Do foreigners need a visa to buy property in South Africa?

No. Property ownership does not require residency or a visa, and it does not by itself qualify you for one.

Can a foreigner get a mortgage in South Africa?

Yes, typically up to 50 percent loan-to-value, with the balance funded by money brought into the country.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in South Africa? (2026 Guide)

Q: Can foreigners buy property in South Africa?

Yes. Non-residents and foreign nationals are legally allowed to buy and own freehold property in South Africa. There are no nationality-based restrictions on ownership for most property types, though financing, tax, and exchange control rules differ from those for residents.

What the law says

South African property law treats foreign buyers the same as citizens in most respects. You can hold freehold title, sectional title (apartments), and shares in property-owning companies.

The main exception is agricultural land, where the government has discussed restrictions, but residential and commercial property remain open to non-residents.

Financing as a non-resident

South African banks typically lend non-residents up to 50 percent of the property value. The remaining 50 percent must come from funds transferred into South Africa from abroad.

These foreign funds must be recorded by the South African Reserve Bank so you can repatriate proceeds when you sell. Keep every transfer receipt.

Tax and costs to plan for

Transfer duty applies on a sliding scale, with properties under roughly R1.1 million exempt. New builds bought from a VAT-registered developer attract VAT instead of transfer duty.

Non-residents pay capital gains tax on the sale of South African property and may be subject to withholding tax at transfer. Speak with a local tax advisor before signing.

A simpler route: fractional investing

Buying a property outright as a foreigner means dealing with conveyancers, banks, currency transfers, and ongoing management from abroad.

Platforms like Abiero let you invest smaller amounts into vetted, property-backed opportunities across Africa, without the friction of direct ownership.