This article addresses the paucity of disaggregated household net wealth data in South Africa. A mixed
methods approach was followed to develop and conduct a country-specific household net wealth
measurement survey. A disaggregated household typology of assets and liabilities, based on
international net wealth surveys, was developed. Focus group research was employed in the qualitative
strand to finalise the survey. In the quantitative strand, disaggregated micro-level data estimates
from 2 606 households were collected and the article presents the cursory findings. A comparison is
drawn between the survey’s main asset and liability estimates with data estimates presented in the
South African Reserve Bank’s household balance sheet. These estimates were constructed from macrolevel
data estimates and lack information on the disaggregated composition of household net wealth.
Furthermore, the conceptual linkages and differences between the micro and macro data estimates
are described. The manner in which differences in the concepts, construction methods and potential
survey errors contributed to differences between the two sets of data estimates is also indicated. The
aim of the research was to contribute to the field of household finances from the perspective of a
developing country. Therefore, the process followed to construct and validate the survey instrument
and data estimates could assist other developing countries to develop their own surveys.
Disaggregated net wealth data estimates could assist policy-makers with the overview and
management of a country’s household net wealth.