Michelle Langford

The South African property market is entering a new chapter, characterized by cautious optimism and subtle shifts in activity. Despite encouraging signs of renewed interest, house prices remain relatively stagnant, leaving buyers, sellers, and industry professionals wondering: What’s next for the property market?

The South African housing market is showing some promising signs of recovery, but it's not quite smooth sailing just yet. According to the latest FNB House Price Index (HPI), house price growth remains slow, clocking in at just 0.9% in December. That’s slightly down from 1.0% in November, bringing the annual average to 0.8%—a dip from the 1.5% recorded in 2023. While this may seem underwhelming, it’s in line with expert predictions.

In today's ever-evolving real estate market, understanding the intricate balance between a property's value and its marketability is crucial for both sellers and buyers. We delve into the key differences between these concepts and explore how they impact property transactions. Plus, we'll take a closer look at how a property valuation is done in South Africa.