Lightstone

08/05/2026

The biggest housing market is still the least financed.

Lightstone’s latest bond data shows a clear divide between the mortgage-led Middle-Upper market and the Affordable market, where access to formal finance remains limited.

Affordable first-time buyer transactions fell from 32 000 in 2021 to 22 000 in 2025 - pointing to a deeper access challenge in South Africa’s housing market.

Read more: https://corporate.lightstone.co.za/result/Articles/23451?DateFormat=MMM%20yyyy

07/05/2026

We are looking forward to the Harcourts Conference on 11 May. If you are attending, visit the Lightstone and Prop Data stand to explore how our data and tools can support your business, from valuation confidence to targeted prospecting.

Whether you are focused on pricing accuracy, client trust or growth, we are here to help you work smarter with data.

See you there.

06/05/2026

Johannesburg’s CBD may be showing early signs of renewed property activity, but the recovery story remains complex.

Hayley Ivins-Downes, Managing Executive: Real Estate at Lightstone, joined Talk Radio 702’s The Money Show to discuss what Lightstone’s data reveals about the inner city — from residential conversions and mixed-use redevelopment to affordable housing projects beginning to change parts of the CBD.

The key takeaway?

Encouraging pockets of investment and redevelopment are emerging, but property performance across Johannesburg remains uneven. For investors and property professionals, understanding hyper-local market signals remains essential before making decisions.

Listen to the full interview here:
https://omny.fm/shows/the-money-show/is-johannesburg-s-cbd-staging-a-property-comeback

06/05/2026

❓How is the drop in younger buyers affecting your business?

📊Answer the poll: https://hubs.ly/Q04ffhcl0

04/05/2026

Jozi is bouncing back… or is it?

There’s growing talk of a Johannesburg recovery but what does the data actually say?

Hayley Ivins-Downes joined Moneyweb@Midday to break it down, highlighting that while some areas are seeing strong activity, the broader picture is still mixed.
It’s a reminder that behind the headlines, real insight comes from the numbers.

Listen to the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMYCebbKKak.

1 like. "[TOP STORY] Joburg revival talk grows but property data contradicts it"

04/05/2026

Johannesburg has long been associated with decline, but the data suggests that story is changing.

From the successful launch of Jozi My Jozi’s Open Streets Sundays on Main Street to increased private-sector investment, there is a new energy in the heart of the city. While the inner city still faces hurdles, the property market is showing important signs of life:

- Transaction volumes are up: Activity in the CBD increased between 2021 and 2025 comparted to the prior five years.
- Redevelopment is accelerating: The number of properties being transacted points to major repurposing projects.
- New opportunities: Residential conversions and mixed-use developments are creating a new blueprint for urban living.

Johannesburg isn’t “there” yet but it may be closer to a comeback than many think. Get the full insights here: https://corporate.lightstone.co.za/result/Articles/23090?DateFormat=MMM%20yyyy.

30/04/2026

What does smarter real estate decision-making look like in 2026?
At the Harcourts Conference, Lightstone and Prop Data will showcase how data-led insights are enabling:

• More accurate pricing strategies
• Better client conversations
• Stronger lead generation and conversion

In a market where confidence is driven by knowledge, access to the right intelligence makes the difference.

Visit our stand on 11 May to learn more about how our tools support better outcomes across the property value chain.

30/04/2026

The latest property data shows a worrying shift:

🔑 Young buyers (18–35) are dropping out: sales in this bracket have fallen from 72 000 in 2014 to just 47 000 in 2025.
🔑 Market volume is tightening: Fewer properties are being sold overall across most provinces
🔑 Price divergence: Value growth is concentrating at the top end of the market

This points to growing affordability pressure that could change the future of homeownership in South Africa.

What does this mean for buyers, sellers, and the market?
Read more: https://corporate.lightstone.co.za/result/Articles/23078?DateFormat=MMM%20yyyy.

28/04/2026

Calling all property professionals! Don’t miss your chance to gain powerful insights about your local market at the free annual Lightstone Property Seminars!

Why attend:
· Expert insights
· Localised property trends
· Networking with fellow Estate Agents

Book your seat here: https://tinyurl.com/bdhyvazs
Booking is essential and seats are limited – secure yours today!

We’re looking forward to connecting with Estate Agents across the country to share the latest insights into the South African property market, latest updates to the Lightstone Property Toolkit, insights from our partners and to give you a closer look at the data and reports shaping property decisi...

28/04/2026

Cape Town homeowners don’t miss the deadline. If your municipal valuation looks too high, you have until 30 April to object. Check your property’s estimated market value using trusted data before time runs out.

Access the Property Value Buyer Report on https://www.ezrates.co.za/.

24/04/2026

Pricing gaps are widening. Hidden risks are catching unprepared investors. At the same time, clear opportunities are emerging for those who know where to look.

This breakdown unpacks where the market is moving, what’s driving the change, and which areas smart investors are targeting right now.

If you’re making property decisions in this cycle, this is insight you can’t afford to miss.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/J3Th4Rwh4Ik