Mzansi Not Impressed with R500,000 House: “No Ways, That’s Half a Million!”

• A viral TikTok video showcasing a seemingly dilapidated house in Rustenburg with a hefty price tag ignited disbelief
• Commenters questioned the exorbitant value for the old structure, suspecting exploitation of desperate home buyers
• The debate highlighted growing frustration over rising construction costs, land scarcity and increasingly unaffordable housing
• Briefly News spoke to Ndumiso Nkosi, a South African realtor, who shared his professional perspective on the viral R500K house

South Africans expressed collective outrage and concern over a viral video depicting an R500,000 house in poor condition, fueling a broader debate about inflated property prices and the ongoing housing crisis.

In a country where housing affordability is a growing concern, a seemingly ordinary TikTok video has stirred up an extraordinary debate.

A clip showing a house reportedly worth R500,000 has sparked outrage and disbelief across South Africa. The viral clip, posted on 7 July 2025 by user @khoustar, takes viewers on a tour of a home in Rustenburg that he is selling, revealing that it carries a staggering half-a-million rand price tag, and Mzansi isn’t buying it.

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Social media users quickly flooded the comments section, questioning how a house of that size and condition could be valued so highly. The structure appeared old and basic, with cracked walls, a small yard, and no visible windows. Many were left wondering if property developers were taking advantage of desperate home buyers

Unpacking South Africa's unaffordable property landscape

The frustration came from concerns about South Africa’s ongoing housing crisis. With construction costs soaring, limited available land, and increasingly inflated prices, ordinary citizens feel pushed to the margins. Most users agreed the house looked incomplete and was nowhere near worth the asking price.

The viral debate shed light on a deeper issue plaguing the local housing market — the growing gap between what’s being offered and what’s truly affordable or fair. With unemployment and inflation on the rise, South Africans are becoming more vocal about unrealistic property prices that don't reflect the value being delivered.

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The video may have gone viral for its shock factor, but it ultimately highlighted the urgent need for more transparent, fair, and affordable housing solutions in South Africa.

Property professional Ndumiso Nkosi contributed his perspective based on his knowledge of the market. Nkosi explained that from his experience and training in the industry, ethical agents should avoid listing homes that are clearly overpriced.

“Agents should not list a property that’s not worth the asking price. If the house has no added value, like air-conditioning, recent renovations, or good upkeep, and comes with multiple issues, it’s best to walk away. A good agent offers advice, not just a service. In cases like that, it’s more professional to thank the seller for their time and move on.”

When asked whether the area or the structure plays a bigger role in pricing, Nkosi emphasised that both matter significantly, especially with a property valued at around R500,000.

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“We look at the structure and the area, but also consider what the market is currently offering. The number of bedrooms, price per square metre, and similar listings in the area all influence value. Safety, proximity to malls, offices, and amenities, as well as potential return on investment, particularly for buyers looking long-term, are all important factors. We also consider what the seller wants to walk away with after the sale, because our commission has to be factored in too.”

Nkosi added that finishes often make the first impression.

“Personally, I always look at the finishes of the home first. Buyers tend to fall in love with well-finished properties. Homes with quality finishes generally sell faster. Unless you’re someone who sees potential in a fixer-upper and is willing to renovate, most people want something that looks beautiful and move-in ready.”

Mzansi reacted to the TikTok video

Try V said:

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"Maybe he meant to say R5,000, for sure."

Mar B. Mosehla shared:

"O tsobile petrol wena, serious! 😂😂😂😂😂"

13415 asked:

"Do you even know what R500,000 is?"

Ronald added:

"That house is worth R3,500."

Donald said:

"Wanyela marete gona kamo. O kare gona le noga!"

Khabako asked:

"I don’t see any neighbours? 😂😂😂"

Takie asked:

"Are you selling the house or just the stand?"

Scott A.G added:

"That house is worth R700, max."

For Jesus shared:

"Ska tlogela di number, tlogela patje, boss."

user3493908273638 wrote:

"It looks like a ghost house, my brother. 😳"

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News stories about selling houses

• A couple from the US purchased their SA luxury home at a fraction of what they sold their house for in America.
• A South African real estate agent, Nadia Beattie, uploaded a comical video trying to sell a house in isiZulu.
• South African actress Thuli Phongolo listed her Bryanston home for sale on the Hamilton Properties website.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News