Property

South Africans can buy properties for under R1 million in every major city – including Cape Town

Kirsten Minnaar • 18 July 2026

Despite rapidly rising property prices, buyers can still find homes for under R1 million in every major South African metro, including South Africa’s most expensive city, Cape Town.

Statistics South Africa recently revealed that the country’s residential property prices increased by 7.7% year on year in February, the biggest increase recorded since 2021.

An analysis by Lightstone Property also showed that residential house prices rose fastest in percentage terms in the lower price bands from 2014 to 2025.

All of this means it is becoming increasingly difficult for South Africans, particularly young South Africans, to enter the property market. This fact is reflected in the data.

From 2014 to 2025, young buyers aged 18 to 35 declined in percentage terms from 40% to 30%, and in absolute numbers from 72,000 in 2014 to 47,000.

Even so, the Seeff Property Group said there are still many more affordable options available for first-time buyers in the R600,000 to R1.3 million range.

These properties fall within the transfer duty exemption threshold of R1.21 million, making them more accessible to those looking to enter the housing market.

Based on Lightstone data, young buyers are the second-largest buyer group behind the “settled” group (ages 36 to 50).

They now account for about 30% of all residential purchases, with the highest percentages in the larger metros. The majority of their purchases are usually mortgaged.

Of the three main metros, Durban is generally the most affordable for first-home buyers, with average prices of R650,000 to R1.4 million.

Entry-level apartments are at the lower end, while typical coastal sectional titles or small family homes average on the higher side.

This is followed by Johannesburg, with an average range of R800,000 to R1.2 million, which typically covers one- to two-bedroom sectional title apartments or entry-level homes along major transit and Gautrain corridors.

Cape Town is at the higher end of the price scale, with the average first home buyer price in the R1 million to R1.5 million range, which typically offers smaller spaces.

However, there are still some areas in the city which offer more affordable housing options, with several homes currently on the market for R1 million or less.

Younger buyers tend to favour sectional title properties such as apartments and townhouses, and also purchase in security estates. They are also increasingly keen investors seeking rental income.

Johannesburg and Pretoria

The Joburg and Pretoria region is home to the highest influx of young buyers, with about 35% under 35 years of age. It offers a large, diversified market with 65% of property transactions falling below R1.5 million.

Soweto and the Southern Suburbs of Johannesburg offer some of the most affordable prices with good transport access.

According to Seeff Soweto licensees Khosi Sibiya and Phindi Mphahlele, entry-level prices average R650,000 in areas such as Protea Glen and about R1.7 million in the aspirational node of Diepkloof.

Joburg South – which includes areas such as Bassonia, Glenvista, and Mulbarton – has a number of highly accessible suburbs priced between R850,000 and R1.6 million.

East Rand areas such as Boksburg, Benoni, and Alberton also offer great value apartments and townhouses in the R700,000 to R1.6 million range.

Randburg and Joburg North West are also top choices for entry-level buyers. Weltevreden Park property prices start from around R950,000 on average.

Strubens Valley, Wilgeheuwel, Radiokop, Allen’s Nek, and Honeydew offer homes in the R800,000 to R2.8 million range.

While prices close to the Sandton CBD are beyond the reach of most first-time buyers, nearby suburbs such as Douglasdale and Lonehill offer good value entry-level homes, said Seeff Sandton MD Charles Vinin.

Starter apartments average around R700,000 to R1.2 million. Lonehill also offers enhanced security-estate living for first-time buyers at an average entry price of R1.4 million.

Midrand – which includes Vorna Valley and Halfway Gardens – also offer outstanding value in the R850,000 to R1.2 million range.

While Pretoria East is renowned for its luxury homes, Seeff Pretoria East MD Gerhard van der Linde said Equestria and Moreleta Park are very popular for first-time buyers.

These areas offer a number of apartments and townhouses priced between R850,000 and R1.35 million, providing new buyers with an accessible entry point.

Centurion offers one of the best areas for first home buyers due to its transport access, schools, and amenities, said Seeff Centurion’s manager, Tiaan Pretorius.

Die Hoewes, The Reeds, and Eco Park have homes in the R800,000 to R1.35 million range, while Amberfield has properties priced from R1.1 million to R1.5 million.

These first-time buyer regions offer newer lifestyle estates and modern townhouse developments close to major retail zones.

South Africa’s coastal metros

Due to higher property prices in Cape Town, only around 27% of buyers are under 35 years of age. On the Atlantic Seaboard, the lowest entry prices are in the CBD, ranging from R1.35 million to R1.95 million for a small unit.

Close to the CBD, Woodstock, Salt River, and Observatory offer some entry-level units priced between R900,000 and R1.95 million, but generally, the northern and eastern commuter corridors offer more affordable pricing.

These include Goodwood, Parow, and surrounds, which offer pricing of R650,000 to R1.5 million for entry-level buyers, and Brackenfell, with homes between R1.4 million and R1.8 million.

Kraaifontein is another affordable option, with prices ranging from R950,000 to R1.3 million. These areas, located along the N1 corridor, offer middle-class starter homes and townhouses for families.

For buyers with a slightly bigger budget, Table View and Parklands offer a premier coastal commuter node with a great lifestyle and top amenities.

Parklands features high youth activity with prices averaging around R1.15 million to R1.45 million for a small entry-level property.

Buyers who want the coastal lifestyle without Cape Town’s high prices can also consider Durban, South Africa’s other major metro.

While the Durban Metro as a whole offers better value, the northern and western suburbs, in particular, offer excellent affordability.

The Queensburgh area is popular for its affordably priced starter homes and sectional titles, with prices averaging R950,000, according to Seeff’s licensee for the area, Michelle Vermeulen.

Other accessible areas include Glenwood, favoured for its solid older apartments, generally priced between R900,000 and R1.4 million.

Morningside (Lower), which is popular for its proximity to Florida Road, offers properties in the R1.2 million to R1.8 million range.

Westville offers access to excellent schools and entry-level sectional titles priced between R1.3 million and R1.6 million.

Umhlanga Ridge is the “go-to” area for high-earning entry-level buyers, offering a modern “lock-up-and-go” lifestyle near Gateway, generally in the R1.6 million to R2.8 million range.