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PROPERTY ANALYSIS & TREND REPORTS
Mark Pettipher

Mark Pettipher

  • Joined: 16 July 2025
  • Articles: 304

Gauteng High Courts slam unlawful cleaning levies as SAPOA challenges Cape Town’s ‘unconstitutional’ municipal tariffs

Neil Gopal

Recent High Court judgments in both North and South Gauteng have declared municipal cleaning levies imposed by Tshwane and Johannesburg unlawful, offering relief to property owners. Tshwane’s R194 monthly ‘cleansing levy’ and Johannesburg’s higher refuse tariff for non-sectional title properties were both found to lack legal basis. Meanwhile, SAPOA is challenging Cape Town’s new cleaning and fixed water tariffs, arguing they unfairly penalise property owners. These rulings reinforce that municipalities cannot impose unlawful levies to cover budget deficits.

How changes to South Africa’s divorce law will impact property ownership

Grant Smee One Property

Proposed changes to South Africa’s divorce law could significantly impact property ownership, even for couples with antenuptial contracts. The General Laws (Family Matters) Amendment Bill will give courts broader discretion to redistribute assets upon divorce or death, considering non-financial contributions like homemaking or supporting a spouse’s career. This means primary residences, investment properties, and real estate-linked business interests could be divided more equitably, offering greater financial protection for spouses who have contributed indirectly to the marriage.

Growthpoint confirms leadership succession for Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer

Estienne de Klerk and Josse Snyders

Growthpoint Properties has announced its leadership succession plan, appointing Estienne de Klerk as Group CEO from 1 July 2026 and José Snyders as Group CFO from 1 January 2026. De Klerk, a seasoned executive with nearly 20 years at Growthpoint, succeeds Norbert Sasse, who will retire after 22 years as CEO. Snyders, currently CEO of Liberty Two Degrees, brings over two decades of financial and real estate expertise to the role.

AI, Tech & Capital converge to reshape Africa’s real estate at Proptech Forum

Proptech Africa Summit

Africa’s real estate sector is undergoing transformation as artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and strategic capital converge. The Annual Africa Proptech Forum at the API Summit in Cape Town will showcase how technology is enabling faster decisions, innovative asset development, and transparency. Companies like TransBridj and RE-TEC Solutions are streamlining property transactions and management, while investors such as REdimension Capital and Burstone Real Estate Partners back scalable, adaptable Proptech solutions to address Africa’s unique property challenges.

Wet ink required, why digital signatures fall short in property deals

Tiaan Pretorius, manager of Seeff Centurion

Despite the convenience of digital signatures, South African property transactions still require "wet ink" signatures to be legally valid. Tiaan Pretorius of Seeff Centurion explains that the Alienation of Land Act mandates all agreements for the sale of land must be signed by hand. Electronic signatures are not accepted for these deals, as confirmed by the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act. This legal requirement ensures greater certainty and protection for buyers and sellers in significant financial transactions.

Plenty of property buyers and tenants prefer the Northern Provinces

Peaconwood Estate

The northern provinces of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West are increasingly popular among property buyers and tenants, thanks to strong economies in mining, agriculture, and tourism. According to the Seeff Property Group, over 21,000 property transactions worth R21.4 billion were recorded last year. These areas offer affordable prices, sought-after security estates, and notable price growth. Demand remains robust, especially below R2 million, with stock shortages common and rental markets buoyed by steady population influxes.

Cape Town’s township developers step forward as barriers fall

Nomfundo-Molemohi - uMaStandi

Micro developers in Cape Town’s townships are stepping forward to address the urgent need for affordable housing as municipal barriers fall. The City of Cape Town’s amendment to its Municipal Planning By-law, effective September 2025, allows landlords to build more units without rezoning, saving time and costs. Supported by uMaStandi and TUHF, these changes empower property entrepreneurs to deliver compliant, sustainable rental housing, unlocking opportunities for both developers and township residents seeking quality accommodation.

Rode Report expands coverage to include multifamily rental housing

Rode media screens

Rode Publications & Media has expanded its flagship Rode Report to include, for the first time, the multifamily residential rental sector, in partnership with the South African Multifamily Residential Rental Association (SAMRRA). This addition reflects the sector’s growing importance and provides comprehensive data on vacancies and rentals. The updated report now offers a more complete view of the South African property market, supporting better decision-making for investors, policymakers, and developers.

The hotelification movement in the retirement sector

Evergreen lifestyle - picnic

The hotelification movement is transforming retirement living by blending the comforts of home with luxury hotel-style amenities. Modern retirees seek vibrant communities offering premium facilities, exceptional hospitality, gourmet dining, and wellness programs, all managed by professional teams. Flexible accommodation options enable travel and independence, while thoughtfully designed communal spaces foster social engagement. This trend redefines retirement as a rich, rewarding lifestyle, prioritizing comfort, convenience, and community—ensuring retirees enjoy their best years in style and luxury.

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