HGTV's 'Totally '90s House' Brings Nostalgic Stars Back to Renovate Time-Capsule Homes

Our take

For South African property enthusiasts, 'Totally '90s House' is light entertainment rather than a practical renovation guide — but it does tap into a genuinely useful conversation about dated interiors and resale value. Many South African homes, particularly in established suburbs of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, still carry 1990s finishes: wall-to-wall carpeting, laminate cabinetry, and avocado bathroom suites. Sellers and landlords should take note: outdated interiors consistently suppress asking prices and extend time-on-market, especially as younger millennial and Gen Z buyers enter the market with strong aesthetic preferences shaped by social media. The show's core tension — modernising without erasing character — mirrors a real dilemma facing owners of older SA homes in heritage-sensitive suburbs like Constantia or Parktown. Budget-conscious landlords in particular can draw inspiration: you don't need a full gut renovation to attract quality tenants. Strategic updates to kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring deliver the strongest return. Worth a watch for homeowners sitting on a renovation fence.