A growing startup in South Africa is reimagining how affordable housing can be developed in underserved communities.
Bitprop, founded in 2019, partners with township homeowners to construct and manage small backyard rental units—often at no upfront cost to the landowner.
According to Bloomberg, this model is providing much-needed income for residents and helping address the country’s severe housing deficit.
One standout example is 70-year-old Nonkosi Klaas from Langa township, who now earns more than the national median income through rentals on her property. Bitprop builds the flats on homeowners’ land, oversees rentals, and maintains the properties, offering homeowners a 15% share of rental income and full ownership after 10 years.
Backed by high-profile investors, including South African billionaire Christo Wiese, the company plans to significantly expand its footprint. Wiese has pledged R100 million to support growth, matching all capital raised so far. Bitprop aims to grow from around 600 to 1,250 units by 2027.
While the initiative is seen as a practical and scalable solution to the affordable housing gap, it also faces challenges, such as pressure on local infrastructure and long-term sustainability once units transfer to homeowner control.
Still, the programme is already doubling the income of participating homeowners—most of whom are women—and providing legal, structurally sound housing with utility connections in communities often overlooked by traditional development.
