South Africa's new land law has drawn much attention in 2025, with fresh U.S. President Donald Trump's recent comments sending the rand down sharply.
Many South Africans want to know what this means for their homes and property plans. But Samuel Seeff, who leads the Seeff Property Group, says there's no reason to worry.
The law states clear rules about taking land. It considers empty land kept only to sell later, unused state land, land left by owners, and places where the state has invested more money than the land is worth.
Seeff points out that the Constitution still guards property rights. This new rule replaces an old 1975 law. He says people have made the law seem worse than it is.
The law requires careful steps before any land can be taken without payment. Courts must agree, and the move must benefit the public. First, talks with owners must take place.
The unity government under Ramaphosa has promised to stop any unlawful taking of land. Seeff says they want to help the economy grow and keep people's trust.
When asked if South Africa might end up like Zimbabwe, Seeff notes a big difference. Zimbabwe never took people's homes, and those who lost farms later got paid. Banks with home loans add another layer of safety.
At a mining meeting in Cape Town, Minister Dean Macpherson told business people not to fear land grabs.
The property market looks better than last year. Three drops in loan rates have made houses more affordable. Young workers can find good deals inland, mainly in Gauteng, where many first-time buyers look for homes.
Seeff thinks beach areas and the Western Cape will do well. He sees Gauteng and other inland areas growing strong through 2025.
Many South Africans want to know what this means for their homes and property plans. But Samuel Seeff, who leads the Seeff Property Group, says there's no reason to worry.
The law states clear rules about taking land. It considers empty land kept only to sell later, unused state land, land left by owners, and places where the state has invested more money than the land is worth.
Seeff points out that the Constitution still guards property rights. This new rule replaces an old 1975 law. He says people have made the law seem worse than it is.
The law requires careful steps before any land can be taken without payment. Courts must agree, and the move must benefit the public. First, talks with owners must take place.
The unity government under Ramaphosa has promised to stop any unlawful taking of land. Seeff says they want to help the economy grow and keep people's trust.
When asked if South Africa might end up like Zimbabwe, Seeff notes a big difference. Zimbabwe never took people's homes, and those who lost farms later got paid. Banks with home loans add another layer of safety.
At a mining meeting in Cape Town, Minister Dean Macpherson told business people not to fear land grabs.
The property market looks better than last year. Three drops in loan rates have made houses more affordable. Young workers can find good deals inland, mainly in Gauteng, where many first-time buyers look for homes.
Seeff thinks beach areas and the Western Cape will do well. He sees Gauteng and other inland areas growing strong through 2025.
