Here is some exciting news for property investors: South African property investment has been ranked as the most affordable in the world for purchasing property! The international real estate agency, Best Brokers, conducted research across 60 countries, basing their findings on affordability versus income ratios. (Source)
This confirms that South Africa is the best country to purchase properties in. In both the local and international property investment markets, this ranking underscores IGrow Wealth Investments’ belief that South Africa has unrivalled property investment opportunities!
Looking into this ranking’s research
“Their findings show that South Africa ranks as the most affordable country to buy a home, with property prices exceeding average real wages by only 6.22%.” (Source)
“This makes it the best market globally in terms of cost-to-income ratio in comparison to other countries… South Africa maintains a much more balanced relationship between income and property prices.” (Source)
“Other countries that performed well include the United States, Bahrain, and Denmark, where higher per capita incomes help offset property costs. For instance, although the United States has high property prices per square metre, high average real wages support broader homeownership.” (Source)
This global analysis by Best Brokers Real Estate agency shows that South Africa presents a wonderful opportunity for people wondering where to invest in property. The success that IGrow Wealth Investments has seen since the company’s inception almost 2 decades ago attests to this ranking. Since the beginning of 2024, we have seen a steady rise in first-time property purchases at IGrow, as well as increased numbers of retirees investing in property and experienced IGrow investors expanding their property portfolios.
Why does IGrow agree with the global ranking?
IGrow Wealth Investments, led by Jacques Fouché, is a leading voice in the South African property investment network. We believe that South Africa is an affordable country to invest in, and you can reap excellent rewards using effective investment strategies. IGrow has assisted thousands of South Africans in building successful buy-to-let portfolios. These offer secure passive income, capital appreciation and the best part, financial freedom!
IGrow’s recent sales figures indicate an increase in investor confidence in our local South African property market. In 2025, IGrow has already managed hundreds of lucrative property investment deals in Cape Town and Gauteng. We are helping everyday South Africans leave a legacy to their loved ones and seed generational wealth. View a recent blog post explaining the benefits of generational wealth and more about what this means: Creating Generational Wealth: Property Investments for Children and Grandchildren.
“Property remains one of the most powerful vehicles to build long-term financial freedom, and South Africa is the ideal playground for it. With affordability such as this, combined with rental demand in growing metros, it’s not surprising that South African property investment is gaining the accolade of global recognition.”– Jacques Fouché, IGrow CEO and Founder.
Where does the IGrow team recommend you buy in South Africa?
Johannesburg investment opportunities
The Aura in Johannesburg offers IGrow investors affordable, excellent quality rental property investment opportunities. The Aura is conveniently located with amenities such as schools, parks, shopping centres and medical facilities all nearby. The units offer residents style, comfort and accessibility, with swimming pools, indigenous gardens, a clubhouse and gym, from only R799,000.
“At the city level, Johannesburg emerges as the wealthiest [city in Africa], with 12,300 millionaires, 25 centi-millionaires, and 2 billionaires.” (Source) Working professionals with families will seek out property at The Aura given its location, amenities and access to working hubs.
Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs: Mowbray
Did you know? “Cape Town follows closely [from Johannesburg] with 7,400 millionaires, 28 centi-millionaires, and 1 billionaire,” making the area a hotspot for the working professional! (Source)
The Kinglsey in Mowbray, Cape Town, is a short 750m away from the top university in Africa: UCT. Students at UCT or tertiary colleges such as Varsity College (Rondebosch) are potential tenants seeking convenience and comfort at a property like this. The location of this security complex makes it a high-demand investment opportunity! The Kingsley is also near Amazon’s new offices- only 2km away, an ideal spot to rent for working professional tenants. The luxury complex is surrounded by excellent restaurants for its residents to enjoy. Cavendish Square Shopping Mall is conveniently, only 5 km away and Table Mountain’s trails are a mere 3km. Contact IGrow Real Estate International to learn more about this and other excellent Cape Town properties.
Cape Town CBD
Cape Town has been voted “2025 BEST CITY IN THE WORLD” by Time Out.
“Praised for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, diverse culture, and thriving food and nightlife scenes, Cape Town climbed to the top spot after ranking second last year. Respondents highlighted the Mother City’s stunning landscapes, vibrant green spaces, and opportunities for adventure, making it a standout destination. This accolade reaffirms Cape Town’s reputation as a must-visit city, offering a unique mix of urban charm and natural wonders.” (Source)
The iconic Uxolo hotel-apartments in Cape Town CBD, also represent excellent investments. They are sold via IGrow Real Estate International. These apartments are in a prime spot for short-term rentals or offer excellent student accommodation. The area has a strong rental demand in a trendy neighbourhood, and the apartments come fully furnished.
The Uxolo apartments are 600m from UCT Hiddingh Campus, 2km from the CTICC, and under 5 km from the V&A Waterfront.
Retirees are also opting for property investment rather than traditional retirement plans
Increasingly, retirees are choosing to invest in property to supplement, and even replace traditional retirement savings in funds. In the South African landscape, where pensions and annuities are affected negatively by inflation, rental property offers a reliable alternative in the form of monthly passive income through rental income, and access to equity funds.
The IGrow team has guided many clients nearing retirement to purchase prime investment units. These properties offer retirees a secure monthly income that covers living expenses, as well as property appreciation and overall capital growth.
Having this sound income every month is a reassuring option for retirees, as many people find they live for 30+ years, post-retirement. The traditional retirement plan route presents challenges, like difficulty accessing your funds and a lack of control over your retirement fund investment plans, as well as simply running out of funds before the end of your life. Investment decisions fall to retirement fund operators rather than being handled by the retirees themselves.
The 2025 Budget Speech and how it has affected South Africa’s affordability as a property investment location
The February 2025 Budget Speech, by the local national government in South Africa, has reinforced the positive outlook for property investment within South Africa. As stated in the Budget Speech, the government has made significant monetary injections into infrastructure, housing, and transportation. Numerous high-growth nodes will experience property value appreciation.
The National Treasury aims to channel large sums of money into road, railway and port infrastructure. This will be seen significantly in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The infrastructure boost has a ripple effect positively impacting the property market, attracting more tenants and potential buyers. Read our post on 2025 Budget Speech that explores government infrastructure improvements and how this postiviely impacts property.
Investors deciding where to invest in property should look for property investment opportunities where government infrastructure will trigger long-term growth. IGrow property investment specialists will advise on the best strategies, offering you exclusive access to properties located near high-growth nodes.
Why investors are choosing property as an investment route in 2025
“The latest PayProp Rental Index for the fourth quarter of 2024 shows that the average rent reached a record high of R9,051—a 5.2% year-on-year increase. This is a R453 rise compared to the previous year and R195 higher than the third quarter of 2024.” (Source)
“Nationally, the rental market is tightening. South Africa’s vacancy rate dropped from 6.72% in 2024 to 5.07% in 2025, giving landlords more pricing power. The Western Cape had the lowest vacancy rate at just 1.07% in the third quarter of 2024, highlighting strong ongoing demand. If rental stock fails to keep pace, further price hikes are likely.” (Source)
With rental rates going up in South Africa, this is good news for investors! Tenant vacancy rates have also declined, showing strong rental demand in the Western Cape, and nationally. With the lower interest rates also showing positive effects, making it a “buyer’s market.” Now is the time to invest with so many positive touchpoints to observe in the South African property market landscape.
These property market trends are part of what we advise IGrow clients on regarding the South African property investment market. We encourage investors to expand their portfolios to include a number of properties, with expert guidance on tax efficient structures like companies and trusts. More than ever, South Africans (and international investors) are using property as their prime investment strat-egy.
Conclusion
The recent global ranking by Best Brokers Real Estate Agency, naming South Africa the most affordable location in the world for property, is a major drawcard for investors. South Africa offers unrivalled affordability, excellent rental demand, and infrastructure improvement through government-backed plans. South Africa is the best country to purchase properties in for all investors!
Whether you’re looking for retirement rental property, expanding your existing property portfolio, or beginning to invest, IGrow will help you make the best investment moves! If you’ve been considering where to invest in property, the answer is right here in South Africa, right now!
Speak to an IGrow Real Estate agent or IGrow Wealth Consultant today and prepare to snap up your investment property in South Africa!
