Buy-to-let properties remain one of the most reliable ways to earn passive income in South Africa – but doing your homework is essential before signing that offer to purchase.
Investing in real estate for rental purposes can be an excellent way to generate passive income, and it remains a popular revenue stream for South Africans.
It’s easy to understand why buy-to-let is a sound investment. Rental properties provide steady income that can help cover the costs of ownership, including bond repayments, rates, taxes, and maintenance.
Additionally, long-term capital appreciation makes property a powerful wealth-building tool.
The current rental landscape for investors
The residential rental market entered 2025 in a strong position, and performance remained robust through the first quarter. According to the PayProp Rental Index Q1 2025, national rental growth continued its upward trajectory, with year-on-year rental escalation averaging 4.6% for the quarter, slightly below Q4 2024’s record 5.2% but still one of the highest figures in the last five years.
Importantly, this growth is happening in a relatively low-inflation environment. Inflation cooled to 5.3% in Q1, and with the South African Reserve Bank cutting the repo rate by 25 basis points in May (from 7.5% to 7.25%), investor sentiment is improving. The prime lending rate now sits at 10.75%, making finance somewhat more affordable for landlords looking to expand their portfolios.
At a national level, the average rent now exceeds R9,000 for the first time. This is a psychological milestone that reinforces the sector’s upward momentum. KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape remain among the strongest performing provinces, while Gauteng showed improved growth despite historically slow performance.
Rental escalations are being driven by improving tenant payment behaviour: 88.5% of tenants are in good standing, marking a 2.2% improvement year-on-year. PayProp notes that landlords are growing more confident as a result, particularly when working with professional rental agents who offer added layers of screening and support.
Five potential risks and how to mitigate them
Investing in rental property comes with potentially serious obstacles, and it’s essential to plan for these potential challenges, as recommended by Just Property.
- High upfront costs
Property investment in general comes with significant upfront costs, which need to be budgeted for.
Engage with a reputable real estate agency for advice around deposits, bond registration costs and transfer fees before you put pen to paper.
- Legal changes
Laws and regulations around leased properties can change, sometimes with little warning. New legislation concerning rentals or zoning could impact your income and how you manage your property.
Staying up to date with local legislation can help you adapt to these shifts. A professional rental agency would be responsible for informing you of these changes.
- Vacancies
Having your property sit empty for months on end can be hugely problematic. Without a tenant to cover costs, will you be able to cover bond repayments and maintenance costs?
Marketing and managing your property effectively with the assistance of a real estate expert can help keep vacancy rates to a minimum.
- Maintenance and repairs
Owning a rental property means you’ll need to stay on top of regular maintenance and be prepared for unexpected repairs. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a leaking roof, unexpected issues can pop up suddenly and cut into your returns.
Set aside a reserve fund and budget for ongoing upkeep to avoid being caught off guard.
- Tenant troubles
Not every tenant will be a dream tenant. Late rent payments, property damage, absconding tenants and even the need for eviction can all crop up, hurting your cash flow in the process.
Secure a mandate with a rental property expert who can help protect you and your asset with thorough tenant screening, a clear, well-drafted lease agreement and maintenance support. Ask your Just Property managing agent about RENTSECURE – our exclusive rental insurance product designed to give our landlords extra peace of mind.
