South Africa’s rising generation confronts mounting barriers to homeownership, from economic instability to outdated financial models a new approach to property is taking shape. One that is inclusive, flexible, and tailored to how young people live and earn today. At the forefront of this transformation is FracProp, a proptech platform pioneering accessible pathways to property ownership through fractional ownership, group property purchases, home rescue products; these are all tech-enabled solutions. Palesa Masiteng, CEO of FracProp, unpacks how these alternative models are not only reshaping what it means to own property in South Africa, but also unlocking new avenues for wealth creation, community-building and legacy, especially for those under 30.
For as long as we can remember owning a home has been the ultimate symbol of financial success, something you work towards for years, following the traditional script: graduate, get a stable job, clear your debts, save up for a deposit, and finally, buy a home. Simple, right?
But here’s the truth: that model is outdated. For South Africans under the age of 30 years old today, homeownership feels like a distant dream thanks to skyrocketing property prices, student debt, job uncertainty, and rising rental costs. It often seems like homeownership is reserved for the lucky few, an unattainable goal, or just irrelevant to our lives right now.
But here’s the good news: this narrative is changing, at FracProp, we’re not just challenging old assumptions we’re building the future of property ownership, and it’s accessible, inclusive, and powered by tech.
There’s a huge myth out there: property ownership is for the rich, the debt-free, or those lucky enough to inherit wealth. Another myth? That you must own an entire property to really be a property owner. These outdated ideas are pushed by financial institutions and society, but they’re just not true anymore. With platforms like FracProp, we’re bringing a whole new way of owning property. You can start small, start with others, and yes – even while still managing debt! Ownership isn’t all-or-nothing anymore, it’s a journey, and every step forward counts.
A Fresh Way to Save and Plan
For many young people, saving for a home feels like a mountain that’s impossible to climb. With rising living costs and stagnant wages, it’s easy to feel stuck. But there are smarter ways to build toward ownership, even when money’s tight.
Of course, the basics still matter, like automating savings, cutting back on non-essentials, and putting a side hustle income toward your goals. But here’s the game-changer: collaboration. Community savings groups and stokvels are becoming major players in the property game. At FracProp, we’ve created the Developer Fund, where community groups and stokvels can purchase a slice in top-tier developments giving you access to opportunities that would usually be out of reach alone.
This isn’t charity, it’s smart purchasing for everyone.
Choosing the Right Property for Today’s World
A huge mistake many first-time buyers make is choosing a property that looks good on paper but doesn’t align with how today’s young people live. We’re a mobile, entrepreneurial generation, often working remotely or bouncing between cities. The properties that make sense for us are those that align with our lifestyle and have long-term financial potential.
Think mixed-use developments, urban hotspots and tourism nodes, or areas that are great for short-term rentals. And then there’s the exciting rise of apart-hotels. These hybrid spaces combine home comforts with hotel-style amenities, perfect for digital nomads or hybrid workers.
Fractional ownership in these properties gives young buyers exposure to high-demand markets without taking on all the financial risk.
The Industry Must Evolve Or Risk Falling Behind
If we really want to create generational wealth, the property industry needs to catch up with how young people live, earn, and think. Right now, too much of the system is bogged down by old-school processes, rigid financing requirements, and exclusionary practices.
What we need are flexible, inclusive property models like co-owning, rent-to-own, and fractional ownership. We need financial education that’s digital, simple, and free of jargon. Above all, we need the industry to recognize these new models as legitimate forms of ownership. It’s time for the system to evolve, or risk being left behind.
Alternative Ownership Isn’t a Trend – It’s the Future
The challenges facing today’s under-30s aren’t theoretical. They’re real, and they’re systemic. From high unemployment rates to fluctuating incomes and a lack of intergenerational wealth, traditional homeownership models just don’t work for us anymore.
But here’s the good news: there are alternatives. Fractional ownership, group and rent-to-own options are opening new paths to property ownership. These models allow you to get in at a
lower cost, share risk, and still build real equity. This isn’t about bypassing the traditional property market but rather creating a better, more inclusive version of it.
Reframing Wealth: It’s About Assets, Not Just Savings
The biggest roadblocks for young people aren’t just financial they’re mental. The fear of not knowing enough, the fear of making the wrong move, the feeling that “I’ll never catch up” can be overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: You’re not too late. You’re not too broke. You’re not alone.
It’s time to stop thinking of wealth as just the money sitting in your bank account. Wealth is about assets that grow, create opportunities, and set you up for the future. Property, when approached in a smart and inclusive way, can still be one of the best vehicles for long-term transformation. Even owning a fraction of the right property can completely change your financial trajectory.
The Vision: A New Reality by 2035
In the next decade, I want to see “first-time ownership” completely redefined. Property education should be part of the school curriculum. Every 25-year-old should understand what equity means. Co-ownership should be as common as car financing, I want platforms like FracProp to be the standard, not the exception.
To every young South African who thinks homeownership is out of reach:
Forget the outdated rules. Forget the old ways of doing things. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” moment or meet all the traditional criteria. The future of property ownership is in your hands, and it starts now and, on your terms, with the right people ready to join you.
Let’s build a legacy, one smart step at a time. Let’s redefine what it means to own together. At FracProp, we’re not just offering property. We’re breaking down the barriers to ownership, making sure that homeownership is accessible, inclusive, and future-proof.
For more articles like this click here.
If you enjoyed this website then check out our other sites: Wedding and Function, Home Food and Travel, Kids Connection, Thirsty Traveler, Bargain Buys, Boat Trips for Africa.
Need help with your online marketing then visit Agency One.