South Africa's pet ownership numbers are bigger than you think.
Pet friendly homes in South Africa are no longer a niche preference. They are a mainstream priority. With nearly a quarter of South African households owning a dog or cat, pet ownership is now a measurable driver of property decisions, influencing what buyers seek, what tenants will pay and what landlords and developers need to offer. Whether you are buying, renting or investing, understanding how pets shape the property market could be one of the most practical things you read this year.
With almost a quarter of South African household owning cats or dogs, pet ownership is increasingly influencing homebuying decisions, says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond‘s National Head of Sales. “Recent data from Statistics South Africa shows that 23.5% of households own 7.4 million dogs and 2 million cats. We are seeing buyers and renters increasingly prioritising pet friendly features when choosing a home.”
This is the first time that pet ownership data has been included in the General Household Survey, with the 2025 report released late last month. But consumer insight company BrandMapp has found that pet ownership is on the rise. As a result, finding a pet friendly property with features such as secure outdoor space, pet friendly body corporate rules and access to green areas are becoming important factors in residential property decisions.
“Pet friendly property features are no longer a niche consideration. They are becoming an increasingly important value driver in the residential property market.” For sellers, practical improvements such as secure fencing, durable flooring, shaded outdoor areas and confirmed body corporate pet approval can improve a property’s appeal to a growing segment of buyers.
How does pet ownership affect property decisions?
Dogs remain South Africa’s most common household pet, with more than three times as many households owning dogs than cats. Because dogs typically require more space, their owners often favour larger properties with gardens or convenient access to open spaces. “Dog-owning buyers are generally drawn to freestanding homes, townhouses with private outdoor areas or estates with greenbelts and walking routes that support safe exercise and outdoor activity.”
While cats account for a smaller share of overall ownership, housing and demographic trends suggest they are becoming more popular among younger buyer and single-person households. These buyers are more likely to choose sectional title homes, apartments and compact urban properties, as cats adapt well to indoor living and require less space. “cats are particularly well suited to compact apartments and homes with smaller outdoor areas. They also align with the needs of buyers seeking low-maintenance living and greater lifestyle flexibility.”
What to know before buying a sectional title property with pets.
Sectional title properties remain popular among younger buyers, first-time homeowners and investors, offering relative affordability, security and lock-up-and-go convenience. These apartments, townhouses and semi-detached homes are particularly well suited to buyers with cats or smaller dogs breeds. However, Bendall notes that many body corporates require written permission from trustees before pets are permitted. “Buyers should carefully consider pet ownership rules and restrictions when evaluating the pros and cons of buying sectional title properties,” he adds.
For -buy-to-let investors, pet friendly accommodation also remains a clear market differentiator. Rental properties with reasonable pet friendly policies remain consistently sought after. As suitable rental options are often limited, pet owners are more likely to secure longer-term leases, which can offer greater stability for landlords.”
“We are seeing a clear shift in how buyers factor pets into their housing decisions. In a recent case, a client was granted Body Corporate approval for a Great Dane in a studio apartment, as the approval was given without full consideration of the dog’s size or breed. This highlights the importance of ensuring full transparency and clarity when applying for pet approval, as gaps in the process can lead to complications later on.
Increasingly, buyers are willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their pets, with many Gen Z tenants and homeowners even opting for solutions such as doggy day care when living in smaller units. It is also difficult to see how often people are forced to rehome pets simply because their new home is not pet friendly. In my experience working with estate agents, this is becoming a consistent trend. Around 7 out of 10 buyers now specifically request pet friendly properties as a key requirement,” noted Candyce de Wet, Home Load Specialist, BetterBond Western Cape.
Gen Z, pets and the future of South African housing.
International research indicates that pet ownership is growing rapidly amonng younger consumers, with pets increasingly viewed as part of the household. The American Pet Products Associations (APPA) reported in its 2025 State of the Industry Report that pet ownership among Gen Z consumers, born between 1997 and 2012, increased by 43.5% between 2023 and 2024. Many in this segment area delaying marriage and children, increasing the likelihood of owning at least one pet. These buyers are often willing to pay a premium for homes that support their pet’s wellbeing, whether through secure outdoor spaces, proximity to parks or access to pet friendly amenities.
Pet-conscious design features are also becoming more prominent, with homeowners investing in durable finishes, secure outdoor enclosures or “catios”, and dedicated pet-washing facilities as practical value-adding improvements. “Developers are increasingly recognising this demand, with newer sectional title schemes and lifestyle estates incorporating walking routes, pet friendly green spaces and cleared pet ownership policies as competitive differentiators.”
What pet friendly features add value to a property?
Stats SA data also shows a correlation between household living standards measure (LSM) and pet ownership at 12.7%, significantly higher than the 15.6% and 6% recorded in lower LSM categories. The Western Cape is one of the provinces where dog ownership is particularly prevalent. This is supported by BetterBond’s average home loan value data, as reported in the May Property Brief, which shows that the Western Cape records the country’s highest average home loan value. Dog-owning buyers will often pay a premium for larger properties with the space and features their pets require.
Lightstone recently reported that more than 150 000 new residential properties in the over-R500 000 segment have been added to the market over the part five years, with just over 73% located in the Western Cape and Gauteng. Many of these developments fall within the high-value and luxury market segments. These provinces also have among the highest concentrations of pet-owning households, with pet-friendly accommodation increasingly influencing both purchasing and investment decisions, says Bendall.
“For a growing number of South Africans, a property’s suitability is being assessed not only on location, security and access to amenities, but also on how effectively it accommodates changing household needs, including pet ownership.” This growing emphasis on pet friendly housing preferences is contributing to the expansion of Shouth Africa’s pet economy and reinforcing the role of pet friendly features as an increasingly important differentiator in the residential property market, concludes Bendall.
DISCLAIMER: This article draws on property market data and industry commentary. It does not constitute financial, legal or property investment advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance for their individual circumstances.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I have a pet in a sectional title property in South Africa?
A: Yes, but you generally need written permission from the body corporate or trustees before bringing a pet into a sectional title property. Rules vary between schemes and permission is not always automatic. Before purchasing or renting, ask for the pet policy in writing, confirm whether your specific breed or species is permitted and ensure any approval references the actual animal, not just a generic allowance. Gaps in the approval process can lead to serious complications later.
Q: What should I look for in a pet-friendly home in South Africa?
A: When searching for pet-friendly homes in South Africa, prioritise secure outdoor fencing, durable flooring that withstands claws and cleaning, shaded garden areas and proximity to open spaces or parks for dogs. For sectional title properties, confirm the body corporate’s pet policy upfront. Newer lifestyle estates increasingly include dedicated walking routes and green spaces designed with pets in mind.
Q: Are pet-friendly rental properties harder to find in South Africa?
A: Yes, suitable pet-friendly rental accommodation remains limited relative to demand. However, this scarcity works in favour of landlords who do allow pets, as pet-owning tenants tend to stay longer and offer greater lease stability. If you are searching for a rental with pets, start early, be transparent with landlords about your animals and ask specifically about breed or size restrictions rather than assuming a general pet policy covers you.
Q: Do pets affect the value of a property in South Africa?
A: Pets do not directly affect a property’s market value, but pet-friendly features increasingly influence buyer appeal and saleability. Practical improvements such as secure fencing, durable finishes, a shaded outdoor area and confirmed body corporate pet approval can make a property more attractive to a growing segment of South African buyers. Data suggests that higher-income households (LSM 8–10) have significantly higher rates of pet ownership, meaning pet-friendly features are particularly relevant in mid-to-upper market segments.
Q: Are dogs or cats better suited to apartment living in South Africa?
A: Cats generally adapt well to apartment and compact urban living, making them a practical choice for buyers in sectional title properties with limited outdoor space. Dogs, particularly larger breeds, typically need more room, access to secure gardens and regular outdoor exercise. Dog-owning buyers in South Africa tend to favour freestanding homes, townhouses with private yards or lifestyle estates with walking routes. If you have a dog and are considering an apartment, check the body corporate’s breed and size restrictions carefully before committing.
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