Forbes Global Properties has officially launched its first presence on the African continent with the opening of South Africa | Forbes Global Properties. Operating with a highly selective, relationship-driven approach, the firm will represent the country’s premier residential properties—ranging from architectural masterpieces and historic estates to high-end coastal residences and rare lifestyle retreats.
The local arm will leverage the reach of Forbes Global Properties—a network spanning 35 countries, more than 600 locations, and over 20,000 property experts—alongside Forbes’ digital audience of 167 million monthly visitors to connect affluent buyers and sellers globally.
“We are proud to define a new benchmark in South Africa,” says Keegan Steyn, founder and CEO of South Africa | Forbes Global Properties. “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.”
Global interest in South African prime property
South Africa’s luxury housing market continues to attract high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) as both a lifestyle asset and a means to diversify wealth portfolios.
“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,” notes Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property.
Research from Lightstone Property reveals that while international buyers account for approximately 6% of South Africa’s total housing market (2016–2025), their market footprint expands significantly within upper-tier price points:
- R4m to R10m bracket: Foreign buyers account for 15% of sales.
- R10m to R20m bracket: Foreign buyers account for 26% of sales.
- Above R20m bracket: Foreign buyers represent 39% of total transactions.
Regional market snapshot
Data compiled by Propflow360 (July 2026) highlights key metrics across South Africa’s top luxury residential hubs:
| Region | Average Price & Upper Bracket | Lifestyle Appeal | Investor Appeal |
| Constantia (Cape Town) | R19.8 million average; top estates exceed R60 million | Proximity to wine estates, large plots, heritage homes, luxury features, lush suburb, and top-tier schools | Strong capital appreciation, limited land supply, and high demand from affluent local and international buyers |
| Umhlanga (Durban) | R8.1 million average; luxury estates range R11.5m – R35m | Subtropical coastal lifestyle, lush scenery, secure estate living, and modern high-rise apartments | Consistent rental demand driven by corporate professionals and holidaymakers |
| Sandton (Johannesburg) | Freestanding homes in Bryanston, Hyde Park & Morningside exceed R17m; high-density luxury units near Sandton City priced R4m – R9m | Urban sophistication, immediate proximity to the financial district, secure gated estates, and luxury high-rises | Strong rental yields in the corporate/executive segment; long-term value preservation in secure estates |
Interest rates and domestic market stability
For local purchasers, the South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee held the repo rate steady at 7.00% (with the prime lending rate remaining at 10.50% following its July 2026 decision), bringing a layer of predictability to domestic borrowing costs. Meanwhile, international buyers purchasing in hard currency remain largely unaffected by domestic interest rates, taking advantage of favorable exchange rates to secure premium real estate.
