Something’s shifting, and it’s definitely not a phase. From big cities across the globe to right here at home, women aren’t just showing up in the property game; they’re running it, leading with fresh ideas, and reshaping what success looks like in a space once ruled by men. The numbers keep climbing, the vibe is electric, and the results speak for themselves.
From assistants to industry leaders
Not too long ago, women in real estate were often seen in support roles, handling admin, coordinating viewings, or managing rental portfolios behind the scenes. Fast-forward to today, and they’re sitting at the top: principal agents, directors, franchise owners, and thought leaders shaping the industry’s future.
And let’s not forget, women bring some pretty remarkable strengths to the table such as empathy, attention to detail, relationship-building, multitasking… basically, the soft skills that happen to make excellent hard results in real estate. Whether it's negotiating a sale, staging a property, or managing a client through the highs and lows of a transaction, women are absolutely owning it.
What’s driving the shift?
A mix of things, really. More flexible working hours and hybrid working structures have made real estate even more appealing for women who are balancing career and family life. Then there’s the rise of female-led mentorship programmes, growing support networks, and visibility of successful women in top roles, each one making it easier for others to step in, stay in, and shine.
The digital age has also levelled the playing field. With tech tools now doing the heavy lifting in admin and marketing, the focus is back where it should be, on people, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. And that’s where women are showing up strong.
Celebrating local trailblazers
It’s one thing to speak about trends, but it’s another to look around your own office or neighbourhood and see the power in action. South Africa has some phenomenal female agents and business owners who are rewriting the playbook.
From closing million-rand deals to transforming community developments, women in real estate are showing up with both heart and hustle. They’re mentoring the next generation, advocating for more inclusive industry practices, and, let’s be real, raising the bar for everyone around them.
The ripple effect
When women succeed in real estate, it has a ripple effect. Communities benefit. Families benefit. The industry benefits.
More women in property means more diverse perspectives, better client service, stronger workplace cultures, and a more balanced way of doing business. It’s not just about equality, it’s about evolving how the entire industry operates. The energy is shifting from transactional to relational, from rigid to adaptable, from competitive to collaborative.
That’s not just impactful, it’s powerful.
Women's Month messages from our team
DG Properties sales agent Alison Robb believes that the real estate industry offers unique opportunities for women, allowing them to leverage their natural skills in empathy and collaboration, which aids their desire to help people buy and sell their homes. “The potential of earning a high income was an important motivator for my career choice, and the flexibility of the job helps me balance my personal and professional responsibilities while contributing to a more inclusive workplace.”
When asked for her thoughts on the rise of women in real estate, Nadia Rapitse-Hurling, another sales agent at DG Properties, had this to say, “Real estate rewards those who dare, and women are rising to the challenge. Blending intelligence with intuition, they’re reshaping the industry and setting new standards of excellence.”
According to Alexa Horne, the Managing Director of DG Properties, “The success of women in South African real estate stems from our understanding that property isn't just about transactions - it's about building trust, understanding clients' emotional needs, and creating lasting relationships.
At DG Properties and across the sector, we're witnessing women achieve record-breaking performance while simultaneously ascending to leadership positions that are reshaping how agencies operate. This isn't just progress; it's a fundamental transformation that benefits the entire industry."
What comes next?
The future of real estate is looking more inclusive, more diverse, and a whole lot more exciting. But progress doesn’t happen on autopilot. It happens when companies actively support female talent, create leadership pathways, and continue the conversation.
At DG Properties, we’re proud to be part of the movement. Whether it’s backing female agents with resources, championing mentorship, or simply making space for every voice at the table, we believe the rise of women in real estate isn’t just a trend, it’s the way forward.
So, here’s to the women changing the face of property. We see you. We support you. And we’re inspired by what you’re building, brick by brick, deal by deal.
