Johannesburg, South Africa — Homeownership Decline Among Young South Africans Alarms Experts In a stark reversal of the homeownership trend among young South Africans, the number of young adults purchasing homes has plummeted over the past two decades.
In 2005, 108,000 young South Africans bought homes, a number that has since slumped to 45,000 in 2026, according to News24.
The trend is most pronounced among the youngest demographics.
Data from Lightstone reveals that buyers under 30 have dropped from 58,600 in 2005 to 21,300 in 2025, while those between 31 and 35 fell from 49,000 to 24,200.
The percentage of homebuyers aged 18-35 also decreased from 40% to 30% over the same period. Several factors contribute to this trend.
Property24 reports that between 2014 and 2025, the number of homebuyers aged 18-35 in South Africa dropped from 72,000 to 47,000.
Economists and policymakers have described this decline as a structural affordability problem, rather than a temporary cycle. One of the primary reasons for this decline is the increasing cost of housing.
In the last decade, residential house prices have risen quickest in percentage terms in the lower price bands, according to businessexplainer. Co. Za.
This has made it increasingly difficult for young South Africans to afford homes, especially in the context of a cost — of-living crisis and stagnant wages.
The South African government has recognized the urgency of the situation and declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Action’for youth.
The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on young people, institutions, and society at large to unite under a bold national programme aimed at reshaping the country’s future.
Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant.
The average age of first — time home buyers in South Africa now sits at 37 years of age, a stark contrast to the 33-year-old average just a few years ago, as noted by BetterBond’s national head of sales, Bradd Bendall.
The situation underscores the broader economic disparities in South Africa.
The Human Settlements Programme, administered by the Department of Human Settlements, continues to support qualifying individuals and families who need assistance with housing.
However, many people encounter outdated or misleading information online about how to apply for such support.
As South Africa grapples with this crisis, it is clear that addressing the housing affordability issue among young people is crucial for the nation’s economic and social stability.
The future of homeownership in South Africa will likely depend on the effectiveness of the government’s initiatives and the ability of the youth to navigate the evolving housing market.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Google News v2
