As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathers momentum, New Africa Developments’ community malls are giving shoppers a front-row seat to the action. From Mams Mall to Acornhoek, Dwarsloop and Jumbo Mall, big screens are turning everyday shopping trips into shared football moments. Free, familiar and close to home, these centres continue to serve as places where communities gather, celebrate and belong throughout the tournament as excitement builds across South Africa.

South Africa’s property auction market is evolving beyond traditional sales platforms, driven by data, targeted marketing and stronger industry engagement. Galetti Corporate Real Estate’s move to a new auction venue in Rosebank reflects this shift, creating a more interactive environment for buyers, sellers and investors. With auction activity gaining momentum and transaction volumes growing, success increasingly depends on market intelligence, strategic positioning and relationships that connect the right opportunities with the right buyers.

The Reside Summit 2026 highlighted a growing shift in South Africa’s residential property sector: collaboration is becoming essential. Bringing together developers, financiers, municipalities and investors, the summit explored affordable housing, climate-smart development, construction technology and institutional investment. Speakers stressed that solving the country’s housing backlog will require integrated partnerships, scalable delivery models and faster implementation. The message was clear — residential property can no longer operate in fragmented silos.

Fritz Swanepoel’s appointment as CEO of Leapfrog Property Group signals a strategic shift toward performance-driven growth and operational discipline. With a background in insurance and large-scale sales leadership, he brings a systems-focused approach to a changing residential market. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as agencies evolve into data-driven, client-centric platforms within an increasingly competitive and digitally enabled property landscape.

The Beekman Group has launched Menlyn Mix in Pretoria, expanding into urban hospitality to meet rising business travel demand. Positioned in the Menlyn precinct, the development blends self-catering accommodation with meeting facilities and lifestyle amenities. Targeting the growing “bleisure” market, Menlyn Mix offers business travellers a flexible, integrated environment aligned with Pretoria’s role as a key corporate and conferencing hub.

Newlands is experiencing rapid sales momentum, with homes selling in under two weeks and prices approaching R10 million on average. High-value transactions now dominate, driven by limited stock and sustained demand. A notable shift is the rise in luxury retirement living, with developments like Cannon Brewery addressing a gap for affluent downsizers seeking independent, high-end urban lifestyles in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.

Broll Property Group has launched a dedicated hospitality advisory platform, reflecting the sector’s evolution into a core real estate asset class. Headed by Wayne Godwin, the move aligns with growing investor demand for integrated, lifecycle-focused expertise. As hospitality assets become more complex and revenue-diversified, Broll’s expansion positions it to support both local and global capital across Africa’s rapidly transforming hospitality landscape.

KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism offering is evolving beyond coast and safari, with Brahman Hills’ Serenity Garden emerging as a landmark Midlands destination. Anchored by the world’s largest labyrinth and a unique spa concept, the R multi-million development reflects a shift toward experience-led tourism. Designed as a sanctuary, it aims to extend visitor stays, stimulate regional economies, and position the Midlands as a primary destination.

dhk Architects has joined the global 10N Collective, backed by Egis Group, marking a strategic step in expanding its international footprint while retaining its local identity. The move connects one of Africa’s leading design studios to a network of global expertise across architecture and urbanism. With access to broader opportunities and collaboration, dhk is well positioned to scale its people-centric, sustainable design approach across new markets.

Blok has partnered with historic Hamilton Rugby Club to support grassroots and women’s rugby, reinforcing its commitment to community-building along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. The collaboration highlights a shared focus on developing local talent and strengthening neighbourhood connections. By investing beyond bricks and mortar, Blok is aligning its urban development strategy with initiatives that enhance social cohesion and long-term community vibrancy.