Home » South Africa » South Africa – Property Rental Prices

South Africa – Property Rental Prices

Rental prices in South Africa can vary greatly depending on the location and the type of property. In popular expat areas such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from ZAR 6,000 to ZAR 12,000. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average monthly rent can range from ZAR 12,000 to ZAR 20,000.

It is important to note that rental prices in South Africa have been increasing in recent years, with a shortage of affordable housing being a major contributor to the rise in prices. However, the rental market in South Africa is highly competitive, and it is possible to negotiate a lower rent with landlords.

Rental Caps in South Africa

There are currently no rental caps in place in South Africa. This means that landlords are free to set their own rental prices and can increase rent at any time, as long as they provide the tenant with sufficient notice.

Deposit and Return Rules in South Africa

When renting in South Africa, it is common to pay a deposit, which is usually equivalent to one month’s rent. This deposit is used to cover any damages that may occur during the tenancy, and it is refundable at the end of the tenancy provided that the property is returned in good condition.


Get Our Best Articles Every Month!

Get our free moving abroad email course AND our top stories in your inbox every month


Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.


The rules for returning a deposit at the end of a tenancy in South Africa are regulated by the Rental Housing Act. According to the act, the landlord has 14 days to return the deposit after the tenant has vacated the property, providing that there are no disputes or damages. If there are disputes or damages, the landlord has 30 days to resolve the issue and return the deposit, or to provide the tenant with a written explanation of why the deposit will not be returned.

Seasonal Changes in Rental Prices and Availability in South Africa

The rental market in South Africa does not experience significant changes in rental prices and availability at different times of the year. However, there may be some fluctuations in rental prices in popular tourist destinations, such as Cape Town and Durban, during the peak tourist season. This is because the demand for rental properties increases during this time, leading to an increase in rental prices.

Overall, the rental market in South Africa remains stable throughout the year, with a steady supply of rental properties available to meet the demand.


Latest Videos

Expat Focus

848 subscribers

Move abroad easily with Expat Focus.

Expat Focus
Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang. Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang.

Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_2iutaBgsCRk

Moving From Malaysia To Mexico

Expat Focus 15 August 2023 3:23 pm

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible? My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia. Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible?

My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia.

Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_62EMRLnSni4

Growing Up As A Third Culture Kid In Australia

Expat Focus 26 July 2023 6:48 pm

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to.

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_hrrVi0XbYgg

How To Get A French Driver's License

Expat Focus 23 June 2023 2:29 pm

Load More... Subscribe
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Important: No API Key Entered.

Many features are not available without adding an API Key. Please go to the YouTube Feed settings page to add an API key after following these instructions.