Overseas buyers are able to purchase real estate in South Africa, including farmland and commercial property.

The following are typical property types in South Africa:

- City Apartments (flats): In the larger and more developed cities throughout South Africa, it is common to live in a city apartment. You could live in a low rise, but chances are you will find yourself in one of the larger high rise buildings in the downtown area of a city.

- Vilas: Villas are another property option for those who want to live in the suburbs. Many contain fully landscaped gardens.

- Family Homes: Family homes are smaller than villas and more practical. Family homes may be one or two stories, but the ranch style (one floor) is more common.

- Guest Houses: If you are looking for an affordable option for a rental property, the guest house may be a good choice. They are smaller and designed more for those who will be in the facilities a shorter amount of time. Guest houses are often on the same property as a family house.

- Security Villages: Those who wish to live in a traditional gated community will benefit from security villages. These are often several streets long and contain numerous homes within them. However, there is security surrounding them which makes these homes a bit more expensive.

- Townhomes: The townhome in South Africa is usually two or three stories tall. These homes are sandwiched close to each other, sometimes sharing the same building, although there are separate living quarters for two or more families.