Real Estate in South Africa

Last updated on Jun 25, 2023

Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in South Africa should begin by researching the different areas of the country and deciding which area best suits their needs. They should then contact a local real estate agent to help them find a suitable property. Homes in South Africa typically include amenities such as air conditioning, a kitchen, a living room, and a bathroom. Some homes may also include a garden, a pool, or a garage. Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in South Africa, but there are certain restrictions in place. For example, foreigners are not allowed to purchase agricultural land, and they must obtain permission from the Minister of Home Affairs before they can purchase a property.

How do I find a place to live in South Africa?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in South Africa is to use online resources such as property websites, classifieds, and real estate agents. You can also search for rental properties in newspapers and magazines. Additionally, you can ask friends and family for recommendations or contact local real estate agents for assistance. It is important to research the area you are interested in living in, as well as the cost of living, to ensure you find the best place for your needs," remarked one member in South Africa.

"Wanted somewhere that was close to the beach (5 mins away) somewhere not too close to the city but not too far (15min drive away from city central) and somewhere that felt safe. Table View has all that going for it and I really love it here," explained one expat living in Cape Town, South Africa.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in South Africa?

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.