If you are interested in growing your property portfolio, you are sure to have pondered whether there is a best time to buy investment property. The property market is in constant flux due to interest rates, inflation and demand, as well as other factors we will dip into, below.
Seasoned investors at IGrow tend to believe that success is more dependent on your strategy rather than the “right season” to buy an investment property. If you are shopping on your own, then timing could matter, and we share some common wisdom. However, as IGrow purchases property in bulk at below-market-value deals, we are able to pass on huge discounts and better deals to our clients year-round without these factors coming into play. This means you can buy when YOU are ready, rather than waiting for the right time of year to roll around.
When is the best season to buy a buy-to-let property on your own?
Property market purchase activity trends at its highest in spring and the beginning of summer. This is a time when there are more listings, gardens look inviting, and buyers are more enthusiastic. However, the quieter winter months are perceived to be the best time to buy property in South Africa. This is because sellers are more lenient in purchase price negotiations and buyers face less competition in the colder months.
“Real estate markets often follow predictable seasonal patterns and Spring is typically the busiest season for home sales. Homes often look their best with blooming gardens, and families prefer to move in time for children to start new schools… Winter is generally the slowest season however, serious buyers are still active, and less competition can be advantageous for both buyers and sellers.”– Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg and Randburg (Source)
Timing the Market versus Time in the Market
Many first-time investors try to “time the market,” waiting for prices to decrease or interest rates to drop again. But experts say that time IN the market is what truly creates wealth. By purchasing well-located properties and holding them long term, investors benefit from steady rental income and capital appreciation.
Property market insights: Johannesburg investment options
If you are wondering where the best places to buy property for first-time buyers in Johannesburg are, we recommend capitalising on key tenant drawcards. These include choosing property in high-growth areas (such as areas seeing infrastructure upgrades). Or choosing high-growth nodes with properties suited to students near tertiary institutions, good schools and transport hubs. Prime suburbs include Randburg and Sandton in Johannesburg.
Property market insights: Cape Town investment options
If you are considering when the best time to buy property in Cape Town is, we suggest that investors are looking to buy in the hotter months, while winter is quieter. Whether you’re seeking a property in the Northern suburbs or Southern suburbs of Cape Town, IGrow has a book of properties available all throughout the year and IGrow Rentals place thousands of tenants monthly, regardless of the season.
IGrow opinions on prime investment property purchase windows
IGrow believes that the “best season” to buy property depends more on buyer readiness to enter the market rather than “timing the market.”
“We encourage investors to focus on financial preparation and readiness, not predicting property market cycles. The best time to buy property is when you have secured bond pre-approval and have worked with a strategist to source sound investment properties that fit your long-term strategy.” – IGrow Home Loans
2025 has presented a strong buyers’ market. Major South African banks are offering competitive lending rates and increased home loan approval rates.
If you partner with IGrow’s bond originators, IGrow investors have automatic access to multiple banks and securing the best deals available to them. This is because our team submits your home loan application simultaneously to a variety of banks. This ensures that they secure the best possible deal in terms of home loan term and home loan interest rates for your investment strategy.
Key Takeaways
- There is no real best time to buy property in South Africa, but winter often offers better negotiations on the table if you are buying directly.
- We recommend you focus on long-term property portfolio growth rather than short-term property market timing.
- The best time to buy property in Cape Town would be pre-January or pre-August, when rental tenant demand soars.
- The best places to buy property for first-time buyers in Johannesburg are based on looking for areas with high growth (in relation to infrastructure), near universities (for student accommodation), good schools, working hubs and areas with easy transport access.
- IGrow Home Loans recommends that you get home loan pre-approval ahead of time so you can jump onto it when the best property for your budget and financial goals appears on the market.
Conclusion
While timing does play a role, financial readiness, property market research, and expert support and guidance, such as that offered by the IGrow team, are critical. For property investors, the true best time to buy property is when you have secured your financing, once you have come to understand the property market, and when you find a well-priced, high-growth yield property.
The team at IGrow are here to help you choose the right property investment fit for your needs. IGrow’s bond originators aim to help you access the most competitive home loan offers.
Whether you’re buying your first property or growing your existing property portfolio, ensure you contact an IGrow property investment strategist today. With our team on hand, your property investment choices will reap the rewards you are after!
