Author Archives: Staff Writer

Four South African wine estates named among the world’s best

Four South African wine estates have earned spots among the world’s top 100 vineyard destinations, according to The World’s 50 Best Vineyards list.

The announcement precedes the official awards ceremony taking place on 19 November in Margaret River, Western Australia, where the Top 50 will be revealed.

The 2025 extended list, ranking vineyards from No.51 to No.100, highlights premier wine tourism destinations across six continents and 38 wine regions, chosen from votes cast by more than 700 global wine and travel experts.

South Africa secured four places on the prestigious list, underscoring its growing reputation as a world-class wine tourism destination.

Two Western Cape newcomers – La Motte Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley (No.94) and Hamilton Russell Vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (No.99) – made their debut appearances, while Tokara Wine and Olive Estate (No.71) and Delaire Graff Estate (No.79), both in Stellenbosch, returned to the rankings with renewed acclaim.

This year’s extended list spans six continents, with 33 vineyards from Europe, six from South America, five from Oceania, four from Africa, one from Asia, and one from North America.

Portugal led with eight entries, followed by Italy with six. Notable names on the list include Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandonin the Champagne region, Castello Banf in Tuscany, and Château Pichon Baron in Bordeaux region — illustrating the calibre of company South Africa’s vineyards now keep.

New Zealand’s Wairau River Wines (No.52) was the highest new entry.

Unlike traditional wine competitions that judge wine quality alone, The World’s 50 Best Vineyards celebrates the entire visitor experience — from scenic beauty and architectural design to food, sustainability, and hospitality.

The ranking is compiled from the votes of over 700 international wine professionals, including sommeliers, journalists, and tourism experts, who nominate vineyards offering experiences they consider “truly among the best in the world.”

South African vineyards on the 51–100 list (2025):

Tokara Wine and Olive Estate (Stellenbosch)

Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch)

La Motte Wine Estate (Franschhoek Valley)

Hamilton Russell Vineyards (Hemel-en-Aarde)

South Africa’s continued presence on the global stage reinforces the Western Cape’s position as one of the world’s leading wine tourism regions.

With estates consistently recognised for their innovative experiences, culinary offerings, and sustainability practices, the country’s wine tourism sector remains a powerful driver of international visitation and investment.

Research by South Africa Wine shows that in 2022, wine tourism generated a staggering R9.3 billion for the national GDP, contributed over 17% of total winery turnover, and supported up to 40 000 jobs.

South Africa is noted as a top destination due to the value it offers, with the lowest average wine prices and tasting fees compared to other ranked countries.

The industry is expected to grow significantly, with targeted contributions potentially reaching R15 billion in the coming years.

South Africa’s listed property records strongest monthly gain since 2021

South Africa’s listed property sector rallied in October, with REITs climbing 10.8% – far outpacing equities at 1.6% and bonds at 2.6%.

The sector is now up 26.4% year-to-date, supported by stronger earnings momentum, firmer sentiment, and easing funding costs.

Ian Anderson, head of Listed Property and portfolio manager at Merchant West Investments, and compiler of the SA REIT Chart Book, said October marked a key inflection point.

“This is what renewed confidence looks like. Balance sheets are stronger; distributions are accelerating and selective external growth is back on the table,” he says.

According to Anderson, investors rotated back into listed property “at scale,” pricing in faster dividend growth and a healthier cost of capital.

Trading was “intense,” with nearly R14 billion in turnover excluding Vukile Property Fund’s R2.65 billion accelerated bookbuild, which was placed at a small discount to NAV.

Market gains were driven by robust operational updates, resilient occupancy levels, and tangible relief on interest costs.

Several REITs touched or approached all-time highs, while bookbuild activity near reported NAVs signaled the reopening of the equity window for quality portfolios.

Anderson attributed the October surge to softer long-bond yields, visible distributable income growth, and narrowing discounts to NAV.

“On a forward view we see sector dividends compounding in the high single digits, with a current forward yield near 7.5%. If bond yields remain range bound, double digit total returns over the medium term are achievable.”

The sector’s risk-return profile continues to stand out versus local equities and bonds, with five-year correlation data reinforcing the diversification value of REITs in multi-asset portfolios.

With investor demand returning and the cost of both debt and equity improving, accretive acquisitions, redevelopments, and new developments are expected to re-emerge.

Among the notable corporate developments reflecting renewed confidence:

  • Accelerate Property Fund climbed nearly 18% after shareholders voted overwhelmingly against the re-election of founder Michael Georgiou to the board – a move widely viewed as a turning point for governance and investor sentiment.
  • Emira Property Fund deepened its strategic position in SA Corporate Real Estate, acquiring another 130 million shares to lift its stake to 8.7% of total shares in issue.
  • Fairvest Limited announced two earnings-accretive acquisitions – Jozini Mall and Tugela Ferry Mall in KwaZulu-Natal – for R674 million at an initial yield of 10.17%.
  • SA Corporate Real Estate added momentum with the R1.67 billion purchase of the Parks Lifestyle Apartments at Riversands, a 1,960-unit residential complex near Steyn City, while disposing of Bluff Towers Shopping Centre for R544.6 million.
  • Safari Investments revealed plans to delist following a firm intention by Heriot REIT to acquire all remaining shares at R8 per share, positioning Safari as a wholly owned subsidiary focused on development-led growth despite reduced near-term dividends.

Results from Equites Property Fund and Spear REIT Limited were also well received, said Anderson, underscoring improving property fundamentals and the positive impact of lower borrowing costs on distributable earnings – key drivers behind October’s strong sector-wide performance.

Cape Town property market: 10 key questions buyers are asking right now

Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest decisions – financially, emotionally, and practically. It’s no wonder real estate agents are constantly fielding questions from curious buyers, cautious sellers, and first-time investors alike.

Whether you’re purchasing your first property, expanding your portfolio, or parting with a long-time family home, the process can be complex. To help, DG Properties answers some of the most frequently asked questions from clients.

1. Is now a good time to buy in Cape Town?

This is the question on everyone’s lips – and the answer, said Alexa Horne, MD of DG Properties, is a firm yes.

“Cape Town remains one of South Africa’s strongest and most resilient property markets,” she said.

“In Q1 of 2025, the average property price in the Western Cape was R2.33 million – well above the national average of R1.66 million, according to Ooba Bond Originators.

“Lightstone data shows Western Cape property prices grew 8.7% year-on-year in January 2025, compared to 5.2% nationally, with the City of Cape Town leading all metros at 8.5% annual growth.”

She added that long-term growth trends, consistent rental demand, and the ongoing semigration of buyers from other provinces all support the case for buying now, especially in sought-after suburbs like Sea Point, Green Point, Claremont, Newlands, and Bishopscourt.

“If you’re buying for lifestyle and long-term value, it’s less about trying to ‘time’ the market, and more about making the move when you’re ready.”

2. How much deposit do I really need/Can I still get a zero-deposit bond?

According to national figures from Ooba, the average homebuyer now puts down a deposit of around 15.4% of the purchase price, which is approximately R255,500.

However, first-time buyers generally put down less, with average deposits coming in at just under 10% (around R120,300).

“Many first-time buyers can still secure a 100% bond, especially if they have a solid credit record,” said Horne. “But it’s important to be realistic. Zero-deposit bonds are less common than they were.”

In the Western Cape, bond approval rates are among the highest in the country. Ooba reports an approval rate of around 86% in the region, compared to the national average of 83%, with well-qualified applicants often securing interest rates of prime minus 0.55%.

“We always recommend working with a bond originator early on; they’ll help you understand affordability, compare offers, and improve your chances of approval.”

3. What hidden costs should I budget for beyond the purchase price?

Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that the purchase price is just one part of the overall cost.

“Beyond your deposit, you’ll need to budget for transfer duty (if the property is over R1.1 million), bond registration fees, attorney costs, deeds office fees, and sometimes bank initiation charges,” said Horne. “Remember to factor in moving costs, municipal deposits, and any immediate maintenance.”

4. How do I know what a fair asking price is for a property?

Online listings and comparison tools can help, but nothing beats local expertise.

“Don’t just look at averages, assess the specifics of the home: location, condition, views, finishes, layout, and demand,” says Horne. “Our team also tracks recent sales in the area and advises on pricing strategies to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.”

5. Which areas offer the best investment potential right now?

Cape Town continues to shine in several key nodes – each offering something unique.

“The CBD, Sea Point, Green Point, and Gardens are ideal for investors and professionals thanks to strong rental markets and ongoing urban regeneration,” said Horne.

Family buyers and semigrants tend to favour the Southern Suburbs, particularly Claremont, Newlands, Constantia, and Bishopscourt, which offer excellent schools, space, and tranquillity. Bishopscourt, in particular, is one of Cape Town’s most prestigious addresses, offering privacy, large plots, and proximity to top schools.

Luxury sectional-title sales on the Atlantic Seaboard averaged R69,167 per square metre in early 2025, with many selling in under 40 days, according to Lightstone data.

“Each pocket offers a lifestyle proposition, from ocean-facing apartments to leafy suburban estates,” she adds.

6. Should I buy freehold or sectional title? What about mixed-use or secure estates?

Your ideal property type depends on your lifestyle and long-term goals.

Freehold homes are ideal for families needing space and privacy – common in the Southern Suburbs.

Sectional title apartments offer convenience, security, and low maintenance – perfect for professionals or investors.

Mixed-use developments in the CBD and surrounds appeal to buyers seeking flexible, urban lifestyles with co-working spaces or retail access.

Secure estates in Constantia, Bishopscourt, and Tokai remain popular with families and semigrants prioritising security and lifestyle.

“We work closely with clients to match property types with personal needs – it’s about finding that balance between practicality and aspiration,” said Horne.

7. Should I buy off-plan or opt for an existing home?

Off-plan homes offer attractive pricing, no transfer duty, and the potential for capital appreciation during construction. Existing homes, however, offer immediate occupation and certainty.

“It’s really about your priorities,” says Horne. “If you can wait and want a brand-new space with modern design, off-plan is a great option. But if you want to move quickly or prefer something established, an existing home is the better choice.”

8. What makes properties sell faster in Cape Town?

Two words: presentation and pricing.

“Overpriced homes tend to sit on the market, even in prime areas,” said Horne. “The properties that sell fastest are clean, uncluttered, and well-priced from day one.”

9. Should I renovate before listing my home for sale?

Not necessarily. Minor touch-ups can make a big difference, but large-scale renovations don’t always bring the return sellers hope for.

“Small things like fresh paint, updated lighting, or a neat garden can improve first impressions significantly,” said Horne.

10. Would renting out my property be smarter than selling it?

With strong rental demand in the CBD, Sea Point, and Green Point, many owners are choosing to rent rather than sell, especially if they don’t need immediate access to capital.

The Western Cape recorded 5.4% annual rental growth in Q1 2025, the highest in the country, while Cape Town apartments achieved average gross rental yields of 9.42%, according to the Global Property Guide.

“It’s a great way to earn income while your property continues to appreciate,” said Horne. “But you do need to be ready for the responsibilities of property management”. DG Properties offers rental services, tenant vetting, and ongoing support for landlords who want a more hands-off experience.”

How ‘Mr Joburg’ is reviving the city’s centre

In the heart of Johannesburg’s decaying central business district, where hijacked buildings and broken infrastructure have come to symbolise municipal failure, one man has spent three decades proving that private initiative can achieve what government neglect has undone.

Property developer Gerald Olitzki, dubbed “Mr Joburg”, has turned a once-blighted stretch of downtown into one of the few functional and profitable pockets of South Africa’s financial capital, writes Bloomberg. ahead of the G20 Leader’s Summit in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 November 2025.

Through his company, Olitzki Property Holdings (OPH), he manages more than ten city blocks centred on Gandhi Square, a bustling transport and commercial hub that now serves over 250,000 commuters daily.

Where refuse once piled up and crime ran rampant, there are now retail chains, restaurants, banks, gyms and small businesses – all kept running by private security, cleaning services, and strict management.

“We like to think – and perhaps it’s a bit arrogant – that we’re part of the revival, certainly of this section,” Olitzki said.

The turnaround began in the late 1980s, when Olitzki, then a lawyer, bought his first building in what was then Van der Bijl Square. “By fleeing, they literally left a vacuum,” he recalls of the white-owned firms that abandoned the inner city before the end of apartheid.

“I caught the beginning of the decline and then I really feasted on the absolute decline of the city.”

In 1998, the City of Johannesburg granted OPH a 45-year lease over the square. Three years later, it was renamed Gandhi Square, in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, who once worked nearby as a lawyer.

Today, Gandhi Square stands in stark contrast to the rest of the CBD — an area crippled by crime, poor service delivery and political instability. City data shows that around 180 buildings have been hijacked by criminal syndicates, with squatters paying illegal rent.

Since 2016, Johannesburg has had ten mayors amid a revolving-door coalition led by the ANC. Years of financial mismanagement, infrastructure collapse and power outages have hollowed out the city centre, leaving it dependent on private enterprise to keep critical services running.

“Gerald is the doyen of the CBD,” said property veteran Brian Azizollahoff. “He recognised that the city couldn’t be turned around to its original state, but that it could become something new.”

Olitzki’s model – reviving buildings one at a time, often by negotiating directly with illegal occupants instead of pursuing costly evictions — has proven both sustainable and profitable.

“Am I suggesting that we solved the problem?” he said. “We didn’t. They went and occupied another building. But we’ve shown it can be done.”

Today, Gandhi Square hosts small offices, clinics, salons and affordable retailers serving the city’s working class. A Spar franchise on the square sells low-cost meals like chicken feet and steamed dumplings to thousands of commuters daily – evidence of an economy built for those who actually use the city.

Despite the broader decay, Olitzki’s pocket of order stands as proof that Johannesburg’s inner city can still thrive with vision, pragmatism and persistence.

“There’s a perception that the city is dead,” Olitzki said. “But anybody who walks in our section can’t say that the city’s dead.”

With global attention set to turn to Johannesburg in a few weeks for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi stated this week that “Gauteng is ready” to host the global gathering.

The premier revealed a “comprehensive” plan to host the summit, including securing energy supply, and cleaning and preparation of public spaces.

“All primary electrification for key avenues and corridors is now complete with final minor work scheduled for timely conclusion in the next few weeks,” Lesufi said.

The energy plan also includes multiple layers of security, high mast solar lighting, the protection of cables and the installation of emergency generators.

Cleaning of public spaces – particularly the Joburg CBD – is also underway with grass being cut, litter picked up and illegal dumps being cleared.

“New street furniture and bins have been installed in key areas, including the Cradle of Humankind, where we expect to host more tourists who want to experience this wonder of the world.

“We have rehabilitated streetlights in almost all major routes,” he added.

Minister calls for evidence-based transformation in South Africa’s property sector

South Africa’s property industry must accelerate its transformation agenda through evidence-based policy, innovation and inclusive partnerships, says Human Settlements minister Thembi Simelane.

Speaking at the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Property Sector Research Colloquium hosted at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha, Simelane said the sector’s transformation was “not only overdue but essential” to drive inclusive economic growth.

“After more than 30 years of democracy, it is increasingly necessary to take stock of how far we have come in transforming the property landscape,” she said. “It is essential to rapidly transform the property sector to reflect the demographics of a democratic South Africa.”

The minister acknowledged progress in broadening access to land and housing and embedding transformation across the built environment.

However, she warned that deep structural inequalities and entrenched barriers continued to undermine the sector’s inclusivity.

“While there has been an encouraging increase in the number of black property practitioners, this growth emanates from an almost non-existent base,” Simelane said. “Revised BEE charters and targeted sector funding are commendable interventions, yet systemic and inclusive solutions are still needed.”

Simelane commended the collaboration between the PPRA, National Research Foundation (NRF) and Nelson Mandela University, describing it as a model for linking policy, research and implementation.

“Transformation cannot be achieved through legislation and regulation alone,” she said. “It must be informed by evidence, driven by innovation and sustained through inclusive partnerships.”

She emphasised that continuous, focused research was essential to guide policy, track progress and design corrective measures. “It is through forums like this that academia, regulators, practitioners and stakeholders can harmoniously craft the next phase of the transformation journey,” she said.

The minister also highlighted the growing influence of digital transformation in the sector, noting that technology should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a disruption.

“Digital tools can democratise property data, unlock new investment pathways and reduce barriers for small and emerging practitioners,” she said.

Simelane praised the PPRA for strengthening compliance and professionalism, the NRF for supporting research innovation, and NMU for its role as “a trusted partner in evidence-based transformation.”

She said these institutions would help shape a Property Sector Research Blueprint to guide future policy, investment and capacity development.

Looking ahead, Simelane called for stronger cooperation between government, regulators, academia and the private sector to unlock sustainable property markets and create jobs.

“We are reimagining our relationship with regulators, researchers and the private sector – not as separate actors but as co-designers and co-creators of feasible solutions,” she said.

Addressing young researchers and practitioners, Simelane urged them to lead the next phase of transformation.

“You are the architects and beneficiaries of the next 30 years of the property sector,” she said.

“Transformation is not a destination – it is a conscious, ongoing process led by those who believe in fairness, opportunity and progress for all.”

Power constraints threaten global data centre expansion amid soaring AI demand

The global data centre market is entering a new phase as artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates demand for next-generation infrastructure — but experts warn that capacity constraints and unprepared supply chains could slow growth.

According to the Data Centre Construction Cost Index 2025–2026 from global professional services company Turner & Townsend, 2025 marks an inflection point for the industry as it transitions from traditional, air-cooled facilities to high-density, liquid-cooled data centres designed to support AI workloads.

Analysis across 52 markets shows average global cost inflation of 5.5% for traditional data centres in 2025.

In the United States, the report identifies a 7–10% construction cost premium between traditional and AI-optimised facilities – highlighting the significant cost impact of more complex AI infrastructure.

However, Turner & Townsend’s survey of industry leaders reveals that power availability and supply chain readiness, rather than cost, are the biggest concerns.

83% of respondents said local supply chains are not adequately prepared to deliver the advanced cooling systems required, while 48 percent identified power availability as the top barrier to on-time delivery.

The report calls for innovation in energy-efficient design to help mitigate growing power challenges.

Globally, Tokyo and Singapore remain the most expensive markets for data centre construction – at $15.2 and $14.5 per watt, respectively – followed by Zurich at $14.2 per watt.

Other established hubs such as Silicon Valley ($13.3), London ($12.0) and Frankfurt ($11.6) also feature in the global top tier.

Lagos and Cape Town are the most expensive African markets for data centre construction, at $10.50 and $10.33 per watt, respectively. Johannesburg follows at $10.06 per watt, while Nairobi remains the most cost-effective, at $9.74 per watt.

Turner & Townsend sector lead Paul Barry, noted that power availability remains a critical barrier, with grid connection lead times and growing competition for power among businesses and consumers adding pressure to already constrained networks.

In Africa, data centre development continues to move at pace as digital adoption, cloud services, and AI demand reshape the continent’s connectivity landscape.

“Africa’s data centre sector reflects a burgeoning digital landscape, driven by demand for cloud services, data storage and connectivity,” said Wendy Cerutti, director and lead for Turner & Townsend’s Data Centre Construction Cost Index.

Global technology giants including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google have invested heavily, with Microsoft committing over $1 billion to cloud regions in South Africa and Nigeria, accelerating connectivity and infrastructure growth.

In South Africa, Vantage, NTT, Equinix, Open Access Data Centres and Teraco are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in expansion projects. Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is also advancing, led by Airtel Nxtra’s $300 million data centre in Lagos, capable of delivering over 30MW of IT load, and a 7MW facility in Kenya.

Other developments include WIOCC’s Open Access Data Centres in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and South Africa, as well as Raxio’s $200 million investment in Ivory Coast.

Supportive government policies – such as tax incentives and streamlined regulations – are encouraging further foreign investment, particularly where sustainability and renewable energy integration are priorities.

“Regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to slow approvals and implementation,” Cerutti noted. “There is also growing concern regarding cybersecurity as the expansion of digital infrastructure increases vulnerability to cyber-attacks.”

Africa currently accounts for just 1% of global digital infrastructure despite representing 20 percent of the world’s population — underscoring vast untapped potential.

“Overall, considering Africa has only one percent of the global digital infrastructure while being home to 20% of the world’s population, its data centre sector is poised for significant growth… The incorporation of AI capabilities and edge computing should play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.”

Booming coastal property market drives record land prices in this one emerging wealth belt in South Africa

South Africa’s national housing market recovery continues apace, lifted by improving economic sentiment, fuelled by a series of interest rate cuts – with the prospect of further rate relief, and supported by contained inflation, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

“The outlook is further buoyed by an anticipated reduction in fuel prices and, notably, the country’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, all of which is positive for investor confidence in general.”

National house price growth remains on an upward trajectory, rising to +4.0% in September 2025, according to the Pam Golding Residential Property Index, with the Western Cape continuing to lead with annual growth of +7.9%.

Planned residential building activity is also rebounding, driven by a marked increase in approvals for flats and apartments, particularly in prime Western Cape markets.

“In the luxury and ultra luxury segment, the Western Cape and Cape Town in particular continues to experience high levels of demand, particularly in the City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, where achieved property prices of R50 million and even beyond R100 million are no longer unusual exceptions,” said Golding.

Prices are surpassing expectations amid significant interest from a mix of local, national, and international buyers, he added.

Pam Golding Properties reported R634 million in sales within just two days of launching Beachwood Coastal Estate, a beachfront development on Durban North’s beachfront.

This milestone set a new benchmark for land values in the province, achieving over R10,000 per square metre. Purchasers included primarily local buyers, as well as buyers and investors from upcountry, Dubai, and Tokyo, with villas selling for up to R25 million, apartments around R15 million, and vacant erven reaching R20 million for 1 700sqm.

The same sized plot in in Sibaya Precinct in Umhlanga is on the market for R15 million.

At R10,000/m², even a modest 550 m² stand costs R5.5 million, while a larger 1 000 m² coastal erf would reach R10 million — before construction costs.

Dr Golding said in Johannesburg the luxury market appears to be slowly but surely reviving, with high-net-worth buyers originating mainly from within South Africa and other African nations.

“These buyers are drawn to secure, amenity-rich estates or to established suburbs offering boomed, access-controlled streets that combine strong community appeal with enhanced security, without the constraints of estate living. Proximity to leading schools, business hubs, and lifestyle amenities remains a key consideration, with Sandton, Fourways, and Midrand standing out as preferred nodes.”

Here’s what’s driving change in South Africa’s property market

The pace of technological change in the global property industry has never been faster.

From Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual tours to blockchain and digital transactions, innovation is reshaping how homes are marketed, bought, sold, financed, and managed.

Meridian Realty principal and founder Antonie Goosen noted that Virtual tours now allow prospective homeowners to explore listings from anywhere in the world, offering a realistic, immersive walkthrough without leaving the couch.

This shift has made property viewing more efficient, particularly for remote or international buyers, and has opened up new opportunities for cross-border investment and semigration.

The global VR property-tour market is projected to reach $80 billion by 2025, with more than 1.4 million real estate professionals already using the technology. For South Africa, this presents an opportunity to showcase premium homes to international investors who cannot attend physical viewings, Goosen pointed out.

AR technology takes the experience even further. It enables buyers to visualise a property with different furnishings, finishes, or layouts — creating an emotional connection that static photographs can’t match.

Studies show that listings with AR content can attract four times more buyer enquiries and sell up to 75% faster.

“This technology helps buyers visualise their future lifestyle,” saidGoosen. “They are not just looking at a house, they are imagining a home.”

Through tokenisation, physical properties can be divided into digital shares that investors can trade like stocks, offering liquidity in what has traditionally been an illiquid asset class.

“This creates liquidity in what has traditionally been an illiquid asset class,” explained Goosen. “It makes it possible for smaller investors to participate in the property market, reduces transaction costs and improves transparency through the use of smart contracts.”

Analysts predict that tokenised real estate could represent 15% of global property transactions by 2030, amounting to a potential $3 trillion market.

Although South Africa has yet to adopt tokenisation widely, experts say it’s only a matter of time.

“The technology already exists,” said Goosen. “The question now is when the regulatory and financial environment will catch up. Once it does, tokenisation could fundamentally change how we think about property ownership and investment.”

“Some reports suggest that virtual-tour adoption in the property sector has increased by nearly 200% in just a few years,” said Goosen.

Another innovation reshaping the market is fractional ownership – a co-ownership model that allows several buyers to purchase and share the use of a high-end holiday home. It provides access to luxury properties that might otherwise be unaffordable while ensuring premium homes don’t sit vacant for most of the year.

“Fractional ownership platforms are growing rapidly across the world,” said Goosen. “It is a smart and sustainable way to unlock value in the leisure property market. As South Africans become more comfortable with shared-economy models, we can expect to see increased interest in co-ownership opportunities.”

Of all the emerging technologies, Artificial Intelligence is proving the most transformative. AI tools can analyse buyer behaviour, automate listings, generate content, qualify leads, and even predict which properties are most likely to sell next.

“AI will soon be the invisible co-pilot inside every successful agency,” Goosen stated. “It will handle repetitive tasks like data entry, marketing scheduling and lead follow-ups, allowing agents to spend more time on what truly matters, building relationships and closing deals.”

Despite all the innovation, Goosen believes that real estate remains, at its core, a people business. “The agencies that will succeed are those that combine data-driven efficiency with empathy, communication and personal service. The future is not something we are waiting for — it is already here, and it is reshaping our industry in extraordinary ways.”

South Africa rides global surge in luxury property sales

Knight Frank data shows luxury housing markets buoyed by demand in Dubai, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

Global sales of super-prime homes – properties priced above US$10 million – rose sharply in the second quarter of 2025, extending the market’s upward trajectory amid resilient wealth creation and strong international capital flows.

According to Knight Frank’s latest data, 590 transactions were recorded across 12 major global cities between April and June – up 19% from the 497 deals completed in the same period last year.

The aggregate value of these sales climbed even faster, jumping 33% year-on-year to $11.8 billion, compared with $8.9 billion in Q2 2024.

Putting it into a South African perspective, luxury property sales continue to scale new heights. The Pentagon on Nettleton Road in Clifton was reportedly sold for R157 million recently one of the country’s highest residential transactions to date.

Other listings in a similar price range currently on the market include a five-bedroom home in Pinnacle Point Golf Estate near Mossel Bay, priced at R179.9 million, and a five-bedroom residence in Fresnaye, Cape Town, listed for R160 million.

In the first nine months of 2025, a total of 146 homes valued above R20 million were sold nationwide, the majority of which were in Cape Town. This already surpasses the total number and value of luxury sales recorded during the whole of 2024 – a clear indication of the market’s continued strength.

Fifteen sales were recorded above R50 million. Among this year’s record-breaking transactions are four properties sold for more than R100 million — two in Clifton and two in Constantia — highlighting sustained demand at the very top end of the market.

Dubai once again dominated by transaction count, with 143 sales worth $2.6 billion, cementing its position as the world’s most active super-prime market.

However, New York closed the gap significantly, recording 120 deals valued at $2.9 billion – making it the largest global market by total value for the first time since late 2021.

Knight Frank attributed the city’s resurgence to renewed demand for luxury condominiums and high-end townhouse resales.

In the US, Los Angeles posted a major rebound, logging 73 deals worth US$1.6 billion – its strongest quarterly performance since early 2021 – driven by brisk activity in Beverly Hills and Malibu.

Hong Kong also saw a strong comeback, with 53 transactions totalling $1.0 billion, reflecting pent-up demand despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.

London recorded 45 deals valued at $900 million, down 13% year-on-year, as ongoing tax changes continued to dampen activity.

However, the city’s Q2 performance improved on Q1 levels, suggesting that opportunistic buyers are beginning to capitalise on lower prices in the capital’s prime market.

Knight Frank cautions that while momentum remains robust, the global super-prime sector faces a more complex macroeconomic landscape.

Trump’s proposed tariffs remain a key unknown, but so far the global economy appears to be looking through them, the report noted, adding that wealth creation and cross-border capital flows remain resilient.

In the UK, continued tax pressures are expected to weigh on performance, although softer pricing may attract overseas buyers. Hong Kong’s luxury market is forecast to extend its revival through the second half of 2025, while Los Angeles is likely to sustain its rebound on the back of strong single-family home demand.

Perhaps the most notable trend, however, is the return of New York. After several muted years, the city’s super-prime sector “is firmly back in contention and may well challenge Dubai’s dominance by year-end,” Knight Frank said.

“The global super-prime market continues to surprise on the upside,” said Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank. “Dubai holds its lead, but New York’s resurgence and strong rebounds in Los Angeles and Hong Kong highlight the depth and diversity of demand. While investors will need to navigate a more complex macroeconomic environment, we expect momentum to be sustained,” said Liam Bailey, global head of research at Knight Frank.

New R600 million shopping centre opens in South Africa’s busiest corridor

Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre has officially opened, introducing a new mixed-use retail destination to the Kyalami–Waterfall area.

Developed and owned by Century Property Developments, the R600 million centre occupies a prime site at the corner of Allandale and President Roads.

The development pays tribute to its origins as a working mushroom farm bordering the historic Waterval Farm, now part of Waterfall Estates.

Designed with input from local residents, the 27,000m² centre features over 50 retail, dining, and service offerings, positioned around a central piazza intended to serve as a community hub.

“This is not your typical mall. Customers can expect something different the moment they arrive. Every detail has been crafted to offer convenience shopping that enhances daily life – from the layout and architecture to the tenant mix and pet-friendly spaces,” said Japie Vos, project manager at Century Property Developments.

“The result is a fresh take on convenience, combining shopping, signature restaurants, offices and a medical facility in a contemporary village setting.”

Retail and dining mix

The centre’s retail experience is anchored by a 9,000m² Checkers Hyper and a 1,300m² Dis-Chem, complemented by fashion retailers such as WW Edit, Mr Price, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Contempo and Kingsmead Shoes.

Home and décor outlets include @Home, Dial-a-Bed, Mr Price Home, Pep Home, Volpes and Johannesburg’s first Mambos Storage and Home.

Health and beauty tenants range from BOA Beauty Bar, Sorbet and Niche Perfumes to Spec Savers and Barberland, while PNA, The Crazy Store and Bargain Books serve everyday shopping needs.

Dining options include Baglios-Porchinis, Dough & Co, Biltong Republic, Wimpy, Seattle Coffee, Pizza Baby, Tasty Gallos and Yiko Asian Eatery.

Additional restaurants such as Bootleggers, Blu Bam Boo Fusion Kitchen, Butcher Boys Prime Steakhouse and Luna Lusa are set to open in the coming weeks. The Whippet will open on 6 November.

Three drive-through outlets – Mugg & Bean, Steers and KFC – have also been incorporated.

Designed by BAR Architects and built by Archstone Construction, the architecture combines natural textures with contemporary design. High ceilings, glass brickwork and cedar finishes reference the site’s agricultural past.

The development includes medical and office suites on the upper level, with retail and restaurant terraces overlooking the landscape.

Accessibility is prioritised through 1,150 parking bays, 96 taxi bays, 60 motorbike bays, and dedicated zones for ride-hailing and delivery services.

Major road upgrades to Allandale Road and the K73, completed during the construction phase, have improved regional connectivity.

The centre incorporates a 2.1MVA solar plant, borehole and rainwater systems, and low-flow plumbing, ensuring operations during power outages.

Construction, which began in September 2024, created 2,100 jobs, with local suppliers and artisans contributing to the build and interior artworks.

A second phase of the development is already planned for 2026, expanding on what Century Property Developments describes as a ‘next-generation’ neighbourhood centre model.