How can the property sector adapt to meet the challenges of the next decade?

For the property sector to meet the challenges of the next decade, from climate adaptation to urban migration, it must redefine value. 

That means moving beyond ROI as a financial metric and embracing Return on Impact, which encompasses healthier communities, lower environmental footprints, and long-term housing security, says Gerard Abrahamse, general manager at ASI Property.

Inclusive human settlement

“Inclusive development is not a checkbox; it’s a continuous conversation. Our aim is to ensure every resident, regardless of income or background, feels they belong and have a stake in the community’s future.”

The specialist property management business says World Habitat Day serves as a reminder that housing is more than just shelter.

“It’s a human right, a social anchor, and a driver of resilience. And as the industry evolves, thought leaders, developers, and policymakers must ask: Are we building for today’s profits or tomorrow’s people?” 

ASI Property says it is one of many organisations contributing to this shift. It says their work is not the end of the conversation, but part of a growing chorus calling for ethical, inclusive, and sustainable housing beyond bricks.

Abrahamse says on World Habitat Day, which is celebrated on the first Monday of October, the global spotlight turned to one of humanity’s most fundamental needs: shelter.

However, he says that as urbanisation accelerates and inequality deepens, the question is no longer just how we build it, but how we build responsibly.

Youth and property ownership

The GM says Africa is home to the youngest population in the world, with a median age of just 20. “By 2035, the continent will have the largest workforce globally. This demographic shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity: millions of young people will be graduating, entering the economy, and seeking places to live.

"The most urgent need of the future is not just housing but housing that is accessible, inclusive, and resilient.” 

In August, Jonathan Acutt, the managing director at Acutts Real Estate, said that as the South African residential property market evolves, first-time buyers in 2025 are finding themselves at a complex crossroads.

This was with higher interest rates, tighter lending criteria, and an economy still recovering from inflationary pressures, aspiring homeowners are navigating more than just house hunting-they’re navigating an entirely new property landscape.

Yet despite the headwinds, Acutt said opportunities still exist for those who are informed, financially prepared, and willing to adapt.

“Affordability may be stretched, but if you can secure a loan at a great interest rate and plan for a 3 to 5-year horizon, this could still be a smart time to enter the market,” says Clint Landsberg, a property consultant with Acutts in Durban.

The real estate company said banks remained cautious but open, with some still offering 100% home loans to qualified buyers. It said government-backed assistance through programmes such as FLISP (Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme) continues to support lower to middle-income earners, although many were calling for its expansion and simplification.

Abrahamse says this year’s theme, “Resilient Urban Economies: Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery,” invites reflection on the role of housing in shaping inclusive, sustainable societies.

“It’s a call to move beyond infrastructure and embrace a more holistic vision of urban development, one that prioritises dignity, equity, and long-term resilience.” 

Ethical shift in property management

The company says that for decades, the property sector has focused on metrics like yield and ROI. “Now, a necessary shift is emerging as ethical property management is not only morally right, but also essential for building resilient and equitable communities.”

ASI Property says this shift includes practices such as transparent leasing, tenant engagement, fair pricing, and community integration. “Picture a vibrant neighbourhood in Johannesburg where once sceptical residents now feel a stronger sense of belonging.

"Transparent leasing practices mean that Mrs Ndlovu, a long-time tenant, can clearly understand her rental terms and feel secure in her home. 

“Tenant engagement initiatives foster spirited dialogues at monthly building meetings, where residents like young activist Thabo have a say in improvements and community projects. It’s about recognising that housing is not just a commodity, but a platform for wellbeing, stability, and opportunity.” 

According to Abrahamse, sustainability is more than green buildings. He says sustainability in housing has often been reduced to energy ratings and eco-certifications. While these are critical, the GM says they represent only part of the picture.

“True sustainability must also account for social and economic resilience, especially in regions vulnerable to climate shocks and economic volatility.” 

The company says retrofitting older housing stock, reducing waste, conserving water, and educating tenants on sustainable living are all part of the equation. However, it adds that this is also essential to ensuring that housing remains accessible to diverse income groups and that developments contribute to, rather than displace, existing communities.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 11 calls for cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Achieving this demands a new mindset: building for long-term human and community wellbeing, not just short-term profit, ASI Property says. 

With regards to inclusion as a design principle, the business says inclusive housing is not just about affordability, but also about belonging. “It means designing spaces that accommodate people with disabilities, reflect cultural diversity, and foster community connection.

"It means listening to residents, not just surveying them. And it means creating feedback loops that inform upgrades, services, and policies.” 

In practice, it says this can manifest as accessibility-first design, local employment initiatives, and partnerships with nonprofits to support residents at risk of housing insecurity.

“These aren’t add-ons, they're foundational to resilient urban economies.” 

Independent Media Property