Editor’ s Viewpoint
2025: The window smart SA Property Investors can’ t miss
In this issue, we spotlight opportunities, strategies, and warnings that could make or break your property moves in 2025. It’ s a year where courage, clarity, and calculated action will define the winners.
From off-plan property pitfalls that can drain returns, to the mediumterm rental boom reshaping global markets, our stories unpack where the risks lie and how to turn trends to your advantage. Murray Clark’ s Neighbourgood story shows how flexibility in rentals is paying off from Cape Town to San Francisco.
We shine a spotlight on eXp Realty, the cloud-based brokerage making big inroads into South Africa’ s estate agency sector. With its low-overhead, high-commission model and global reach, eXp is attracting top agents looking for flexibility, technology, and ownership opportunities a clear sign of how the industry is rapidly evolving.
We also explore the new face of property management with Ross Fitzcharles of Preferental, proving that smart tech and proactive protection are the future of stress-free rentals. And if you’ ve ever underestimated tenant default risk, our feature on Xpello will make you rethink how you budget for the downside.
Entrepreneurs will enjoy Wesley Roos’ s candid look at building a PropTech startup in South Africa the grit, the grind, and the game-changing moments. Plus, we bring you NSFAS accreditation insights from Retha van Rooyen, and Lightstone’ s Esteani Marx on the power of property data to make better, bias-free decisions.
The theme? 2025 is not a year to sit on the sidelines. It’ s a year to build, protect, and adapt. The tools, trends, and stories in these pages are your blueprint.
Best Advice for Investors Be decisive when others hesitate. Use data to cut through noise. Secure your downside before chasing the upside. In uncertain markets, speed without strategy is gambling, but strategy with speed is wealth-building.
Stay sharp. Stay focused. Keep building your empire.
6 REI MAGAZINE Founder & AUGUST Editor-In-Chief 2025