In today’s dynamic property market, buy-to-let properties have continuously proven resilient and profitable as an investment route.
Jacques Fouché, CEO and founder of IGrow Wealth Investments, created his personal as well as professional legacy around using the tool of buy-to-let properties. In Jacques’s eBook, “10 Steps to Building Your Property Investment Empire,” he lays out a strategic approach to property investment. He emphasises the relevance of gathering property market knowledge and the right skills, creating a skilled team around you, and leveraging financing.
Jacques recommends buying new, high-rental-demand residential units in strategic growth nodes. This means areas where expansion is inevitable because of important businesses or universities, or proximity to desirable lifestyle amenities, hospitals, etc. He also encourages buying units off-plan and retaining them. This triggers long-term capital appreciation while your tenants’ monthly rental covers your bond repayments. This technique makes sure you receive a consistent monthly rental income. It also allows property investors to accumulate significant capital growth as the years go by.
Buying a Buy-to-Let Property: Strategic Wealth Building
With buy-to-let property, investors can jump at the opportunity to build wealth via rental income and long-term property appreciation.
Jacques Fouché explains the importance of choosing properties in areas that are in high demand, with booming rental markets. If you focus on looking at rental units in new developments, in strategic locations, you will optimise your ROI and minimise any risk associated with these property purchases.
Key suburbs to invest in, according to real estate agents at top local real estate agencies
Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs
According to David Jacobs, Regional Sales Manager for the Rawson Property Group, when asked, ‘What areas in the R1.8 – R2.5 million bracket are considered the best?’ Jacobs answered, “I definitely have to say Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs – areas like Bellville, Brackenfell, Kuilsriver, and Kraaifontein – as they have been experiencing notable activity and growth over the past few years, especially in this price range.” (Source)
A lot of the IGrow properties on offer in Cape Town are even better priced than this. The apartments that we have for sale at The Residence in Parklands North are excellent value for money. Prices range from R1 135 000 to R1 235 000. This EDGE-certified building is energy efficient and offers lower utility bills for tenants as well as better bond deals for investors. It is also situated in a high rental demand area, with many excellent schools, shopping malls and medical facilities nearby. There is also access to the beautiful Blouberg beach.
Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs
According to Richard Gray, the CEO of Harcourts Real Estate, “areas popular with first-time home buyers, families, investors, and retirees – with quality lifestyle and strong capital growth potential – include: Pinelands, Fish Hoek, Blouberg, Edgemead, Rondesbosch and Gardens.” (Source)
The Kingsley in the Southern Suburbs is situated in Mowbray, only 750m from UCT main campus. This complex offers 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. The luxury studio apartments on offer are priced from R1 199 000. There is also easy access to major highways. Excellent local restaurants can be found nearby such as The Wild Fig Restaurant (in Mowbray), The Sushi Box (in Newlands) and The Square Restaurant (at the stylish Vineyard Hotel in Claremont). For your shopping needs, Cavendish Square Mall is a short, 5km drive away. Contact IGrow Real Estate International to learn more about this and other excellent Cape Town properties.
Johannesburg
“The property market is known for its diversity, with growth areas emerging in suburbs that cater to working professionals. Areas such as Sandton, Rosebank, and Midrand show stable appreciation, while the demand for affordable housing has surged in suburbs like Roodepoort and Randburg.” (Source)
“In areas with high job density, such as Sandton and Rosebank, modern apartments are well-suited for investors targeting young professionals, while many suburbs in Randburg and in and around Fourways are popular with young families, especially first-time buyers.” (Source). With more people asked to return to the office in 2025, there is a reverse semigration trend back to these areas of Johannesburg.
In Sandton, there are beautiful apartments for sale at Circa Illovo from R814 490, close to the bustling business hub, in Sandton. These apartments offer the ultimate in luxury, convenience and accessibility.
In Rosebank, we have wonderful units available at Park Central. Prices range from R3 150 000. These apartments offer the ultimate luxury-style living inspired by Manhattan-style apartment blocks, offering residents panoramic views. Sandton is just over a 5 km drive away. Recreational, shopping and medical facilities are all very close to this complex.
In Randburg, Tradewinds offers lovely apartments, with prices ranging from R679,000 to R899,000. These apartments come fully tenanted, and this complex is 95% sold out, so don’t miss out! Tradewinds is centrally located, near public transport, shopping malls, and excellent medical facilities.
The Aura is situated near Roodepoort and offers a wonderful investment opportunity as well, being situated conveniently near amenities.
Midrand
“Strategically located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Midrand has experienced rapid development and is emerging as a prime location for residential and commercial real estate. With its proximity to business hubs and infrastructure investments, Midrand has attracted a large number of young professionals” (Source)
For our Midrand offering- watch this space! We have a few exciting new developments in the pipeline for Q2 2025!
Pretoria
“Pretoria’s real estate market has long been stable due to its status as the government centre and home to a large student population. This stability makes it a preferred choice for investors seeking steady, long-term returns. With high demand for rentals in neighbourhoods near universities and government offices, Pretoria has maintained stable property values.” (Source)
True North in Pretoria has affordable and accessible apartments from R685,900. The complex is very close to good schools and the popular Kolonnade shopping centre.
Woodlands Lane in Pretoria East offers lovely, modern apartments priced from just R999 000. Woodlands Lane has a wonderful sense of community with open spaces, clubhouse facilities, a swimming pool and communal braai areas for residents of all ages to enjoy. This is an off-plan development option (you can buy directly from the developer) with occupation from 2026.
We have more exciting opportunities brewing behind the scenes in Pretoria West as well. Subscribe to our newsletters or our social media channels to stay in the loop.
Financing a Buy-to-Let Property Using IGrow’s Expertise
In partnering with IGrow, we will help you with the financing of your buy-to-let property. IGrow Home Loans, as part of the IGrow Group, helps investors obtain the best financing options available. Our bond originators work together with major South African banks in order to negotiate favourable interest rates and loan repayment terms on behalf of our IGrow clients.
How does the home loan application work via IGrow’s home loans department?
The process starts with a financial assessment of the investor and their specific investment goals. IGrow’s bond origination team then submits bond applications (on your behalf) to a variety of major South African banks, ensuring better results. Once your home loan is approved, we guide you through both the legal and administrative steps required of you to streamline the bond application process to the ultimate property purchase.
Jacques Fouché’s buy-to-Let properties philosophy
Jacques Fouché’s investment philosophy hinges on the proven buy-to-let properties method as a cornerstone to generating long-term wealth.
He encourages IGrow investors to leverage other people’s money (which he calls “leveraging OPM”). He promotes leveraging OPM, predominantly through bank financing, to acquire capital to purchase investment properties. Jacques is also a firm believer in “the 3 R’s of property investing- known as “Retain, Refinance and Reinvest”. By reinvesting, after refinancing properties within your portfolio, you can scale your portfolio with time.
In Jacques’ eBook he outlines a ten-step plan that details garnering the right skillset, creating a qualified and skilled team (you can “tap into”) and using creative financial leveraging. Jacques explains that you should make use of the systems and structures already in place to manage your properties effectively. You should also make SARS (South African Revenue Service) your “partner” by implementing IGrow’s guidance for strategic tax planning, and scaling your property portfolio for optimal profitable rewards. (Source)
Buy-to-Let retirement property to secure financial freedom in your later years
Investing in buy-to-let retirement property offers you a secure monthly income through your rental property after retiring. If you start investing in your younger years, you will likely expand to hold a property portfolio.
This means you will receive multiple rental payments from each of the properties within your portfolio. This will cover your daily expenses, bond repayments, and add to your savings with the surplus left over.
Final Thoughts
In answering the question, “Are Buy-to-let properties a smart investment choice?”
The answer is “Yes!”
If you partner with IGrow Wealth Investments, you will be able to navigate the property market with ease and confidence!
Whether you are just starting on your property investment journey or you’re an experienced investor looking for portfolio expansion, buying a buy-to-let property sets you on the path to financial freedom!
Speak to an IGrow property investment specialist to start laying down plans for your property investment today.
Or, book a consultation with an IGrow home loans specialist today to set the ball rolling to finance your first property purchase!
