The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has launched Green Star New Build V2, a next-generation certification framework for new and refurbished buildings. The updated tool aligns local property standards with global ESG benchmarks, broadening the definition of sustainable development to include carbon, resilience, health, and inclusivity. Backed by major industry players like Balwin Properties and the V&A Waterfront, it equips professionals to design future-ready, high-performing, and socially responsive buildings.

Teraco, a Digital Realty company, has extended its support grant to the South African Broadband Education Networks (SABEN) for another five years, taking its total investment to R17.5 million through 2030. The grant, issued via the Teraco Connect Foundation, aims to eliminate bandwidth poverty across public TVET colleges and schools. By expanding SABEN’s digital infrastructure and access to Platform Teraco, the initiative enhances remote learning, digital transformation, and education equity nationwide.

Umdoni Municipality is celebrating international recognition as the KZN South Coast once again leads the province with the most Blue Flag beaches — eight fully accredited and six with Pilot status. Among them, Pennington Beach has retained its Blue Flag accolade, while four Umdoni beaches achieved Pilot recognition. This milestone underscores the region’s growing appeal for tourism and investment, aligning with Renishaw Property Developments’ vision for sustainable, world-class coastal living.

Ten South African entrepreneurs have been selected for the 2025 Green Seeds Competition, a sustainability-focused accelerator co-created by Attacq and Property Point. The 12-month programme nurtures black-owned small businesses developing innovative green solutions for the built environment. Participants gain mentorship, pilot opportunities, and access to Attacq’s property portfolio. According to Attacq CEO Jackie van Niekerk, the initiative embodies “corporate co-creation” — linking innovation, transformation, and sustainability to build South Africa’s green economy.

Pretoria remains one of Africa’s wealthiest cities, with demand for estate living driving exceptional property value growth. According to Seeff and Lightstone, estate sales make up over 20% of Tshwane’s total transactions, with freehold prices averaging R2.5m–R6.5m. Top estates such as Woodhill, Silver Lakes, and Mooikloof have seen price growth of up to 37%, with rentals reaching R95,000 per month as high-net-worth buyers seek secure, luxury lifestyles.

Fifteen-year-old Phodisho Samuel Maganyela from Lesedi Secondary School in Bronkhorstspruit has won the 2025 Bokamoso Creative Essay Competition, impressing judges with his innovative ideas for youth-driven sustainability. Hosted by Knight Piésold in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, the competition celebrated learners’ creative approaches to solving South Africa’s energy, water, and infrastructure challenges through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-based innovation.

Emira Property Fund has launched an innovative Owl and Bat Box Initiative, replacing toxic rodenticides with natural pest control. Partnering with EcoSolutions, Emira installed nesting and roosting boxes at seven properties to encourage owls and bats — nature’s rodent and insect hunters. The project, part of Emira’s broader biodiversity strategy, promotes humane, sustainable pest management and supports the company’s environmental stewardship and compliance with new national pesticide regulations.

With the 7 December 2025 deadline approaching, South African building owners have just two months left to register their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) or face fines and imprisonment. Only 3,884 EPCs have been issued out of a target of 60,000, prompting WSP in Africa to urge swift action. The firm offers expert advisory and audit services to help property owners achieve compliance and improve long-term energy performance.

Growthpoint Properties triumphed at the 2025 SAPOA Property Development Awards for Innovative Excellence, securing three major wins, including Overall Best Development for Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof and Best Student Accommodation for Thrive @ Crescent Studios in Johannesburg. The recognition underscores Growthpoint’s leadership in delivering innovative, sustainable developments that balance commercial value with meaningful social and urban impact across South Africa’s built environment.

The SARB’s decision to hold the repo rate at 7% has split opinion among property leaders. Rhys Dyer (ooba) sees it as a pause ahead of further cuts, while Samuel Seeff (Seeff Property Group) calls it disappointing for cash-strapped households. Dr Andrew Golding (Pam Golding Properties) highlights lifestyle-driven demand sustaining activity, particularly in Cape Town. With first-time buyers rebounding and deposits strengthening, November’s MPC meeting is viewed as pivotal for renewed momentum.