South Africa’s interest-rate cycle has shifted, and the conversation has changed. The repo rate is currently 6.75%, with the prime lending rate at 10.25%. Rates were held at the South African Reserve Bank’s January 2026 meeting, signalling a period of relative stability rather than sharp movement.
This does not mean every property will sell quickly or at any price. It does mean sellers need to be more deliberate about timing, pricing, and presentation.
What’s happening in the property market right now
The property market is not uniform. It operates in micro-markets defined by suburb, price band, and buyer profile.
Lower interest rates have improved affordability for buyers who qualify, and this has increased enquiry levels in many areas. At the same time, buyers remain cautious. They are selective, well informed, and less willing to compromise.
In practical terms, this usually results in:
- More enquiries for well-priced, well-presented homes
- Strong activity in popular suburbs and secure estates
- Longer decision-making periods for higher-value or discretionary purchases
Why stock levels matter more than headlines
For sellers, the most important factor is not national sentiment. It is local supply.
If there are only a few comparable homes available in your suburb or estate, sellers often have more leverage. If there is an oversupply of similar properties, buyers compare aggressively and negotiate harder.
Before listing, it is important to understand:
- How many comparable homes are currently for sale
- How long those properties have been on the market
- Whether prices are being reduced
- What recent homes have actually sold for, not what they were listed at
This information shapes both pricing strategy and expectations.
Interest rates are stable, but buyers are still cautious
Stable interest rates improve affordability, but they do not remove buyer caution.
Buyers today are focused on value. They are willing to pay for homes that are well maintained, realistically priced, and easy to live in. They are far less forgiving of properties that need work, feel overpriced, or are poorly presented.
This means pricing and presentation at launch are critical. Homes that start too high often sit longer and sell for less than those that are priced correctly from the beginning.
You should consider selling in 2026 if this applies to you
Selling is not only about the market. It is also about personal timing and financial sense.
You may want to seriously consider selling if:
- You are relocating, downsizing, or your household needs have changed
- Your property has strong buyer appeal in its price range
- Ongoing costs such as maintenance, rates, levies, or vacancies are becoming a burden
- You want to sell while you can still control the timing and terms of the sale
In these situations, a well-planned sale can reduce stress and improve your final outcome.
When waiting may be the better option
There are also cases where waiting makes sense.
Delaying a sale may be appropriate if:
- You are not financially prepared for selling costs
- The property is not ready to compete with better-presented stock
- Your price expectations are well above current market reality
- You are dealing with uncertainty around work, schooling, or estate matters
In these cases, gathering information without rushing into a listing is often the best first step.
How to decide based on your property, not the news
A practical decision comes down to clarity, not speculation.
Start by:
- Getting a realistic price range based on recent sales and current competing listings
- Calculating your likely net proceeds after all costs
- Defining your timeline and minimum acceptable outcome
- Choosing a strategy that suits your risk tolerance and cash position
If you need a clear, local assessment of what your property could realistically achieve, you can start with a valuation discussion here:
Request a valuation
Frequently asked questions
Is now a good time to sell property?
It can be, depending on your suburb, price range, and competition. Stable interest rates support buyer affordability, but realistic pricing remains essential.
Will property prices drop later in 2026?
Property markets move by area and by price band. Local supply, days on market, and price reductions are more useful indicators than national headlines.
Should I sell before I buy?
Selling first often provides certainty around budget. Buying first can work if you have a strong cash buffer and flexibility. The right choice depends on your circumstances.
What is the biggest mistake sellers make?
Overpricing at launch. This often leads to longer time on market and weaker negotiating positions later.
Summary
Selling in 2026 can be a smart decision if it is based on your local market and your financial position. Interest rates are currently stable, but buyers remain selective. Focusing on pricing, presentation, and a clear plan will always matter more than market noise.
