South Africa’s Housing Market Splits Between Rich and Affordable Segments
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South Africa’s housing market is becoming a tale of two realities. While middle- and upper-income buyers are benefiting from mortgage access, the affordable segment is falling further behind as younger buyers struggle to enter the market.
New housing finance data shows South Africa’s residential market is becoming increasingly divided between well-financed middle- and upper-income buyers and an affordable segment facing growing barriers to ownership. Analysis by Lightstone found that while mortgage activity improved in 2025, younger buyers and lower-income households continue to struggle with access to credit.
The affordable market, which represents the majority of registered properties, has seen a sharp decline in first-time buyer activity, while formal mortgage lending remains concentrated in higher-value housing. Industry analysts warn that without reforms to financing, title formalisation, and credit access, the gap in property ownership and wealth creation could continue to widen.
Read the full story at Lightstone →