Popular inland hotspots where you will want to live
Published February 2025
Several inland areas around the country have become increasingly popular with buyers looking for affordable living close to economic opportunities. “Although often overlooked in favour of coastal destinations, we are seeing growing interest in popular inland hotspots. This is where younger buyers can afford to invest in property,” says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s National Head of Sales.
Free State
A regional review of BetterBond’s intake last year reveals a strong demand for homes in the Free State. Bloemfontein accounted for 1 118 transactions – outperforming any other town in the province. House prices in the City of Roses have also increased from R980 000 in 2024 to over R1 million this year, according to Property24. Most of the buyers were between the ages of 36 and 49. This suggests that the city is a popular option for families drawn to its more laidback lifestyle. “This town ticks many boxes – affordable and varied property options, proximity to a range of educational institutions and an appealing lifestyle,” says Bendall.
Limpopo and North West
“Limpopo is fast gaining a reputation as one of the fastest-growing inland regions in the country,” says Bendall. In 2023, average house prices in Polokwane, where most of the sales activity occurs, increased to over R1 million. The average house price in Hoedspruit, with its wide offering of lifestyle estates in the heart of the Lowveld, is double that at over R2 million. This town has also become increasingly attractive to international buyers, adds Bendall. “They visit the Kruger National Park and fall in love with the area’s natural beauty and idyllic lifestyle.”
Lightstone has reported a significant increase in the semigration of buyers to areas adjacent to urban areas. In the 12 months to September 2024, the percentage of the population living adjacent to larger urban areas increased from 4.4% to 5.7%. Many of these buyers chose to invest in property in Polokwane in Limpopo and Rustenburg in the North West. This shift is reflected in BetterBond’s bond application intake for 2024.
Gauteng
Johannesburg remains the property powerhouse of this region, accounting for 5 820 of BetterBond’s application intake in 2024. The province has enjoyed a rebound in recent months. Most of the sales activity is in the affordable sector of the market for homes of around the R800 000 price point. As the country’s economic hub, Gauteng remains an attractive investment option, says Bendall. But the real activity is happening in the Johannesburg South East, says Bendall. This is where buyers are seeking a range of property options in suburbs such as Bedfordview, Edenvale and Greenstone.
In the past 12 months, BetterBond has recorded a 6% year-on-year increase in bond applications for homes in this region. “Significantly, the applications from first-time buyers increased by a substantial 17% in the past year.” According to BetterBond’s January Property Brief, 20% of all bonds granted in the past 12 months were in Johannesburg South East – making it the top ranking region for home loans granted. “This region offers easy access to airports and major centres, good value for money and a range of property types to suit all buyers’ needs,” says Bendall.
Offering better value for money than neighbouring Johannesburg, Tshwane has the largest number of freestanding properties in private estates of any metro in the country. The administrative capital has plenty to offer – from cultural attractions and outdoor activities to excellent educational options. It’s not surprising that BetterBond granted 3 895 loans to buyers in this town in the past 12 months.
Mpumalanga
Often viewed as a holiday destination because of popular attractions such as the Kruger National Park, this province is earning its stripes as a sought-after residential option. Lightstone reported last year that Mbombela (Nelspruit) reported sales of between R5 million and R10 million for luxury homes in lifestyle estates. “It’s not surprising that this town was the top performer in the province last year when looking at BetterBond’s home loan volumes,” says Bendall. Buyers are drawn to the natural beauty of the area as well as the economic opportunities which its coal, tourism and agricultural sectors offer. Property24 reports that the average sales price has increased from R1.2 million in 2024 to R1.975 this year.
Western Cape
Popular because of its abundant natural beauty, the Western Cape remains the top performing province. Coastal areas account for much of the market activity – at least 25% more sales than inland areas, according to Lightstone. However, this is not to say that its inland areas have nothing to offer. “We are seeing towns further away from the coast making a mark on the property market. This is because of their unique offering and comparative affordability,” says Bendall. Paarl and Somerset West both featured prominently in BetterBond’s loan application intake for 2024. Paarl forms part of the Cape Winelands, a region with the sixth-highest number of high-net-worth individuals in Africa. The town is also popular with families because of the many school options in the area. In addition the proximity to Cape Town and Stellenbosch which both offer world-class tertiary education.
Lightstone has identified Somerset West as among the towns attracting the most semigrants from other parts of the country. “This is supported by BetterBond’s intake data which shows it to be one of the most popular inland areas in the Western Cape.” The town offers various property options for first-time buyers, families and retirees. Average sale prices, according to Property24, are around R1.7 million.
Once overlooked in favour of their seaside counterparts, popular inland hotspots are becoming increasingly sought-after residential markets for buyers seeking a range of property options at competitive prices, concludes Bendall.