Why South Africans Are Choosing Tshwane Over Joburg in 2025

If you thought Johannesburg would always be Gauteng’s number one property hotspot, think again. In 2025, it’s Tshwane that’s turning heads and attracting wallets, with buyers especially first-timers flocking north in search of better value and a fresh start.

Tshwane takes the lead

According to ooba Home Loans, Tshwane has posted double-digit growth this year, making it the strongest housing market in the province. What’s surprising is that it’s not just young buyers shaping the trend. Corporates are also making the move, shifting headquarters away from Johannesburg. Big names like the Automobile Association and Nissan have already set up shop in Tshwane, adding to the area’s appeal.

Why are buyers flocking north?

Affordability is the biggest draw. Buyers in Tshwane rank among South Africa’s highest earners on average, which gives them more buying power in a climate where interest rates still matter. This deeper pocket effect has allowed the market to maintain steady demand.

Lifestyle plays a role, too. Many South Africans relocating from smaller towns see Gauteng as the place to build careers, and Tshwane offers a blend of suburban comfort, cultural attractions, and relative affordability compared to Joburg’s premium neighbourhoods.

What about Joburg and Ekurhuleni?

Johannesburg remains South Africa’s financial capital, but its property growth has been more modest this year compared to Tshwane. Ekurhuleni, on the other hand, is becoming a hotspot for younger, first-time buyers. Over half of all purchases there in 2025 came from this group, making it the “starter-home capital” of Gauteng.

Developers and banks jump in

For the first time in years, Gauteng is seeing more new developments breaking ground than the Western Cape. That alone signals confidence in the province’s property outlook. Banks are also competing harder for clients, with rate concessions averaging nearly 0.6% below prime. Buyers with larger deposits are scoring even better deals, showing how much appetite lenders have for the Gauteng market.

The bigger picture

During the pandemic, first-time buyers made up the majority of home purchases when interest rates dropped to record lows. That number dipped, but 2025 has seen the figure bounce back above 50%. Social media chatter shows a mix of surprise and validation, with many South Africans tweeting about how Tshwane “finally gets its shine” after years of being overshadowed by Joburg.

Why this matters

Housing markets tell stories about people’s choices. Tshwane’s rise shows a shift in where South Africans see opportunity, affordability, and lifestyle aligning. While Joburg isn’t losing its place as the country’s economic hub, the north is proving that growth in Gauteng isn’t a one-city game anymore.

If you’re considering buying in Gauteng, the numbers and the sentiment suggest Tshwane might just be where the action is in 2025.

{Source:Business Tech}

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