Buying a home is a good idea at any life stage

Published in June 2025

Regardless of when you decide to take the exciting leap into the property market, the type of home you buy will depend largely on your budget and needs. While a lock-up-and-go apartment with little maintenance will make sense in your twenties, it won’t work as well if you need to accommodate a larger family.

“It is important to consider your property investment wisely, irrespective of your lifestyle. The focus should be on making informed decisions that lead to a wise investment – one that helps you transition smoothly to the next stage of your property journey,” says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s National Head of Sales.

20s – rent or buy?

The twenties are all about finding your independence – financial and otherwise. The first home outside of the family home is likely to be a rental property, explains Bendall. Most 20-year-olds are just starting their careers, and affordability can be a barrier when it comes to buying a home. “For this reason, we see many in this age cohort opting to rent rather than buying a home. A rental property offers appealing flexibility. A landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the property and a two-year lease often seems less daunting than a 20-year bond commitment.”

However, it’s never too early to consider property as an investment opportunity. “Property is an asset that offers long-term returns and financial stability. There are several ways for young buyers to enter the property market,” advises Bendall. “South Africa’s main banks offer a range of loan products that include bonds of as much as 110% for young professionals younger than 35 years of age.” These bonds make it possible to buy a home without having a deposit. They could also cover the transfer and bond registration fees that need to be paid upfront. 

Young buyers could also consider buying a home of up to R1.21 million, which falls below the transfer duty threshold, to save on these costs. Furthermore, buying off-plan in a new development would save a young buyer from paying transfer costs. Many younger buyers will consider sectional title units that can be easier to finance and also offer communal facilities. “Sectional title properties close to transport hubs and recreational opportunities are always sought after, making these a good investment option at any stage of your property-buying journey.” Other property options include a studio apartment or townhouse near to a city centre or a neighbourhood with a vibrant nightlife. 

While freehold properties may be more expensive, young buyers could share the costs and apply for a joint bond. “Just bear in mind that all parties will be jointly liable to repay that loan,” adds Bendall. Also, the co-ownership contract must be clear about what happens when everyone decides to go their separate ways.

30s – setting down roots

By your 30s, you may have the financial means to put down a deposit on a property, and the prospect of monthly bond repayments may seem less daunting. Your career could be more established, and you may be starting a family or making other long-term financial decisions, says Bendall. “Currently, BetterBond’s data puts the average first-time buyer age at 37, which shows that people are waiting longer to invest in property.”

Buyers in their 30s may be buying their first or perhaps their second home. This is also a good age to start thinking about a buy-to-let property if you’re expanding your property portfolio. BetterBond’s data shows that the average home purchase price for a first-time buyer is R1.3 million. 

At this life stage, location starts becoming more important, says Bendall. Buyers start considering areas that offer a range of educational opportunities or recreational facilities and green spaces. It may be a life stage when buyers consider moving in with a partner and applying for a joint bond. “When co-signing a bond, both partners are equally responsible for the debt,” notes Bendall. He adds that partners should have a contingency plan in place if one of them is unable to contribute to the bond because of loss of income or a change in circumstances. Also, be clear about what will happen to the property if the relationship ends. 

Buyers in this age group can sometimes spend too much on their homes, drawing from their bonds to renovate and extend their properties with a view to it being their ‘forever home’, cautions Bendall. “At this stage, it is important to focus on your current needs. If you are working from home, convert a room into an office or make use of an outside room. You could use a flat or extra room on the property to generate an additional rental income.” 

40s – financial stability

Buyers in their 40s appear to be enjoying greater financial stability. BetterBond’s April Property Brief reported that average income levels for homebuyers in the 41-58 years age group have shown exceptionally strong growth – 13% year on year. During Q1 2025, the average income of this age group was R80 000 per month, double that of buyers between the ages of 20 and 30. The average home purchase price of buyers in this age group, for the 12 months ending January 2025, was R1.7 million. 

Buyers who have had their bonds for a few years may consider refinancing their bond to make upgrades to their homes, rather than selling. “This is also the life stage where we see buyers consider multi-generational living on larger properties for various reasons. It could be that with the higher cost of living, sharing a bond and living expenses with siblings or parents makes better financial sense,” says Bendall. 

Having parents on the property who can assist with childcare is one of many benefits of multigenerational living. However, as with any co-ownership arrangement, there are pros and cons. It’s important to ensure that there are separate entrances to allow for privacy. There should also be a written agreement outlining all parties’ financial responsibilities and obligations.

50s – less may be more

Homeowners in their 50s tend to start thinking about downsizing, especially if they have children nearing the end of their schooling and considering university or overseas travel. A large free-standing home that requires maintenance of a pool and garden may no longer be suitable. “At this stage, a lock-up-and-go apartment or smaller home becomes an attractive alternative,” says Bendall. 

Homeowners in this life stage often want the freedom to travel or pursue their interests without being tethered by the demands of homeownership. “However, a smaller property does not necessarily mean that its value is lower. We are seeing buyers in this age group spending on average R1.8 million on a property. Often, they will buy a home in a lifestyle estate that offers security, activities such as golf and hiking trails, and an opportunity to be part of a community.” Bespoke boutique estates in suburbs such as Constantia in Cape Town have become increasingly sought-after by buyers in this age group. 

60s – the golden years

In your 60s, location once again becomes important. Reports suggest that retirees account for 18% of all buyers in coastal areas. Many buyers opt to sell their suburban homes to spend their golden years in lifestyle estates or coastal destinations that offer a quality lifestyle within proximity of medical facilities and other amenities. They will likely opt for single-level properties that have easy access or limited stairs. Smaller gardens requiring less maintenance will also be preferable. BetterBond’s data shows that the average purchase price for buyers in this age group is R2.1 million. 

Areas such as Hermanus and Somerset West in the Western Cape, Mossel Bay along the Garden Route, St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape and Sheffield Beach in KwaZulu-Natal offer premium living opportunities for retirees. Inland luxury estates are also popular with retirees. The award-winning Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate on Gauteng’s Midrand has onsite medical facilities as well as a host of recreational activities. 

No matter what your life stage, when it comes to buying a home or investing in property it's important to consider the following, says Bendall. Is the home well-located? Does the property suit the area? A bachelor pad in a suburban street adjacent to a school will not sell as quickly as one in a trendy, inner-city district. Is the property affordable for my current financial position? Does it meet my current lifestyle needs and will it yield a return on my investment? “Fortunately, property is a reliable investment, at any age. Work with the experts – a bond originator and a skilled real estate agent – to make informed decisions throughout your property buying journey.”