One lucky winner will soon walk away with the keys to a brand-new luxury apartment worth R2 million.
The Rawson Property Group’s Win A Luxury Apartment campaign has been the talk of the town for months, and now, with the prize draw looming in December, the big question is: what would you do if it were yours?
Live in it? Sell it? Rent it out and start earning passive income?
If you ask us (and many savvy investors), turning this stunning apartment into a high-performing rental asset is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Let’s take a look at why renting it out makes sense – and how to do it right!
Turning keys into cashflow
According to Jacqui Savage, National Rentals Manager at the Rawson Property Group, residential rentals are still one of the most accessible and consistent forms of property investment for South Africans.
“Whether you’re a first-time landlord or growing your property portfolio, rental income offers an immediate return that can offset costs or simply build your wealth,” says Savage. “In the right area, with the right tenant, rental properties can be incredibly rewarding – both financially and personally.”
The good news? The apartment up for grabs in the Win A Luxury Apartment competition ticks a lot of those “right area” boxes. Located in a desirable, well-connected part of Cape Town, it’s perfect for young professionals, urban dwellers, or digital nomads looking for secure, stylish living with great access to amenities.
How to set your prize apartment up for rental success
While the rental route is full of potential, it’s not a simple case of “list it and leave it”. Like any investment, it needs smart planning, solid management, and a few clever calls up front.
Understand your market
Before you set your rental price, you’ll need to research current rental rates for similar properties in the same area. Demand in urban hotspots like Cape Town’s CBD tends to be strong, especially for modern, lock-up-and-go units. Still, don’t overprice it – a fair rent ensures shorter vacancy periods and more stable income.
Target the right tenant
Savage says urban apartments like this one are particularly appealing to tenants under 35.
“They’re looking for convenience, lifestyle, and location,” she explains. “Low maintenance, security, and access to transport or entertainment options are huge drawcards.”
Positioning your apartment to attract this demographic can make a significant difference in both rental returns and tenant quality.
Don’t skip the tenant screening
It’s tempting to rush the process once enquiries start rolling in, but tenant selection is not something to take lightly.
“Tenant quality is everything,” says Savage. “One bad tenant can cost you months in lost rent or legal fees. That’s why we always recommend working with a rental specialist or, at the very least, running full credit and background checks before signing a lease.”
Partnering with a reputable rental agent, like Rawson’s own local franchises, means they’ll handle this legwork for you – including marketing, lease agreements, maintenance coordination and legal compliance.
Factor in ownership costs
It might be a free apartment, but owning a property isn’t completely cost-free. Before you start counting rental profits, make sure you’ve factored in monthly levies, maintenance, rates, and insurance.
“Sectional title properties like apartments usually come with monthly levies that cover things like security, building insurance, and communal area upkeep,” says Savage. “It’s not a huge expense, but it’s one many new landlords forget to include in their budgeting.”
Repairs and routine maintenance can also pop up when you least expect it – even in brand-new homes. Setting aside a small portion of your rental income each month for upkeep is a smart way to avoid financial surprises down the line.
Managing risk like a pro
Even with a great tenant, things can still go wrong. Unexpected job losses, late payments, or maintenance disputes can all put pressure on your rental income. That’s why Savage recommends being proactive about protecting your investment.
“Thorough tenant vetting is your first line of defence,” she says. “From financial history to rental references, it’s essential to know who you’re handing your keys to.” Working with a rental specialist can also help minimise risk by ensuring leases are legally sound, deposits are correctly handled, and any issues are dealt with swiftly and professionally. Some landlords also choose to take out private rental insurance to cover potential losses – it’s not essential, but for new landlords in particular, it can offer peace of mind.
This could be the start of something big!
Whether you’re the lucky winner or just inspired to kickstart your own investment journey, Rawson Property Group’s Win A Luxury Apartment competition is a reminder that big property dreams are worth chasing – and often, closer than you think.
The winner of this R2-million prize will be announced in December, and we’ll be watching closely to see how they choose to use their new home. Will they move in, flip it, or turn it into a rental success story?
Either way, it’s a great time to think about what you could do with the right property, the right strategy, and the right team behind you.
Old Orange Eyes
South Africa is the second largest economy on the continent, only exceeded by Nigeria, which has more than three times the population size. Over the past decade, South Africa has experienced rapid change and is ranked by the World Bank as an “upper middle-income country”. Of the more than 400 companies on the continent earning more than $1bn annually, about half are in South Africa. The country is nevertheless highly divided, with a large part of the population living in poverty. The division makes South Africa an interesting economy with possibilities in many segments. The country have well-developed infrastructure and world-class financial sector to support business activities, and is one of the highest ranking African countries on the ease of doing business index.