Property

South Africans flocking to this affordable province

Kirsten Minnaar • 14 October 2025

The Northern Cape is emerging as South Africa’s most affordable yet fast-growing property market, attracting buyers from other provinces as mining, agriculture, and renewable energy investments drive demand.

The Northern Cape property market has seen somewhat of a surge with sales and rental prices up, and the interest rate cuts are expected to have a further positive impact, according to Jaco Badenhorst, sales manager for Seeff Country.

Aside from local buyers, Seeff’s branches are reporting more buyers coming from Joburg, Pretoria and also the KZN region looking to move to small towns.

Price growth in the province is now among the best in the country at 4.75%, outdone only by the Western Cape and Limpopo, according to recent data from Lightstone.

The average rental rate has reached R10,122 per month, up by an impressive 7.5% year-on-year, according to PayProp data.

PayProp also revealed that 81% of tenants are in good standing, the second-best market in the country in this regard. Badenhorst said the market is dynamic, especially in and around the key mining and agricultural towns.

However, it remains the most affordable province in the country with its average price still at just R935,806. Most sales fall between R400,000 and R1.5 million, and less than 2% above R2 million.

The appealing climate, striking landscape, and property market driven by mining in towns like Kimberley and Upington attracts many buyers, he said.

Aside from mining and agriculture being the main economic drivers, renewal energy is now a key growth sector.

Solar projects such as Kenhardt and Redstone are attracting major investment, creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and increasing demand for property in the region.

The climate and landscapes are big drawcards, from the fertile Orange River to the dusty, arid landscapes of the Kalahari and the Namaqualand flowers.

Booming markets

The property market is heavily influenced by the mining sector, especially for towns such as Kimberley, Upington, Kathu, and Kuruman, Badenhorst said.

A steady influx of people, including contractors, continues to boost strong demand for homes to buy and rent.

The province is also particularly appealing to buy-to-let investors. They can purchase properties at a lower price point and still achieve strong rental yields, especially in the mining and agricultural hubs.

The Northern Cape is also unique in its high proportion of freehold properties, representing over 80% of the housing stock.

For buyers seeking a traditional, freestanding house with a yard, the Northern Cape offers an abundance of options at affordable prices.

There’s also a choice of productive and lifestyle farms, smallholdings, and game farms, which cater to a diverse range of buyers.

The area attracts a lot of younger buyers, with the majority being under 50 years old, including first-time buyers.

In the Upper Karoo region, the market is predominantly populated by older buyers, those over 50. For family buyers, the area offers excellent value and a wholesome environment to raise children.

Kaylene Grasser from Seeff Springbok in the Namaqualand area said average house prices in Springbok range slightly higher at R1.9 to R2.2 million, while smaller towns average around R700,000.

Lower price bands tend to be the most in demand, especially around R1 million in Springbok or R500,000 in smaller towns.

The rental market remains strong, with an average rental price of R12,775 per month attracting investors. Many people, including mine and renewable energy workers, rent before buying.

The area’s tourism is also growing, thanks to the Namaqualand wildflowers and its strategic location on the N7 route to Namibia. These attractions offer lucrative opportunities for hospitality and tourism-related businesses.

Mariaan Booysen from Seeff Gariepdam, Colesberg and surrounds noted that the area’s popularity is growing with retirees and downscaling buyers from Gauteng, KZN, and the Cape.

Gariepdam is the main draw, with average house prices at R550,000 and rentals at R4,000. Three-bedroom homes with boreholes and guest houses are especially sought after.

Meanwhile, Angelo da Silva from Seeff described Upington in the Kalahari area as a growing town appealing to those seeking a small-town lifestyle.

It serves as a hub for irrigated and cattle farms, solar farming, and business opportunities, and features top medical and boarding school facilities.

Most buyers are locals or families from neighbouring towns. Average house prices are R1–R2 million, with rentals between R9,000 and R12,500, and higher for large homes on big plots.

Sanja Marais from Seeff Hopetown in the Great Karoo region highlights the Orange River and river rafting as big attractions.

She noted that they are also seeing buyers coming from Joburg and Pretoria looking to relocate to a small town. The average house price in the area is R1.2 million, and about R7,500 for a rental.