South Africa's young population is rapidly shaping the country's housing market, with one province emerging as a major winner.
As more young people move to urban centers for work opportunities, affordable housing and lifestyle convenience, demand for homes is increasing in Gauteng, South Africa's smallest province.
The average age of South Africans is now 29, while the average age of first-time home buyers is 35. Reflecting this trend, the national average age of home buyers is expected to decline to 40 years between January and April 2026.
Gauteng remains the country's top travel destination
Despite the focus on migration to the Western Cape, Gauteng continues to attract the largest share of internal migration, Property expert explains.
according to statistics saGauteng's population is expected to grow from 9.9 million in 2002 to 16.1 million in 2025, driven mainly by young South Africans seeking jobs in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
This population growth is now directly affecting housing demand.
Data from Oba Home Loans shows that 44.2% of all applications in Johannesburg between January and April 2026 were for first-time buyers.
In Gauteng South and East, first-time buyers made 57% of applications.
Johannesburg recorded the strongest growth in first-time buyer purchase prices nationally, rising 21.8% year-on-year to an average of R1.38 million.
Banks are also competing for first-time buyers by offering lower deposit requirements, cost-inclusive home loans and more favorable loan terms.
According to Oba, the average deposit paid by first-time buyers fell to 8.3% between January and April 2026, from 9.9% a year earlier.
Relatively stable interest rates, new residential developments and demand for lifestyle centers close to work and amenities are also supporting Gauteng's property market.
Province still leads in jobs and income
Gauteng's strong employment market also continues to support housing demand.
Over the past five years, the province created more jobs than western capeHowever, these opportunities were spread across multiple metros.
Income levels also remain strong. According to SARS 2025 statistics, Johannesburg residents will earn the highest average income among South African metros at R480 318 per year in 2024.
This was R109 000 more than Cape Town and R68 200 more than Tshwane.
As South Africa's youth population continues to grow and urbanise, Gauteng appears increasingly well-positioned to benefit from the next wave of housing demand, despite ongoing economic and global uncertainties.