• Many black buyers in KwaZulu-Natal avoid buying suburban homes due to debt blacklisting and turn to rural areas instead.

• A real estate agent says the industry remains white-dominated and black professionals still struggle to earn clients’ trust.

Most black people in KwaZulu-Natal still choose to rent homes in suburbs or build in rural areas instead of buying property because they are often blacklisted.

Real estate agent Pumzile Phenyane told Scrolla.Africa that many black South Africans either don’t trust property as a solid investment or can’t get approved for home loans.

“Most of them don’t believe it’s an investment,” she said. “They would rather build in rural areas where there are no taxes or rates.”

Phenyane, who started working in the industry in 2016, said black people remain underrepresented in the property business — both as homeowners and professionals.

“The real estate industry is still mostly white. black people are not that interested in the profession,” she said. “And for those of us who are in it, it takes time to earn respect, especially because most of the clients are white and don’t trust us easily.”

Despite this, Phenyane said she has built a strong and loyal client base.

She said the government should do more to promote the property profession and help black communities understand the benefits of owning property.

She also called for more support from the state through platforms that educate people about the property industry and help them get into the market.

The South African government does try to open up the industry through the Amended Property Sector Code, housing subsidies and the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

Phenyane, who holds several certificates in property practice, said passion and people skills are key to success in the field.

She works in rentals, sales and manages properties for South Africans who live and work overseas.

Pictured above: Real estate agent Pumzile Phenyane, who has broken many barriers in the white-dominated property industry.

Image source: Pumi Phenyane