Is 2026 the right time to buy your first home? Insights from property experts
Property experts say 2026 may be a good year for first-time homebuyers.
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REMAX Southern Africa predicts that 2026 could be a good year for those renting to look at buying their first property.
REMAX said a positive factor in favour of first-time buyers is that interest rates are expected to ease even further while rental prices are expected to rise.
“Many South Africans have delayed buying because the price gap between renting and owning felt too wide during the height of the interest rate cycle,” says Adrian Goslett, CEO and Regional Director of REMAX Southern Africa.
“Fortunately, the landscape is shifting and if current forecasts hold up, 2026 could be the year when renting and buying costs are close enough that ownership becomes the smarter long-term move.”
One of the main driving factors towards home ownership is the ongoing easing in borrowing costs. In November 2025, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced that interest rates will be cut by 0.25%, lowering the repo rate to 6.75% and the prime lending rate at 10.25%. While this may seem like a small rate change, it can have a significant impact on first-time homebuyers.
According to a post on the REMAX Blog, Goslett commented on this change noting that, “As a result of stagnant economic growth, this small rate cut can provide a financial buffer for homeowners and prospective buyers across the country.” Even small decreases in the prime lending rate can translate into meaningful monthly bond savings, lifting affordability and improving approval chances for first-time buyers.
REMAX Southern Africa said those looking to buy a home 2026 should start preparing now by checking their credit profile, understanding their affordability range, and comparing rental costs to potential bond repayments.
For renters, another key factor is rental inflation. PayProp’s national rental data reported that average rents have been rising at an increasing speed over the last eight years, reaching around 5.6% year-on-year early this year.
In many areas across South Africa, these increases in rental prices have outpaced wage growth, steadily narrowing the cost gap between renting and buying.
Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, also noted that the share of tenants in arrears rose to 17.2% in Q3 2025, the highest since Q3 2024.
Stevens said if inflation expectations remain anchored and borrowing costs continue to ease over time, the property market has room to strengthen.
His advice for buyers in 2026 is to focus less on finding “the perfect time” and more on finding the right property at the right price in the right area.