Inside the Rental Trends Reshaping South Africa in 2026
South Africa’s rental market is undergoing a major transformation, with ripple effects for both home seekers and the country’s economy.
That’s according to Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, who says the multi-faceted shift is significant and far-reaching.
“The rental market is no longer a stepping stone - it’s a strategic choice,” he says. “Tenants are prioritising lifestyle, mobility, and value. They want homes that reflect how they live today, not how people lived ten years ago.”
“Affordability is, as always, a defining factor,” Stevens adds. “In the USA and Europe, around 35 percent of households rent their homes. In South Africa, while that figure is currently closer to 25 percent, I believe it’s going to rise unless interest rates come down to align with global levels. And after yesterday’s decision by the Reserve Bank to keep the interest rate at 10.25 percent, more and more South Africans will be pushed into renting.”
Pet-friendliness, lifestyle, flexibility, and the growing desire for homes that support the realities of modern South African life are also shaping a stronger shift towards renting as a practical, sustainable choice for many households, he believes.
Steven’s insights draw from national data and on-the-ground feedback from his franchise teams, which he says “reveal a rental landscape that’s not only resilient, but actively driving change across the broader property sector.”
Pet-Friendly Living Is a Non-Negotiable Requirement
For him, one of the key differentiators is pet-friendliness. “South Africa’s pet industry has expanded noticeably since the Covid pandemic and global shutdown, with pets becoming a lot more central to household life.” Translated into dollars, rands and cents, the global pet care market was valued at USD 273.42 billion in 2025 (Fortune Business Insights). While a lot smaller, KLA calls the South African pet market “robust”, and puts its value at over R8 billion annually (BrandMapp insights).
“Owners are treating nutrition and wellness as essential rather than optional – you can see it by their increasing spend on items like pet strollers, premium food, and accessories. And that’s influencing how people choose homes, neighbourhoods and lifestyles.”
Properties that welcome pets consistently achieve faster occupancy, longer lease terms, and higher tenant satisfaction, he says, adding that landlords who adapt are seeing the benefits. “Those who don’t risk missing out on a growing segment of responsible, long-term tenants who value stability and community.”
Lifestyle Matters More Than Ever
Commenting on the rise of ‘lifestyle-first’ renting, Stevens says tenants are choosing homes based on how they want to live, not just what they can afford. “This includes proximity to green spaces, easy access to amenities and schools, hybrid work/live layouts, and neighbourhoods that offer a sense of community.”
“In coastal towns, long-term rentals are being snapped up by remote workers seeking a better quality of life. Suburban nodes are attracting young families who want safety, outdoor space, and good schools. Urban precincts are drawing professionals who value mixed-use environments where they can live, work, and socialise without long, congested commutes.”
People are designing their lives differently, he says. “They’re choosing homes that support wellbeing, convenience, and connection. Lifestyle is no longer a luxury - it’s a priority.”
Digital Convenience Is Now Standard
The rental journey has also become increasingly digital, he continues.
“Tenants expect online applications, virtual viewings, digital lease signing, and responsive communication. Smart home features - think high-speed fibre and app-based access control - are becoming standard expectations rather than premium extras.”
It’s a shift that’s particularly strong among younger tenants, who value speed, transparency, and convenience, he notes.
Security and Peace of Mind Remain Central
While lifestyle is increasingly important, Stevens emphasises that security remains a core consideration.
“Gated communities, controlled access, reliable maintenance, and well-managed complexes continue to attract strong demand. Tenants want to feel safe, and they want to know that issues will be resolved quickly and professionally.”
A ‘Try Before You Buy’ Mindset Is Emerging
Stevens is also seeing a growing number of tenants using rentals to test neighbourhoods, property types, and lifestyle fit before committing to ownership. “This trend is particularly strong among first-time buyers and young professionals navigating a fluctuating economic environment. Renting gives people the freedom to explore. It allows them to understand what works for them and what doesn’t, without the long-term financial commitment of buying. For me, it’s a smart, strategic approach.”
A Market That Reflects Real Life
For Stevens, what makes the current rental evolution so significant is that it mirrors the realities of modern South African life: economic pressure, shifting work patterns, changing family structures, and a desire for homes that support wellbeing.
“The rental market is telling us something important. South Africans want choice, dignity, and control. They want homes that reflect who they are and how they live. Our role is to listen, adapt, and lead.”
And for the country as a whole, a strong rental market is a strong economic engine, he avers. “It enables mobility, supports entrepreneurship, and keeps capital circulating in communities. As tenants and businesses choose flexibility, they create the conditions for a more agile, opportunity-driven South African economy.”
