Property
South Africa — Property: Foreign Ownership
Foreigners may buy private property in South Africa, but a proposed Regulation of Land Holdings Bill would limit foreign nationals to 30-year leases, and purchasers withhold tax on non-resident sellers.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceSARS / gov.za — non-resident sellers and foreign ownership policyLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- A Ministry of Human Settlements statement says legal foreigners can buy property in the private market.
- A 2015 Presidency statement announced a proposed bill allowing foreign nationals only long leases of at least 30 years and no land purchase; whether it was enacted was not confirmed.
- Purchasers must withhold 7.5%, 10% or 15% of the price from individual, company or trust non-resident sellers and file declaration NR02, paying SARS within 28 days.
- A SARS brochure gives an older 5% rate for individual sellers; the 2025 guide is the current one.
Steps
- Determine Eligibility — Check if your country of origin has a bilateral agreement with South Africa that allows foreign ownership of property. If not, you may still be able to purchase property, but you will need to meet specific requirements.
- Choose a Property — Select a property that meets the requirements for foreign ownership, which may include properties in certain areas or with specific uses.
- Obtain Necessary Documents — Gather required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of income, and a letter of recommendation from the South African embassy or consulate in your home country.