Last updated: July 2026
What’s the best type of property to invest in?
The ideal type of property to invest in depends on factors such as your financial goals and budget. Understand whether your mission is to have strong rental income, long-term capital growth, or both. In this article, we will compare apartments, houses in security complexes and freestanding homes. In this way, you will ascertain which is the best type of property you can invest in and choose the best property type for your property portfolio.
When you’re looking into investing in property for the sake of long-term wealth accumulation, choosing the best property investment type is a key step. As a property investor in South Africa, you are spoilt for choice!
In partnering with IGrow, you have some property type choices to make. These include choosing from apartments in security complexes, houses in security complexes and freestanding homes. Each property type offers unique benefits that depend on community setup, lifestyle, location and your specific financial goals.
With the variety of property investment types available, how do you choose what works best for your portfolio?
In this blog post, we’ll look into the pros and cons of each property type for both, investors and tenants. You will then be able to decide which is the best type of property to invest in. Suburb choice will also be explored in our quest to find you the best property investment deal!
Why does property type matter?
The property investment type you choose to invest in, affects your ROI. Are you looking for good rental output and tenant appeal, or are you focusing on long-term appreciation? At IGrow Wealth Investments, our team have vast experience in finding top-performing buy-to-let properties.
Figuring out which property investment type is the best choice will affect your rental profit margin or capital growth. You should decide on an investment strategy, together with our property investment specialist, that is a hybrid strategy that caters to both rental returns and capital growth.
1. Apartments situated in security complexes
Apartments found within security complexes are an attractive option for beginner and seasoned investors. These properties are affordable, easy to look after, and offer excellent rental yield and ROI.
Tenants, particularly working professionals and students, enjoy the wonderful amenities on offer. These can include: gyms, yoga studios, swimming pools, braai areas and clubhouses, co-working spaces, on-site cafes and creches, communal green walkways, and even running or walking trails. The 24/7 security available in these complexes is highly sought-after by tenants.
Apartments do have limited space and slightly slower capital appreciation than a house. Yet, flats or apartments are still considered one of the best type of properties to invest in. Investors need to follow Body Corporate rules, which may hinder specific architectural customisation. This would only be the case if the apartment block is built to a specific set of guidelines.
That is why buying off-plan can be a winning idea. Certain off-plan developments allow you to customise your property according to your aesthetic and design requirements. View one of our recent blog posts on the benefits of buying off-plan and the current off-plan properties we have available at IGrow: 6 Steps to Purchasing Off-plan Properties.
2. Houses in Security Complexes
Houses in security developments have the privacy of a freestanding home combined with the bonus of 24/7 security and a community living space. These are usually full-title or sectional-title properties. They appeal to families looking for a secure lifestyle. These residents usually want access to green areas or garden spaces, children’s recreational areas, and for young families, it’s ideal to have an on-site creche or schools and shopping centres within the vicinity of the complex.
From an investor’s perspective, houses offer more room than apartments and also secure a longer-term tenant. This property investment type encompasses a great balance between appreciation and rental income. This type of property investment suits a mid-tier investor, looking for growth of their property portfolio or even increased passive income potential from renting out the house in a secure complex.
IGrow Wealth Investments offers well-researched, prime investment opportunities in the form of houses in security complexes. Our team seeks out high-value and high-return houses, ideal for investors seeking property portfolio expansion in a secure setup.
3. Freestanding Houses
Freestanding houses offer residents the most independence. For investors, you can renovate or expand the property, should you wish to. Homes such as these usually have bigger plots, large volumes of living and garden space. They attract long-term tenants like families who value privacy and less restrictive complex rules.
Freestanding homes often have stronger capital appreciation than sectional-title units. They are a powerful tool to build long-term wealth accumulation.
On the downside, freestanding homes have no shared or communal services. Communal maintenance, upkeep, and 24/7 security found within a security complex are unfortunately not part of a freestanding property’s perks, and this can be costly and time consuming to keep up, making your investment less hands-free.
As an investor, you can choose to invest in a security alarm and property perimeter beam system. This will be tied to a local neighbourhood watch security company. Choose a security company that does regular driven patrols of the area. There may even be monitored CCTV cameras in the suburb too. Look out for areas with strong neighbourhood watch reputations and great security. These are drawcards for tenants.
Because of the higher cost point of freestanding homes, these are usually handled by IGrow Real Estate International, who are also integrated with IGrow Rentals for tenant and property management, as well as IGrow Home Loans, IGrow Trusts and IGrow Accounting and Tax Services.
View IGrow Real Estate International for freestanding homes for sale.
Most apartments found in South Africa are sectional title properties, which means you own your individual unit while sharing ownership of common areas such as gardens, parking, swimming pools and clubhouses. These are managed by a Body Corporate.
Prime suburbs to invest in
Regardless of the type of property investment you choose, location is critical. Some suburbs deliver higher rental outputs, while other suburbs deliver guaranteed strong appreciation. Ideally, you would like to have both benefits.
Based on market research and investor performance, the following areas are some of the best areas, in which to buy at the moment.
Johannesburg
These are prime areas for executive apartments with high rental yields and consistent appreciation.
The Ried, Linbro Park, Sandton
Situated in Linbro Park, The Reid offers investors a rare combination of award-winning design, truly exceptional lifestyle amenities, and a prime Sandton address, all at an accessible entry price. Units are priced from R959,900.
Whether you’re growing your portfolio or securing your first investment property, this development is built to perform. All units offer incredible Section 13(Sex) taxable income deductions potential AND special bond financing incentives thanks to the development’s EDGE and Green Building Council eco-friendly certification; this is an amazing opportunity!
View our handy blog post on EDGE certification for green buildings.
Southgate Ridge, Meredale, Johannesburg South
This family-friendly complex is found on an attractive mountain ridge in Meredale, Johannesburg. The apartments are priced from R769,900. 24-hour security, electric fencing, and strict access-controlled entrance and exit offer residents and owners complete peace of mind.
Solar geysers keep utility costs down for residents, and apartments are stylishly fitted for easy care, with built-in cupboards and tiles throughout. Convenient educational and employment opportunities, and the close proximity to shopping and major highways make this a highly sought-after rental area with excellent occupancy rates.
Madison Square, Newlands, Johannesburg
Central Park City is the forward-thinking new urban precinct that Johannesburg has been longing for. Units are priced from R969,900. Reimagine urban living in South Africa’s economic powerhouse city, together with a safe, aspirational lifestyle.
This is your opportunity to invest in future-focused living. With full energy security, on-site shopping, a wide range of sports and recreation, and a crèche. This is sustainable, safe community living where you can roam freely, even at night.
Pretoria
These suburbs are blooming with new developments popping up. This area is perfect for tenants seeking conveniently accessible apartments found within security complexes.
Woodlands Lane, Pretoria East
Woodlands Lane in Pretoria East offers apartments priced from just R1,149 000. The complex has a community feel with open spaces, a clubhouse, communal swimming pool and braai areas for residents to enjoy together. This complex offers a sought-after retreat from busy city life. This is an off-plan development option (you can buy directly from the developer) with occupation from March 2027. These units are found in a high capital growth node.
33@View, Rietvalleirand, Pretoria
At 33@View, each home is carefully crafted to offer modern aesthetics, contemporary style, and functional living. It is designed to complement your lifestyle. The 3-bedroom homes are priced from R2,4,99,000. Each full-title, free-standing home provides the privacy and independence of owning your entire property, together with the peace of mind of a secure, beautifully maintained estate. There is the benefit of low levies and being family-and-pet-friendly. Completion date: early 2027
The Blyde, Hazeldean, Tshwane
The only thing clearer than the sustainable lifestyle lagoon in this unique development is the investment potential. Your tenants feel like they are permanently on holiday, while your money works 24/7. This exclusive development, brought to Pretoria by an excellent developer with a reputation for quality builds, offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments priced from R829,900. There are private gardens for the ground floor apartments and private balconies for first, second and third floor apartments.
Mowbray (Southern Suburbs, Cape Town)
The Kingsley in the Southern Suburbs is conveniently located in Mowbray, only 750m from UCT main campus. The designer studio apartments on offer are priced from R1 199 000. This complex presents an excellent investment opportunity, as this area is highly sought-after by UCT university students and professionals working nearby, with Amazon headquarters only 2km away. There is also easy access to major highways. Good local restaurants can be found nearby and the popular Cavendish Square Mall is a 5km drive away. Contact IGrow Real Estate International to learn more about this and other excellent Cape Town properties.
Tableview (Northern Suburbs, Cape Town)
Tableview is a hotspot for affordable security estate apartments situated near transport hubs. This offers an ideal lifestyle for tenants.
The View, Tableview
The View is a prime new apartment block consisting of 15 sleek, modern apartments, situated in the heart of popular Sunridge, Table View. Units are priced from R1,699,900. It’s a short drive from the iconic Blouberg Beachfront. Elegant open-plan interiors lead onto generous balconies with superb views. Secure, access-controlled parking, garage, and storage options are available.
Somerset West (Cape Town)
Popular houses in security estates in this area offer excellent capital growth and long-term demand.
Mzuri, Somerset West
Priced from R2,610,300, the 3 and 4-bedroom houses on offer allow you to experience the ideal blend of modern design, security, convenience and natural beauty. There is a beautiful dam on site where you can kayak or fish and walking and running trails on the estate. It’s ideally situated in wine country.
| Property Type Comparison |
| Property Type | Pros | Cons |
| Apartments in Complexes | Affordable, safe, excellent tenant demand, minimal maintenance | Limited space, body corporate rules, and slightly slower appreciation |
| Houses in Complexes | Private, family-friendly, safe, extra space, good rental & resale value | Higher entry price than apartments. Higher maintenance costs |
| Freestanding Houses | Offers the most space and privacy, a good option for capital growth, full ownership control | Higher maintenance, security is the owner’s responsibility, higher cost, lack of communal spaces & community lifestyle |
This table illustrates the pros and cons of apartments and houses in security complexes and freestanding houses. We will explore in more detail.
Which Is the Best Type of Property to Invest In?
Finding the best type of property for your investments should match your financial goals. If you are a novice investor, apartments are the smart choice.
If you are looking for strong rental demand and low-risk properties, houses in security complexes are both secure and scalable.
For the highest long-term capital growth, freestanding homes are a good bet.
Why does property type matter? Gross rental yield is an important factor to consider.
At IGrow, we offer all of the property types we have discussed. With the IGrow team at your side, we will help you choose the best investment property type based on our strategic guidance, your budget and needs as an investor.
Why should you partner with IGrow Wealth Investments?
We are not just about selling rental properties. We offer you end-to-end investment options based on property market research, mentorship, and our excellent property management services.
Whether you are looking to invest in a modern, or a safe and convenient apartment in Rosebank, Johannesburg, or even a family home in Somerset West with an incredible farm life set-up, IGrow Wealth Investments will guide you on your property journey.
IGrow offers the perks of:
- Below-market prices
- Certain already tenanted units offering immediate rental income
- Excellent strategic, legal and financial support
- Security complexes (with a choice of apartments and houses) and freestanding house options
- Nationwide opportunities in South Africa in high-demand suburbs
Conclusion
Finding the answer to the best investment property type is no easy feat! It requires guidance, goal setting and strategic planning, which we offer you at IGrow. We help you match your strategy to the most appropriate investment property type, according to your needs. We offer premium properties in top-performing suburbs.
Book a consultation with an IGrow property investment specialist today. Allow us to help you build for your future, one wise property move at a time!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Both can be excellent investments, depending on what your goals are. Apartments usually offer lower entry costs, strong rental demand and easier maintenance, while houses often provide greater space and stronger long-term capital growth.
Sectional title means you own your individual unit while sharing ownership of common areas. These areas are maintained by a Body Corporate. Freehold ownership gives you ownership of both the property and the land, with full responsibility for its maintenance and security.
Apartments in well-located security complexes often generate the strongest rental yields because they appeal to students, young professionals and first-time renters. However, houses in sought-after suburbs can also deliver excellent rental returns, particularly for families seeking long-term accommodation.
Consider your budget, investment goals, expected rental income, capital growth potential, maintenance costs, tenant demand and the property’s situation. Choosing the right property type should align with your long-term financial strategy.
