South Africa Property Auctions 2026: Galetti Launches a National Three-City Programme
Galetti Auctions has launched its 2026 auction year with a coordinated national programme anchored by three live auctions in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, bringing property opportunities from across South Africa onto a single auction platform. The opening of the auction year follows a strong previous cycle for the group, during which Galetti concluded just under R1.7 billion in property transactions, reinforcing auctions as a credible and effective route to market across commercial, industrial, residential and development asset classes.
A Strong Start to the 2026 Auction Year
Commenting on the launch of the 2026 auction programme, Wesley Cowan, Managing Director at Galetti Auctions, said the three-city format reflects both market maturity and renewed confidence. “The intention with the 2026 kick-off was not to be overly aggressive, but rather to present a nationally representative catalogue that reflects where the market genuinely is,” said Cowan. “Running three auctions across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town allows us to cover the country while still respecting the regional nuances of each market.”
Cape Town Auction: Resilience Across Western Cape Property Markets
The Cape Town auction draws from the Western Cape’s diverse property landscape, with assets spanning retail, residential and development land. The catalogue includes a tenanted neighbourhood retail property in Swellendam, a beachfront residential opportunity in Strand Central offering both owner-occupation and income potential, and a vacant land parcel in Somerset West’s Heritage Park precinct, positioned within an established growth corridor.
According to Cowan, the Western Cape catalogue highlights continued resilience across multiple asset classes. “What we’re seeing in the Cape Town auction is sustained interest in well-located, income-producing assets, alongside selective demand for residential and development opportunities where the fundamentals are sound.”
Johannesburg Auction: Income-Driven Assets in Gauteng and North West
The Johannesburg auction, incorporating properties from Gauteng and the North-West province, reflects the economic breadth of South Africa’s primary commercial hub. Industrial property in Klerksdorp provides exposure to logistics and transport-linked activity, while a tenanted residential property in Equestria offers income stability in an established Gauteng market. A retail and fuel station property in Brits Central further strengthens the catalogue, supported by long-term lease fundamentals and prominent positioning.
Cowan noted that Gauteng continues to reward pricing discipline and functional assets. “Buyers in the Johannesburg auction are highly focused on operational efficiency and income certainty. Industrial and retail assets that are well located and realistically priced are continuing to attract competitive interest.”
Durban Auction: Industrial and Residential Opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal
The Durban auction presents a mix of residential and industrial property reflective of KwaZulu-Natal’s multifaceted market. Residential property in Bulwer offers flexibility for occupation or investment, while an industrial asset in Springfield Park is situated within one of Durban’s most established industrial precincts, benefiting from proximity to key transport routes and the port.
KwaZulu-Natal’s inclusion in the national auction programme remains strategically important, according to Cowan. “Durban plays a critical role in the national property ecosystem, particularly from an industrial and logistics perspective. We’re seeing improving sentiment, especially around assets that support trade and distribution.”
Extending the National Catalogue Beyond the Major Centres
Beyond the three primary auction centres, the national catalogue also includes industrial and commercial properties in the Eastern Cape, with listings in East London and Queenstown further extending the geographic reach of the 2026 programme.
A Measured Market Outlook for Property Auctions in 2026
Looking ahead, Cowan described the overall tone of the 2026 auction kick-off as measured and constructive. “The market has become more informed and more selective, and auctions are increasingly being used as a mechanism for transparent price discovery. The early part of 2026 feels grounded, disciplined and positive — which is exactly how you want to start an auction year.”
With properties drawn from multiple provinces and offered through three major auction centres, Galetti Auctions’ opening programme positions the group for another nationally representative year, shaped by market fundamentals rather than speculative pricing.
