From Ownership to Influence: Women Reshaping South Africa’s Property Market

August is a season to reflect and celebrate as South Africa honours the powerful stories at the heart of Women’s Month. At Knight Frank South Africa, we are inspired by these narratives and moved by the quiet revolution that women are orchestrating within the residential property market. A revolution redefining ownership, influence, and the essence of lifestyle and investment.

A New Era of Ownership

Step into any vibrant Cape Town neighbourhood, and beyond, and you’ll sense the shift. Where societal structures once placed ownership out of reach for many women, today’s landscape feels undeniably different, empowered and aspirational.

Recent data shows a change as bold as it is inspiring. Women now command a majority stake in residential property ownership in South Africa, with 57% of homes registered under female or female-led buyers, surpassing male-only ownership at 43%. This isn’t just a change in statistics; it is a seismic rebalancing of agency, prestige, and possibility, reshaping how South Africans live, invest, and pursue their dreams.

Confidence, Vision, and Strategic Investment

Growing financial confidence is fueling this surge in female-led ownership. Increasingly, women are the architects of their own legacies, proactively purchasing homes, engaging in strategic asset planning, and building intergenerational wealth. This is particularly evident in the wake of the global pandemic, where women have demonstrated resilience, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to family, security, and wellbeing. Perhaps most tellingly, 38% of all residential properties are now held in the names of women-only buyers, with a further 33% co-owned.

Pioneering Legacies

The property revolution didn’t begin overnight. It’s built on the shoulders of trailblazers who dared to imagine more. These women nurtured potential and turned aspiration into action. One of these pioneers is Anne Porter, whose namesake agency has shaped Cape Town’s property landscape since 1983. Anne’s vision was about more than visibility. It was about substance, expertise, and a commitment to relationship-first service.

In 2004, Anne Porter’s strategic partnership with Knight Frank connected local expertise to an international network, nurturing a legacy that thrives on integrity, trust, and world-class market insight. Today, her influence continues to nurture new generations of property professionals, both women and men.

Financial Independence and Social Progress

Women’s empowerment now resonates far beyond the confines of homeownership. Female buyers are a driving force in new vehicle financing. Over 1.6 million women have benefited from government housing subsidies since the mid-1990s, underscoring a broader wave of financial independence and social progress.

Just as important is the rising presence of women within the property industry itself. Nearly half of South Africa’s estate agents are women, often leading sectors through innovation, negotiation prowess, and empathetic client engagement. It’s a testament to the power of inclusion that the health and momentum of our property markets come from a diversity of voices.

Influence Beyond Ownership

As our Head of Sales & Rentals, Hayley Vann-Herbert, so beautifully expresses:

“Female ownership isn’t just rising—it’s redefining the market. Women today don’t simply own property—they influence strategy, lead conversations, and help shape the future of real estate. It’s a collective shift, driven by collaboration and shared purpose.”

Hayley’s words capture an essential truth: the defining force in property is no longer simply who owns a property. The property market is defined by the people who influence the marketplace, the dialogue, and the direction of the industry. Women today are front and centre as buyers, innovators and decision-makers.

Nurturing Family and Community

At Knight Frank South Africa, we understand that the essence of property goes beyond financial investment. A thriving property market creates inspiring spaces, provides nurturing environments for families, and anchors communities in possibility and hope.

The shift towards greater female participation means more homes are shaped by holistic visions of comfort and care. Properties are not simply residences. Homes are sanctuaries of belonging, creativity, and connection, and women are at the heart of their creation.

Lasting Relationships, Ultimate Success

We believe the future of South African property will be defined by the collaborative spirit that brings people together across backgrounds, aspirations, and ambitions. Our role is to serve as matchmakers, to nurture relationships, amplify dreams, and accompany clients in discovering the ultimate love of a home that inspires, elevates, and endures.

At Knight Frank South Africa, we’re committed to curating a market where every client feels seen, understood, and supported. We honour the legacy of pioneers, the drive of present-day innovators, and the dreams of every woman ready to own her future.