Contrary to popular belief, the Winter months are not a dead zone in the South African real estate market. In fact, data compiled by REMAX of Southern Africa dispels the myth that property sales go quiet during the colder season.
According to internal national sales figures for REMAX Southern Africa, June, July, and August consistently reflect slightly higher transaction volumes throughout the year. This surprising trend illustrates that Winter offers fertile ground for property transactions, challenging the notion that warmer months are inherently better for buying and selling real estate.
“While our stats pick up from June, our registered sales figures tend to peak in September and November and then drop off in December and January,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of REMAX Southern Africa.
But these peaks don’t necessarily indicate when buyers are most active – they reflect when sales are officially registered. In South Africa, it typically takes up to three months for a property sale to move from the point of offer to full registration in the Deeds Office. This means that homes registered in September and November were often secured by buyers during the Winter months of June, July, and August.
“When you account for the time lag between sale and registration, it becomes clear that Winter is when many buyers are actively making offers,” Goslett explains.
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While sales figures appear to dip in December and January, this is also easily explained by external factors. These months coincide with South Africa’s peak holiday season, during which many buyers and sellers are on vacation, and the Deeds Office closes for a period in December, creating natural delays in the registration process.
“It’s not necessarily that the market goes quiet—it’s that administrative processes slow down over this period,” says Goslett. “Buyers and sellers still transact, but you’ll only see those deals finalised and registered in the months that follow.”
According to Goslett, understanding when the property market is most active is essential because it allows buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals to make smarter, more strategic decisions. “For buyers, knowing the peak periods helps them avoid fierce competition and potentially negotiate better deals during quieter months. Sellers, on the other hand, can time their listings to align with periods of heightened buyer activity,” he notes.
With the winter months fast approaching, South African sellers are encouraged to shed the outdated view of seasonal lulls. Winter might feel cold; but in property, it’s heating up.
“Ultimately, seasonal trends can influence pricing, speed of sale, and the overall success of a property transaction. But each suburb can have its own unique trends. Speak to your local real estate professional for some insights into what’s.
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While historically viewed as a quieter season for real estate, winter has become a time when shrewd buyers make calculated moves. Properties that may have lingered on the market since summer can now come with more room for negotiation. With less buyer competition and sellers looking to secure deals before the spring uptick, winter provides leverage for those who are prepared.
John Herbst, CEO of Fine & Country Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), notes: “There’s a growing awareness that the property market is no longer strictly seasonal in the way it once was. Winter might cool activity, but it sharpens focus. We’re seeing serious buyers use this time to identify long-term investments, whether it’s relocating to lifestyle estates or acquiring rental stock in high-demand urban hubs.”
Where are buyers putting their money?
Western Cape: Buy-to-let and semigration appeal
The Western Cape remains one of the most resilient markets in the country, with consistent demand from semigrating professionals, retirees, and young families. This has fuelled the buy-to-let market, particularly in areas like the Southern Suburbs, Century City, and parts of the West Coast.
“Investors are zeroing in on areas with strong rental yields and lifestyle appeal,” says Herbst. “With persistent demand from incoming professionals and limited supply, well-positioned buy-to-let properties are performing particularly well, even in winter.”
Smaller towns and secondary cities
Coastal towns like Hermanus, George, and St Francis Bay continue to see steady interest, especially among remote workers and retirees looking for quality of life. What’s notable this year is the growth of demand in secondary inland cities such as Bloemfontein and Polokwane, where infrastructure has improved, and affordability remains a key drawcard.
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Eastern Cape: The new holiday-home hotspot
Once overshadowed by the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape is enjoying a quiet boom. Towns like Kenton-on-Sea and Jeffreys Bay are increasingly popular for holiday homes that double as short-term rental investments.
“Value-for-money is playing a huge role,” says Herbst. “Buyers are branching out, and the Eastern Cape is benefiting from that shift, particularly among second-home purchasers who want lower holding costs and relaxed coastal living.”
First-time buyers: Heading to the heartland
In provinces like the Free State and parts of Mpumalanga, affordability continues to attract first-time buyers. With interest rate cuts anticipated later this year, more young professionals are expected to enter the market through joint purchasing and collective saving models.
Emerging buyer behaviour
Winter 2025 is highlighting key behavioural shifts:
Long-term thinking over quick turnover: Buyers are prioritising location, infrastructure and future value over short-term gains.
Security and lifestyle integration: Lifestyle estates offering security, fibre connectivity, schools and leisure facilities remain a top choice, especially in colder months, when indoor amenities become even more valuable.
Energy resilience is non-negotiable: With load shedding an ongoing concern, solar panels, inverters and energy-efficient designs are major selling points regardless of season.
Herbst concludes: “Winter separates speculative buyers from serious ones. Those who understand market timing are not waiting for warmer weather, they’re acting now, informed by data, long-term vision, and the need for homes that work year-round.”
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