5 key real estate trends for 2022

Despite the ever-constant upheaval caused by an economy on the mend following a global pandemic, one thing that homeowners have constantly relied upon as an investment is the property sector. No matter what the hit may be, South Africa's real estate industry remains robust and buoyant.

That being said, there are always a few key indicators that we use to not only predict the outcomes of the year but also take note of the sort of trends that affect the property sector as a whole. In this piece, we take a look at 5 real estate trends worth keeping track of in 2022 and what to expect in the subsequent years to follow.

House Hunting goes fully digital

According to Google Trends, key searches for the term "digital transformation" are up 326% from 2018 with a huge bump recorded in the years 2020 and 21. That being said, it's clear that the pandemic accelerated interest in digitisation across all sectors worldwide.

The Real Estate sector is chief among them. 2020 recorded an astounding amount of homeowners who had purchased a home without even setting foot on the property beforehand. Thanks to the introduction of digital tools and marketing techniques, thousands of potential buyers have been introduced to homes through the use of 3D tours, drone videos, and virtual stagings. We can only assume that this revolutionary practice will forever change how we sell property in the coming years.

People will be moving from towns to suburbs

Another major shift in cultural norms explained by the pandemic is a massive influx of inner-city homeowners taking the opportunity that working from home presented and settling in the suburbs.

Described as semigration, whereby migration occurs within the borders of a nation, homeowners in Johannesburg, in particular, are quickly seeing the benefits of enjoying a luxury lifestyle over and above the need to be close to work and are moving to places like Cape Town and the northern coasts of Durban.

The main reasons why people are choosing to make the move can be boiled down to necessity and choice. Some are moving because costs are increasing beyond their abilities, while others have the luxury of seeing the benefits of remote work and are looking for a lifestyle change.

Inland properties in demand

Following the semigration trend, there has been a rise in interest for property within inland regions. Provinces such as Mpumalanga and Limpopo have indicated a surge in demand for housing due to their value-for-money proposals.

This trend falls into the necessity category where people are choosing to live in the city for more affordable and cost-effective properties. Beyond this, city-dwellers, in particular, are choosing these more rural areas to seek a sense of peace and tranquility.

Security concerns are a top priority

Following the civil unrest of 2021 and the opening up after the pandemic, South Africans are suffering through yet another increase in crime reporting. This is once again stirring up the interest for secure living with luxury lifestyle estates such as Silver Lakes Golf Estate in Pretoria East.

Beyond this, new developments are responding to the boom in interest as more and more lifestyle estates start to crop up in both rural and urban settings.

Demand for eco-friendly living

Whether it be intermittent load shedding or the recent storms in Durban leaving the infrastructure in shambles, more and more people are starting to become environmentally conscious and seeking off-the-grid solutions when choosing to buy property.

Sadly, South Africa remains vastly behind the developed world in terms of green property solutions. However, this has not stopped savvy homeowners from seeking more sustainable avenues to living. Whether it be through the installation of private solar systems or the use of natural light to grow their veggie gardens, these sorts of features are making it easier for them to justify a high selling price due to the increased demand for these sorts of amenities.

Contact Ikonic Real Estate today

For Real Estate professionals you can trust and rely on for industry-related expertise, contact us below for more information.

If you are looking to live in Silver Lakes Golf and lifestyle Estate, Silver Stream Estate, Lombardy Estate & Health Spa, The Ridge Estate, Six Fountains Estate, or Willow Acres Estate and surrounding areas then Ikonic Real Estate is your preferred property practitioner to assist you in all aspects of the selling and buying process.

Office Number: 083 452 5599

Cell Number: 083 452 5599

Email: martin@ikonic.co.za

Ikonic Real Estate holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.