Forbes Global Properties has officially launched in South Africa. The firm will represent the country’s premier residences, from architectural masterpieces, iconic estates, coastal retreats to rare lifestyle retreats, using a highly selective, relationship‑driven approach.
Keegan Steyn, founder and CEO of South Africa | Forbes Global Properties says, “We are proud to define a new benchmark in South Africa. By combining deep local knowledge with the international reach of Forbes Global Properties, we are ensuring that the country’s most coveted homes are represented with the visibility, distinction, and sophistication they deserve.”
Many foreign buyers begin researching homes prior to arriving in SA. As part of the Forbes Global Properties network – spanning 35 countries, 600+ locations, and 20 000 property experts – the South African arm will leverage Forbes’ audience of 167 million monthly digital visitors to connect affluent buyers and sellers worldwide.
South Africa’s luxury property market continues to appeal to high‑net‑worth individuals – both local and international – as a lifestyle asset and a way to broaden their wealth base. According to Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property: “Global buyers are comparing South Africa with other prime destinations and realising they can get space, setting, lifestyle and long‑term benefits here at prices that are hard to match elsewhere.”
Lightstone Property’s research shows that while foreign buyers make up only about 6% of South Africa’s overall housing market (2016-2025), their footprint in the luxury segment is significant –15% of sales between R4m and R10m, 26% in the R10m to R20m range, and 39% of transactions above R20m.
Regional snapshot
| Constantia (Cape Town) | Umhlanga (Durban) | Sandton (Johannesburg) | |
| Average price | *R19.8 million, with top estates exceeding R60 million | *R8.1 million, with luxury estates ranging R11.5m-R35m | *Freestanding homes in Bryanston, Hyde Park, Morningside often exceed R17m. High‑density luxury units near Sandton City priced R4m-R9m |
| Lifestyle appeal | Near wine estates, large plots, heritage homes, luxury features, lush suburb, and close proximity to elite schools | Coastal lifestyle, lush scenery, secure estate living, and modern apartments | Urban sophistication, close proximity to financial district, secure estates and high-rise apartments |
| Investor appeal | Strong capital appreciation, limited supply, and high demand from affluent local and international buyers | Consistent rental demand from professionals and holidaymakers | Strong rental yields in corporate/executive segment, long‑term value in secure estates |
(*Data sourced from Propflow360, July 2026.)
From a local buyer’s perspective, the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee held the repo rate steady at 7%, leaving the prime lending rate at 10.5% (23 July 2026) offering a level of stability. International buyers remain largely shielded from domestic lending costs.
