A Guide to Ownership of Property in South Africa as a Foreigner

The South African property market continues to be an affordable and accessible investment opportunity for foreign buyers. In this article we will cover the most important considerations foreign investors should have when buying property in South Africa.

Is Foreign Property Ownership Permitted?

Buyers can acquire residential, commercial and other types of property, provided the relevant legal and regulatory requirements are met.

A foreigner who is neither resident, nor a citizen of South Africa can therefore conclude a sale agreement and take transfer of a property despite being abroad. You do not need to be a citizen or live in the country to own residential property.

Under Section 42 of the South African Immigration Act (No. 13 of 2002), it is a criminal offence to let, sell, or make immovable property available to a foreigner who is illegally in South Africa. Any non-citizen who is physically in South Africa without a valid visa or whose permit has…

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