With rising property prices and tighter lending conditions, more South Africans are rethinking how they buy or rent homes. Whether it’s young professionals pooling resources, siblings co-investing, or retirees avoiding isolation, shared property models like co-leasing, co-living, and co-investing are on the rise.

But while the shared approach can make real estate more accessible, it’s not without its complications. Grant Smee, CEO of Only Realty Property Group, joined HOT Business with Jeremy Maggs, powered by Standard Bank, to unpack the trend — and the pitfalls.

“Affordability is a big driver,” says Smee. “But it’s also about shared risk and diversifying income when building a portfolio.”

Co-leasing, for instance, is essentially a shared rental agreement — but the moment someone wants to leave, disputes over deposits, rent splits, or damages can arise. That’s why Smee advises both a clear lease and a separate co-living agreement outlining who pays for what, and what happens when someone exits.

Listen to Grant’s full interview with Jeremy Maggs below: