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A Tale of Two Cities – Why Gauteng Is Winning Back Cape Town’s Semigrants

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GUEST: Jonathan Kohler, CEO of Landsdowne

As the cost of coastal living continues to climb, is the tide turning on South Africa’s semigration boom? We speak to Jonathan Kohler, CEO of Landsdowne, about a surprising shift: the return of semigrants to Johannesburg.

Kohler unpacks why Gauteng’s affordability, improving lending conditions, and practical lifestyle are luring back professionals once drawn to Cape Town’s scenic promise. With Cape Town’s average rents topping R16,000 a month and municipal costs climbing, middle-income earners are rethinking the coastal dream. By contrast, Joburg’s average property prices (R1.3m vs Cape Town’s R2.1m) and lower living costs offer more space and long-term value

8 Jul 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

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