Gauteng’s next big property story may not be semigration, but first-time buyers. As affordability becomes a serious barrier in parts of the Western Cape, Gauteng is emerging as one of the few major urban markets where younger buyers can still realistically get onto the property ladder.
“Gauteng still offers first-time buyers something increasingly valuable, a genuine entry point into home ownership,” says Antonie Goosen, principal and founder of Meridian Realty. “That could become one of the most important drivers of the provincial property market over the next few years.”
According to ooba Home Loans data for the first four months of 2026, first-time buyers accounted for 44.2% of home loan applications in Johannesburg and 57% in Gauteng South and East. The average purchase price paid by first-time buyers in Johannesburg rose 21,8% year-on-year to about R1,38-million.
Goosen cautions that this should not be read as evidence of a Gauteng property boom.
“The more interesting story is not that prices are suddenly running away,” says Goosen. “It is that people can still enter the market here. There are properties at price points where a first-time buyer with a reasonable income and access to finance can realistically become an owner.”
That contrasts with parts of the Western Cape, where strong demand has pushed prices beyond the reach of many younger buyers. Cape Town remains a strong residential market, but affordability has become a growing challenge.
Gauteng offers a different proposition. Johannesburg, Pretoria, the East Rand and surrounding areas provide apartments, townhouses and freestanding homes across a wide range of price brackets.
“The first property does not need to be the dream property,” says Goosen. “It needs to be a sound property that you can afford, in an area where people want to live, and which gives you the opportunity to start building equity.”
Compromise on size before location
First-time buyers are often tempted to chase square metres, but Goosen says bigger is not necessarily better.
“I would generally compromise on size before I compromise too heavily on location,” says Goosen. “A smaller property in a good area with sustained demand can make more sense than a large property where resale demand is weak.”
Don’t dismiss sectional title
The traditional idea of a first home as a freestanding house with a garage and garden can make entering the market unnecessarily difficult. Apartments and townhouses can provide access to suburbs buyers might otherwise not afford.
“Buying an apartment or townhouse as your first property is not settling for second best,” says Goosen. “In the right scheme and location, it can be an extremely sensible way to enter the market.”
But buyers should investigate the body corporate’s financial health, levies, maintenance history and possible special levies.
“You can compromise on having your own garden,” says Goosen. “You should not compromise on buying into a badly managed scheme.”
Compromise on finishes, not fundamentals
An old kitchen or dated bathroom can be improved over time. Structural defects, serious damp, poor security or a bad location are far harder to correct.
“One of the easiest mistakes is falling in love with finishes,” says Goosen. “A beautiful kitchen does not compensate for structural problems, poor security or a bad location.”
Conversely, a dated but structurally sound property can offer opportunity. “Paint and cupboards can be changed. Location cannot,” says Goosen.
Don’t buy at the limit of what the bank offers
Goosen says buyers should distinguish between what a bank will lend and what they can comfortably afford.
“If the bank says you qualify for R1,5-million, it does not automatically mean you should buy a R1,5-million property,” says Goosen. “There is enormous value in leaving some space in your monthly budget.”
Rates, levies, insurance, maintenance and unexpected repairs all need to be considered alongside the bond repayment.
“Your first home should help you build financial security, not leave you financially stretched every month,” says Goosen.
That affordability equation may prove to be one of Gauteng’s biggest advantages. South Africa’s largest economic hub still offers homes at prices that allow younger buyers to participate.
“For years the property discussion has concentrated on where existing homeowners are moving,” says Goosen. “Perhaps the next big story should be about the people buying their first home.”
“The important thing is to buy something sound, buy something you can afford and get onto the ladder,” he says.