South Africans are lastly waking as much as the worth of different property. Because the rand strengthens in opposition to the greenback, objects like luxurious watches, jewelry and purses have gotten extra attainable. Higher nonetheless, in contrast to property in South Africa, the barrier for entry to those globally recognised property is decrease.
That is the assertion of the 2025 report on the State of the Luxurious Market in Africa, stories Every day Investor. Into its eighth yr, the report says South Africans are leaving austerity behind. More and more they’re investing into different property now that the returns are rivalling and beating conventional investments.
ALTERNATIVE ASSETS
Likewise, the second-hand marketplace for different property is increasing three-times sooner, says Luxity co-founder Michael Zahariev. “A ten% annual progress fee signifies that South Africans are more and more treating designer items like monetary investments,” Zahariev says.
“Luxurious watchmaker, Rolex, has damaged each barrier potential. Pre-owned items now command 126.5% over the retail worth. This premium displays true worth and consumers keen to pay to bypass multi-year ready lists,” explains Zahariev. This isn’t dissimilar to limited-edition luxurious/efficiency automobiles, by controlling provide over demand, Rolex has successfully created and defending its personal asset.
HOW OTHER LUXURY ITEMS COMPARE
Rolex’s model fairness and complicated resale infrastructure make it uniquely resilient inside different property. They’re much less uncovered to market fluctuation and financial cycles, in contrast with different conventional investments. And the 126.5% worth efficiency is stronger than another luxurious manufacturers, based on the report:
Panerai – 79.2%
Hublot – 74.3%
Cartier – 72.6%
Hermès – 67.8%
Bulgari – 64.3%
ALTERNATIVE ASSETS OUTPERFORMING PROPERTY

Moreover, luxurious time items like Rolex are even outperforming South Africa’s property market. Rolex resale values have climbed markedly – from 87.5% in 2021 to 104.9% in 2024 and 126.5% in 2025. Plus, buying and selling exercise for luxurious items in South Africa has exploded by 184% since COVID, with watches alone surging 28% up to now yr, confirms the report.
“These aren’t vainness purchases anymore,” Zahariev says. “Patrons are working the identical due diligence on a luxurious time piece as they’d on a JSE-listed inventory. And in lots of circumstances, they’re outperforming the inventory market. Nonetheless, it’s necessary that consumers goal shortage, sturdiness and powerful resale potential,” he concludes.
However what do you suppose? Are you keen to speculate cash into different property on this financial local weather? Make sure you tell us within the feedback part beneath …



















