Self-employed South Africans are buying their first homes in record numbers

Our take

Three signals here deserve attention from anyone active in the SA property market. First, the self-employed surge is real and structural, not a blip. A 33% jump in loan registrations suggests lenders are finally building products that account for variable income — good news for freelancers, gig workers, and small-business owners who have long been turned away at the bond application stage. If you fall into this category, it is worth approaching multiple banks and a bond originator rather than assuming rejection. Second, Gauteng's growing dominance — nearly half of all first-time transactions — points to where affordability and economic opportunity are converging. Buyers priced out of Cape Town's market are clearly looking north. Third, the threefold rise in single female buyers is a structural household shift, not a statistical quirk. Agents and developers serving the affordable segment should be tailoring their offerings and communication accordingly. Sectional title stock near employment hubs will remain in demand as younger, solo buyers prioritise accessibility over space.