More Cape Town households are heading back to Gauteng

Cape Town’s rising property prices are becoming a significant consideration for households weighing up where to live, with new moving data pointing to an increase in people relocating from the Western Cape to Gauteng.

Wise Move, a moving company, recorded 560 household moves from the Western Cape to Gauteng in 2025, compared with 353 in 2024, an increase of almost 60% in a year.

The figures were highlighted in a BusinessTech report, which explored what the latest movement patterns could mean for the long-standing semigration trend that has seen many South Africans move to the coast.

Chante Venter, who is the co-founder and CEO of Wise Move, said the shift had continued into 2026, as the company recorded a further year-on-year increase of 40% in moves between the two provinces over the latest month covered by its data.

However, the movement is not yet a complete reversal of the established trend. Venter said the route from Gauteng to Cape Town remains popular and generally records higher numbers, but has stopped growing at the same pace.

One of the factors influencing relocation decisions is the difference in property price growth between the two cities.

Residential property prices in Cape Town rose by 12% in the year to June, compared with 4.9% in Johannesburg, according to the figures cited by BusinessTech.

For homeowners who have built up value in a Cape Town property, selling and purchasing in Gauteng could potentially release additional capital. Venter said the price difference can leave people with more money available after making the move.

The affordability gap is also influencing what households can secure for their budgets, as Wise Move’s figures show that almost four in 10 households moving from the Western Cape to Gauteng moved into larger homes.

That could mean gaining an additional bedroom, bathroom or garage without necessarily increasing overall housing expenditure, a consideration for families who have found that buying more space in Cape Town has become increasingly difficult.

The destinations attracting interest are concentrated largely in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, with Sandton, Randburg, Bryanston, Lonehill, Sunninghill, Ferndale and Morningside among the areas identified by Wise Move.

Centurion is also a popular destination in Pretoria, while Roodepoort and Midrand are attracting interest from households considering Gauteng.

Venter said the appeal of these areas reflects a combination of practical considerations, including employment opportunities, security, schools, amenities and community facilities.

She also pointed to changing perceptions of Johannesburg, with some households reassessing the city’s lifestyle offering and the opportunities available there.

Although property affordability is a major consideration, Venter said it is not the only reason people are looking inland.

Access to work opportunities is another factor, particularly for people whose employment arrangements or career plans make a return to Gauteng more attractive.

Wise Move also recorded a notable month-on-month increase in moves to Gauteng around the election period. Venter cautioned against directly linking the increase to the elections or political campaigning, however, saying the company could not establish a direct cause.

The wider pattern has featured in previous local coverage too, as a report published by Cape {town} Etc  examined the growing movement from the Western Cape towards Gauteng, with affordability and employment among the factors shaping the trend.

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Source: BusinessTech