.

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MARKET SNAPSHOT

Prime Lending Rate: 10,5%
Repo Rate: 7%
Inflation (CPI): 4%
Average First-Time Buyer Price: R1.4 million
Average National Purchase Price: R1.7 million
Western Cape House Price Growth: 9.3 - 11.0%
Rand / US Dollar: R16.43
2026 GDP Forecast: 1.0 - 1.5%
Official Unemployment: 32.7%
Absa Homeowner Sentiment: 88%

Looking Ahead: Opportunity favours the prepared

As we enter the second half of 2026, uncertainty remains part of the market, but so do opportunity and growth. The investors who succeed will be those who stay informed, think long term and are ready to act when the right opportunities emerge.

“Ninety per cent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate." Andrew Carnegie

Keep learning. Review your portfolio. Stay connected to the market. The best investment decisions are made before everyone else recognises the opportunity.

Have a productive week ahead.

Neale Petersen
REI: Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Independent Property Intelligence since 2007