26 November 2025

Entries to the biggest competition in real estate history have officially closed, and 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. You can read more about the prize property here.

Here’s what some of our competition entrants say they would do if they won:

• “I will invest by using Rawson to let it out and consider using the income to buy another property for my personal use.” – Michael G
  
  
• “I think I’m just excited to have a weekend spot. Outside of that, it could be an amazing investment opportunity for short-term rental — also done through Rawson, of course.” – H. McCann
  
  
• “I would start a short-term rental, begin building credit, and look into purchasing more apartments to rent out.” – Brandon T
  
  
• “If I won, I’d turn the property into a stylish short-term rental that gives visitors a real taste of Cape Town’s charm. It would be both a smart investment and a beautiful place to enjoy during my free weekends!” – Shashika M

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.