How much does property in South Africa cost?from today's listings⌄
Property in South Africa on INTRIC runs from ZAR 1.25M to ZAR 78.00M, in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Prices are the sellers' own, in the listing's currency, and change as listings are added.
Can foreigners buy property in South Africa?⌄
Yes. Non-residents buy freehold houses, apartments and land in their own name, with the same title rights as South Africans. No residency, visa or Reserve Bank approval is needed. The one rule to follow is bringing the money in through a South African bank and keeping its deal receipt, which is what lets you take capital and profit out again on sale.
What tax does an overseas buyer pay in South Africa?⌄
Transfer duty when you buy resale property, from nothing below R1.21 million up to 13% at the top end; new builds from a VAT-registered developer carry 15% VAT instead. After that, income tax on net rent, annual municipal rates, and capital gains tax of about 18% for individuals when you sell. The buying guide lists the bands.
Freehold or sectional title in South Africa: which should I buy?⌄
Houses and Winelands estates are usually freehold: you own the land and the building outright. Apartments and units in security estates are sectional title, with a share of the common property and a monthly levy to the body corporate. Most overseas buyers choose sectional title for the security and the lock-up-and-go convenience.
Can a non-resident get a South African mortgage?⌄
Yes, from the major banks, but exchange control caps a non-resident at roughly 50% loan-to-value: you borrow about R1 for every R1 you bring in from abroad. Many overseas buyers pay fully from offshore, which keeps the repatriation trail simple. Rates are priced off the prime rate, with a small premium for non-residents.
Is South African property a good investment in 2026?⌄
The weak rand makes prime homes cheap in dollars, euros and pounds, and Cape Town has grown about 8% a year against roughly 5% nationally. Prime Cape Town lets at 4% to 6% gross. The same rand that makes the price low can cut the return when you sell. Capital at risk.
Does buying property in South Africa give residency?⌄
No. Owning property grants no immigration right. Residency comes through separate routes: the Financially Independent Permit for a net worth of R12 million or more, the Retired Person's Visa on R37,000 a month of income, or the Remote Work Visa for foreign-earned income.