Distressed properties will remain a reality during 2012
The number of distressed homeowners is likely to increase this year. Economic conditions around the globe have remained depressed, and as such, consumers the world over are still battling to control their levels of debt and adjust to the financial deman
1 February 2012Read More .....
Duur wonings bly 'n toevlug
Johannesburg. – Prysgroei in die markte vir superluukse eiendom het in die tweede helfte van verlede jaar wêreldwyd afgekoel, maar steeds beter gevaar as die hoofstroom-huismarkte.
1 February 2012Read More .....
Why buy homes in KZN and Eastern Cape?
House price growth recorded better than average figures in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape when compared to other provinces in 2011.
1 February 2012Read More .....
SA house prices 25 percent overvalued
South African house prices are reportedly at least 25 percent overvalued with no vigorous growth expected, according to property economist Erwin Rode.
27 January 2012Read More .....
New student apartments close to Wits
For South African students, being accepted at a tertiary institution is just the first hurdle in the race to higher education. The next step is to find suitable, affordable accommodation, which is generally hard to find and snapped up quickly.
27 January 2012Read More .....
Which provinces give you the best house price performances?
KZN and Eastern Cape show better than average house price growth. KZN AND EASTERN CAPE SHOW BETTER-THAN-AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE GROWTH
27 January 2012Read More .....
House prices overvalued by at least 25% - Rode Report
Could take at least five years for the market to recover.
27 January 2012Read More .....
Young buyers under 30 face hurdles
In today’s property market many young buyers may be facing more hurdles than their counterparts from the older generations.
27 January 2012Read More .....
2012: The economy and property outlook
Property experts and economists have been saying house prices will remain in single digits with all eyes on South Africa’s economic growth.
27 January 2012Read More .....
Residential property industry faces another challenging year
Estate agencies are facing a challenging twelve months. With another sluggish year likely for residential property in South Africa, estate agencies are facing a challenging twelve months.
25 January 2012Read More .....
Mark vir goedkoop huise bedrywig
Johannesburg. – Wat bedrywighede betref, het die goedkoop segment van die huismark verlede jaar beter gevaar as die duurder segmente.
25 January 2012Read More .....
More property owners now downscaling
At least 22 percent of property sellers were downscaling due to financial pressure with 27 percent of sellers in the lower income end of the market.
27 January 2012Read More .....
Top 11 Property Categories for 2011
Lightstone, the well known property valuator, made the following interesting information available last week:
25 January 2012Read More .....
Boomers buying to invest and downsize
Although it is the Generation X population, which consists of adults between the ages of 31 and 45, that are leading the property market recovery, baby boomers are making their presence felt in the market.
19 January 2012Read More .....
Banks giving 100% home loans, buy now!
Property prices in South Africa recorded a positive year-on-year growth of 6.2 percent in December 2011, according to mortgage originator ooba.
18 January 2012Read More .....
SA investors cash in on student homes
A shortage of student accommodation at universities and tertiary institutions has seen old office blocks being turned into upmarket student homes.
17 January 2012Read More .....
Home buying decade, grab that bargain
Standard Bank reckons the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will keep the repo rate at its current level for the duration of 2012.
18 January 2012Read More .....
Kopersmark sal nog voortduur
Johannesburg. – Mense wat wil huis koop, sal nog die volgende paar jaar te kies en keur hê wat hulle wil koop en hoeveel hulle wil betaal.
18 January 2012Read More .....
The Famous Treoc Double Structure
Powerful three-hour trust presentation
16 January 2012Read More .....
How successful is selling your property on auction?
David Pincus looks at the strike rate and average sale price.
16 January 2012Read More .....
Clear your debt and get 100% home loan
A number of home loans are now being approved at 100 percent of the property purchase price, according to the latest statistics from Betterbond.
16 January 2012Read More .....
Listed property favoured by investors
South African listed property remains an attractive alternative to cash and bonds over the long term and property income has the potential to grow.
16 January 2012Read More .....
First time home buyers spur demand in 2011: FNB
Expects household saving to improve noticeably in 2012.
16 January 2012Read More .....
Buy, buy, buy say estate agent bosses
The gap between buyers and sellers is narrowing favouring even the entry level buyer.
16 January 2012Read More .....
Another seven years of gloom for property?
ALEC HOGG: It’s Monday January 9 2012 and in this Boardroom talk special podcast, John Loos from FNB, joins us. The Property Price Index is one of the areas that many people keep an eye on but you do it for a living, John.
10 January 2012Read More .....
Banks appetite for lending will decide how property performs: expert
Consumers warned not to expect too many interest rate concessions. Johannesburg, Jan 5 (I-Net Bridge) - The residential property market in 2012 will continue to be driven by the banks and their varying appetite for lending.
5 January 2012Read More .....
Rental homes priced right move fast
Good quality homes offered at the right rental price are “moving remarkably quickly” in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.
5 January 2012Read More .....
Western Cape homes for the to-buy list
With South African consumers set to continue buying and selling homes in 2012, we bring you some of the Cape’s most sought after-homes.
5 January 2012Read More .....
Veilingverdienste stewig
Johannesburg. – Die druk waaronder die land se eiendomsmark verkeer, is die afgelope jaar weerspieël in ’n stewige styging in die omset en die volume van veilingsmaatskappye.
5 January 2012Read More .....
The ancient “Pyramid Bank” scheme
Ever since the beginning of man’s existence he has sought ways to make his life easier. I’m sure that the first quests were for easy ways to get food and make clothing. Equally important, if not perhaps the most important, was his search for some kind of
5 January 2012Read More .....
ooba sees record application and value growth
Bond applications increased by 36% in November.
5 January 2012Read More .....
The holiday season is the time to work ON your business
People who regularly work ON their businesses are far more successful than people who work IN their businesses.
15 December 2011Read More .....
Lephalale rentals steeper than Joburg
If you’ve ever wondered who pays the most rent in South Africa, you may be surprised to know that Mpumalanga and Limpopo both top Gauteng, according to the PayProp Rental Index released on Friday.
13 December 2011Read More .....
Don't wait too long to buy property
Growth in Standard Bank’s (smoothed) median house price experienced further easing, contracting by -1% y/y in November from -0.5% y/y in October.
13 December 2011Read More .....
Mixed market the ‘chance of a lifetime’ for young buyers
Young working people should buy a home now before the market turns against them.
12 December 2011Read More .....
Homes to suit all property buyers
While some residential markets may be struggling thanks to flat house price growth, others are experiencing a surge in increased buyer activity.
8 December 2011Read More .....
SA's sought-after rental locations
Quality and well priced rental properties in some parts of Johannesburg north are reportedly being snapped up quickly as they come into the market.
12 December 2011Read More .....
More home buys near Gautrain route
Estate agents in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng report an increase in residential activity thanks to the launch of the Gautrain route through to Pretoria.
8 December 2011Read More .....
Property bargains at upcoming auctions
South African property buyers and investors will be spoilt for choice at property auctions coming soon in Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town.
6 December 2011Read More .....
Top 5 home staging tips
If buying a home is all about location, selling one in the current uncertain market has a great deal to do with presentation or “staging” as it is known in the real estate business.
7 December 2011Read More .....
High demand for Witbank rental flats
The mining town of Witbank located in Mpumalanga is experiencing steady demand for rental homes thanks to lack of affordable housing and finance.
6 December 2011Read More .....
Meer mense begin dalk weer soek na ’n huisie by die see
Johannesburg. – Die vraag na ontspanningseiendom sal na verwagting stadig begin toeneem noudat die Suid-Afrikaanse eiendomsmark begin herstel van die resessie, het mnr. Adrian Goslett, uitvoerende hoof van RE/MAX Suider-Afrika, gesê.
5 December 2011Read More .....
Stellenbosch buy-to-let development
A new residential property development, close to the University of Stellenbosch that combines sectional title apartments and freestanding houses will help to meet the increasing demand for student accommodation in the area.
5 December 2011Read More .....
Full Mortgages without Applications
Best way of purchasing in the current market!
1 December 2011Read More .....
Will the voetstoots clause become redundant
Voetstoots clause upheld in court case on the grounds that the seller was ignorant.
2 December 2011Read More .....
House prices on the downturn again: FNB
After a brief uptick around mid-year.
2 December 2011Read More .....
Poor buyers battle to get home loans
In the Western Cape, many potential home buyers are reportedly battling to get home loans with 40 percent qualifying for home loans to buy property.
5 December 2011Read More .....
South Africa's new homes selling fast
While some estate agents report a slowdown in property buying, others are experiencing a boom especially in new residential property developments.
1 December 2011Read More .....
Where to for property in 2012?
No one could claim that the South African property market has done well in 2011.
30 November 2011Read More .....
Amanzimtoti property set to flourish
Transnet’s R100bn plan to turn Durban’s former international airport site into a dug-out port is positive for the property market in Amanzimtoti.
28 November 2011Read More .....
Paaiemente is nie alles nie
Kaapstad. – In dié laaste artikel oor geldwenke vir skoolverlaters sê me. Linda Sherlock, hoof van Alexander Forbes se advieskleinhandelafdeling, wat die Wet op die Finansiële Inligtingsentrum (Fica), die Werkloosheidsversekeringsfonds (WVF) en ’n testam
28 November 2011Read More .....
Home sellers urged to price correctly
Homeowners in Plettenberg Bay hoping to sell their properties during the upcoming holiday season need to review their asking prices urgently.
28 November 2011Read More .....
Trustee and Warrant of Arrest
Trustee responsibilities are a serious matter
28 November 2011Read More .....
Distressed homes at bargain prices
South African Banks’ voluntary sales programmes for defaulting debtors are growing throughout the country as distressed homeowners and financial institutions continue to seek alternatives to legal foreclosure, and home buyers increasingly opt for the sig
22 November 2011Read More .....
Gradual recovery for listed property
Residential and commercial real estate to fall a further 10%
22 November 2011Read More .....
Listed property investors cash in big
Listed property in South Africa has performed well and listed property companies accounted for 18 percent in the country’s top 50 companies.
22 November 2011Read More .....
Beleggers kyk weer na verhuur
Johannesburg. – Die Suid-Afrikaanse huismark het vanjaar sy op-en-af-vertoning van die afgelope paar jaar voortgesit, maar daar was ’n effense verbetering.
22 November 2011Read More .....
Scraps of Good News
We are still stuck in the worst recession in living memory, and it’s tough these days to track down good news – petrol is at its highest price ever, Malema is still doing his best to chase away investors, the banks are sitting with thousands of houses th
16 November 2011Read More .....
Property investing - Direct or listed?
Listed property has shown itself to be a top performer for South African investors outperforming equity returns by 15% over the past three years.
16 November 2011Read More .....
Invest in property – Doctor's orders
The year 1976 is a historic period in South Africa and that of the birth of arguably one of South Africa’s leading agencies Pam Golding Properties.
17 November 2011Read More .....
Have confidence in SA property market
The decision by the Reserve Bank to maintain the repo rate at 5.5 percent is one of the many reasons to have confidence in the property market.
15 November 2011Read More .....
Property Mortgages for Trusts
LEGAL OPINION – BANKS’ LENDING CRITERIA TOWARDS TRUSTS AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION ON BOND APPLICATIONS
10 November 2011Read More .....
Trend is toward smaller homes
The trend is towards smaller home designs which are in every way less expensive.
10 November 2011Read More .....
List your home for the right reasons
Or take it off the market. Don’t put your property up for sale just to see what offers you get, particularly if you’re hoping for an inflated price.
9 November 2011Read More .....
How to buy a distressed/repo property?
Now is a good time to buy distressed and repossessed properties thanks to low interest rates and available stock in the property market.
10 November 2011Read More .....
Bruce Cameron replies
This is how I received it from ou Grootman, spelling errors and all!
9 November 2011Read More .....
Buy property for less asking price now
The nominal value of medium-sized and large homes in South Africa improved further in October while values of smaller homes contracted says Absa.
9 November 2011Read More .....
Have you checked your credit profile?
Many of South Africa's consumers with bad credit records are unable to secure home loan finance to enable them to buy property, according to ooba.
9 November 2011Read More .....
Testimonial by Pierre van Wyk, Founder of P3
“The flaws in the P3 methodology that caused so much heartache”
7 November 2011Read More .....
SA housing market - we hear from Absa
South African house prices are expected to continue to decline in the rest of 2011 and into 2012 on the back of rising consumer price inflation.
4 November 2011Read More .....
Smaller home designs now ok
And in every way less expensive. Those who in future years review SA housing trends will look back on the current period as a time when house sizes were cut to levels that had previously been thought non-viable– and the good news is that this had been a
4 November 2011Read More .....
Home buying: Now or later? - The stats
South African house price growth declined to 4.5 percent in October from 5.1 percent in September according to the October FNB House Price Index.
1 November 2011Read More .....
SA’s best property returns
Eastern Cape property outperforms other provinces. JOHANNESBURG –Eastern Cape outperformed Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape in the property stakes in October recording sales at almost double inflation at just over 12%.
4 November 2011Read More .....
Fewer people selling homes to emigrate
There are few sellers in South Africa who sell in order to emigrate, according to the FNB survey on Emigration and Semi-Gration related selling.
1 November 2011Read More .....
Nog 'n ontwikkeling by Century City
Johannesburg – ’n Nuwe residensiële ontwikkeling word op 10 November by Century City in Kaapstad bekend gestel.
1 November 2011Read More .....
Would you buy this holiday property?
The South African holiday property market is said to be suffering currently as property buyers are choosing to purchase primary residences instead.
28 October 2011Read More .....
Standard Bank is die markleier
Johannesburg. – In ’n markomgewing waar banke relatief snoep bly met huisfinansiering, het Standard Bank die afgelope jaar byna die helfte van alle nuwe huislenings gefinansier.
27 October 2011Read More .....
“Not worth the paper it is written on”
I have said it many times that most Non-Treoc trusts in South Africa are not worth the paper it is written on.
27 October 2011Read More .....
Demand for homes averaging R1m
The South African middle income house segment is reportedly showing strong property fundamentals with house prices averaging close to R1 million.
28 October 2011Read More .....
Serious sellers will have to accept further price cuts
And those not prepared to price realistically should not put their homes up for sale. The fact that there are now occasional signs of an eventual recovery in the SA residential market should not lead home sellers to think that higher prices are once aga
26 October 2011Read More .....
Further interest rate cut likely
And it will help lower household debt. The South African residential property marketing sector will benefit “perhaps far more than most people realise” from a further 0,5% drop in the interest rates – and I expect this to come after the next Monetary Po
26 October 2011Read More .....
Std Bank - almost half new home loans
Standard Bank (SBK) continues to support the local housing market by financing almost half of all new home loans originated by banks in the past year which it says has helped provide much needed stability and liquidity to the local residential property m
27 October 2011Read More .....
Raid granny's purse to buy property
A further decline in the South African Reserve Bank leading indicator means weakness in the mortgage market and the value of new mortgages granted.
27 October 2011Read More .....
Dié huise verkoop flink
Johannesburg. – Bedrywighede in die mark vir bekostigbare huise tel kop op danksy sommige banke se groter bereidwilligheid om huislenings aan sulke kopers toe te staan.
27 October 2011Read More .....
Why Fourways tenants aren’t moving?
Estate agents say property rentals are being pushed up by the shortage of new stock, lack of mortgage finance and the lack of buy-to-let investors.
20 October 2011Read More .....
Buying a home? Count the cost of fuel
It is estimated that almost three quarters of South Africans consider the price of petrol as a factor before making a property purchasing decision.
20 October 2011Read More .....
Housing market favours first-time buyers - report
Purchase prices for first-time home buyers increases by 6%. Johannesburg, Oct 19 (I-Net Bridge) - Residential home prices fell slightly from last year, but purchase prices for first-time home buyers increased by 6%, according to a new report. The mixed
20 October 2011Read More .....
Student accommodation – the new black
The South African student accommodation property market is said to be buoyant and attracts investors, developers and private property buyers.
17 October 2011Read More .....
Property market shows improvement
The South African residential property market showed a mild improvement and slight increase in demand in August according to the FNB Estate Agent Survey.
17 October 2011Read More .....
Swart middelklas koop ál meer huise
Johannesburg - Die getal swart kopers in die residensiële-eiendomsmark groei en meer doen deesdae aansoek om huislenings as wit mense.
17 October 2011Read More .....
Property pundit says don’t buy that house now
Consider renting for the next four to five years.
17 October 2011Read More .....
No protection for trust assets
The court gives permission for an individual’s personal creditors to take his trust’s assets
13 October 2011Read More .....
Fewer selling homes to downscale
Financial pressure downscaling is on the decrease indicating a possible improvement in the management of debt-to-disposable income according to FNB's Estate Agent Survey.
13 October 2011Read More .....
CT - CBD fringe’s most wanted homes
Western Cape property buyers and tenants continue to be attracted by CBD fringe properties to avoid traffic commuting problems, say estate agents.
13 October 2011Read More .....
Banks refuse bonds for homes with illegal alterations
Home sellers should make sure their properties comply with municipal town-planning regulations and by-laws. Home sellers in East London should urgently make sure that their properties comply with municipal town-planning regulations and by-laws, or they
13 October 2011Read More .....
Is your title deed invalid?
Court rules on whether title deeds registered in terms of an invalid underlying agreement are also invalid. Is a Title Deed registered in terms of an invalid underlying agreement also invalid? This question was raised (and answered) in the Supreme Court
13 October 2011Read More .....
'Oldies' drive housing supply: FNB
Downscaling due to "life stage" is emerging as a major driver in residential property supply. Johannesburg, Oct 10 (I-Net Bridge) - Downscaling due to "life stage" is emerging as a major driver in residential property supply at present according to the
10 October 2011Read More .....
Why buyers love Gauteng properties
Gauteng, South Africa’s economic powerhouse is said to have shown little price deflation during the 2009 period of national house price decline.
10 October 2011Read More .....
Rental market – what you should know?
The lack of new housing stock coming into the market is reportedly driving growth of and pushing rentals up in the residential market.
5 October 2011Read More .....
Would you buy a distressed property?
South African estate agents view distressed properties as good bargain buys while some reckon these are bad for the real estate market recovery.
5 October 2011Read More .....
Estate agents commission, the low down
Property sellers are warned to be wary of estate agents who promise a higher price based on hot air and a lower commission once the home is sold.
5 October 2011Read More .....
Sectional title: Erecting a carport
How does an owner in a sectional title scheme go about getting a carport erected over the parking bay that he or she uses? What approval is required and what processes must be followed?
3 October 2011Read More .....
Why buying a home now makes sense?
South African house prices did not record any growth according to the September FNB Property Barometer House Price Index report.
4 October 2011Read More .....
11 home maintenance must-do’s
You’ve taken the leap and become a homeowner and now there other things you need to think about in order to keep your property in tip top shape.
3 October 2011Read More .....
Umhlanga property holds its sparkle
Umhlanga on the KwaZulu-Natal North coast used to be a small coastal village bordering on rolling hills of sugar cane with many large sprawling properties ideally located away from the hustle and bustle of Durban’s busy inner city.
30 September 2011Read More .....
How competitive are you?
After my recent Lightminded article “A Good Loser? – Nonsense, winning is everything!” I received a lot of comments. Mostly from people agreeing, but also a few nasty ones from people with bruised toes. Hopefully this article will give you all a better p
30 September 2011Read More .....
Cape Town’s affluent golf estate homes
Cape Town's Greenways Golf Estate in the Strand is a property buyer’s den with increased property sales in the first seven months of the year.
30 September 2011Read More .....
RBA weer op pad na wins
Die tussentydse resultate van RBA Holdings, ’n verskaffer van bekostigbare huise en verhuurbare eenhede in Gauteng, Polokwane en KwaZulu-Natal, toon dat hy stewig op die herstelpad is.
27 September 2011Read More .....
Going green benefits property prices
Going green includes healthier buildings and moves in this direction are changing how buildings are valued, with green rated buildings being sold for higher prices, according to Donne Putter from the Green Building Council of SA.
26 September 2011Read More .....
Gratis behuising gaan eindig - Sexwale
Johannesburg. - Daar moet 'n afsnypunt wees vir gratis behuising, het mnr. Tokio Sexwale, die minister van behuising, Maandag in Kaapstad gesê.
26 September 2011Read More .....
Oplewing in planne van klein eenhede
Residensiële ontwikkelaars fokus deesdae grootliks op die bou van huise kleiner as 80?m² en hoëdigtheidontwikkelings, soos meenthuise en woonstelle.
23 September 2011Read More .....
Homes can take up to 5 months to sell
South African estate agents report that houses in some parts of the country are sold immediately or take as much as five months on the market.
26 September 2011Read More .....
Low interest rates, grab that bargain!
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has left the repo rate unchanged at 5.5 percent amid global economic concerns.
23 September 2011Read More .....
First-timers actively purchasing homes
South African residential property prices grew by 0.6 percent year-on-year (y/y) in August according to the latest report by ooba, bond originator.
21 September 2011Read More .....
Auctions attract buyers and investors
South African would-be home buyers are actively looking and placing their bids at auction houses in search of good value for money residential properties countrywide.
21 September 2011Read More .....
What damages can my landlord claim?
A Property24 reader asks: On termination of a lease agreement to what extent can the landlord claim for damages? Can items include painting of walls and general cleaning? And if items were defective before occupation and brought to the landlord's att
21 September 2011Read More .....
Gauteng’s family golf estate homes
Avid golfers who love the game and want to spend more time with their families can now buy upmarket homes at the Copperleaf in Centurion, Gauteng.
20 September 2011Read More .....
Lower priced homes drive the market
Properties in the lower price ranges are reportedly selling fast and are said to be the main driver of the residential property market currently.
20 September 2011Read More .....
13 Tips for avoiding falling victim to property rescue scams
Also a look at the types of scams.
20 September 2011Read More .....
How is buy-to-let property faring?
Growing rental returns are beginning to attract property investors to the buy-to-let market, which has shown very little growth of late.
20 September 2011Read More .....
Buy while interest rates are low
Now is as good a time as any to buy a home thanks to the slowdown in South Africa’s residential property price growth.
16 September 2011Read More .....
Buyers snap up distressed homes
Gauteng, the country’s most desired province has the most active distressed residential property market, according to RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
16 September 2011Read More .....
Claremont’s new property development
Buyers will be spoiled for choice when The Herschel, a prime residential property development in Claremont comes to the market.
14 September 2011Read More .....
Cape Town’s hot property locations
Cape Town remains a sought-after property location for many home buyers and property investors looking for exclusive homes, say estate agents.
14 September 2011Read More .....
Modern apartments for Marshalltown
Nedbank Corporate Property Finance is backing another inner city project in the Johannesburg CBD, with a R41 million investment in the redevelopment of an existing nine-storey building to be transformed into a modern residential apartment block.
12 September 2011Read More .....
Pretoria a buyer’s destination city
Gauteng's Pretoria is attracting a number of investors who are young with loads of cash as well as other property buyers to its affluent suburbs.
13 September 2011Read More .....
If you can afford it, buy that home!
Currently, low house prices and interest rates offer a once-in a lifetime opportunity for buyers to enter the residential property market.
9 September 2011Read More .....
How banks assess loan applications
Affordability has been singled out as having become a key factor in the South African housing market according to Absa Home Loans.
9 September 2011Read More .....
Buying property: offer to purchase
You have done your research and checked your credit rating, gone house hunting and found the home of your dreams – now what? It is time to fill out the paperwork and make an Offer to Purchase. For many home buyers this may be a daunting task and the ins
7 September 2011Read More .....
Wealth for the Masses
Learn the secrets the rich teach their children
8 September 2011Read More .....
Soweto Township poised for growth
Property sales in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg are said to have grown and are poised for growth with property development initiatives.
7 September 2011Read More .....
Top 6 tips for buying property
The current slowdown in South Africa’s residential property price growth provides potential home buyers with the ideal opportunity to get a foot on the property ladder.
7 September 2011Read More .....
Cheaper homes rented out quickly
Rental properties priced for less than R5 000 per month are said to be popular in some Western Cape areas with tenants paying rent on time.
5 September 2011Read More .....
Young property buyers make a comeback
Young property buyers are reportedly making a comeback and supporting the residential property market in South Africa thanks to improved market conditions.
2 September 2011Read More .....
Property market needs stimulation
Property experts reckon a cut in the interest rate by the Reserve Bank would be a positive move for the South African property market.
2 September 2011Read More .....
Banks prefer to bond wealthy properties
The proportion of bonded property showed an increase within the wealthy and affordable price segments from 2006 to 2010.
2 September 2011Read More .....
Low property prices lure home buyers
Lower property prices are reportedly making it possible for savvy investors and buyers to enter the property market in some parts of the country.
31 August 2011Read More .....
Investors set to boost home market
The best hope for the beleaguered South African residential market right now is robust investor activity, according to Auction Alliance CEO, Rael Levitt.
1 September 2011Read More .....
Flat rentals outperforming house and townhouse rentals
Despite still showing mediocre growth. Despite still showing mediocre growth — below consumer inflation — flat rentals are at least outperforming house and townhouse rentals.
31 August 2011Read More .....
Buyers guide to KZN prime property
Estate agents are reporting an increase in residential property activity in some areas of KwaZulu-Natal saying the area is poised for growth.
31 August 2011Read More .....
Questions to ask when buying into a sectional title scheme
The quality of a scheme is almost invariably linked very closely to the quality of its management.
31 August 2011Read More .....
Investors love Western Cape properties
Buy-to-let investors, foreigners and first-time buyers regard the Western Cape as the country’s premier property location to invest into.
26 August 2011Read More .....
Affordabilty key to home ownership
The demand and supply of property is set to be on smaller-sized homes and higher-density houses because of affordability.
26 August 2011Read More .....
More first timers buying property
The slowdown in the residential property price growth is providing first time buyers with an opportunity to enter the property market.
26 August 2011Read More .....
How do households acquire assets?
A comprehensive study of the financial well-being of South African households is to be undertaken by the University of South Africa’s personal finance research unit.
25 August 2011Read More .....
More SA women are buying property
Estate agents and bond originators say there is a steady increase in the number of women buying property more than they did four years ago.
25 August 2011Read More .....
Rental leases: what you should know
It is important for tenants to understand the information contained in rental leases as prescribed in the Consumer Protection Act.
25 August 2011Read More .....
Gautrain nodes good for home values
The Gautrain has caused an increased in property market activities and homes prices have improved in suburbs such as Midrand, Sandton and Centurion.
25 August 2011Read More .....
Buying property for investment
In recent years, South African property has been an excellent investment, particularly in the most sought-after coastal regions, where prices have risen fastest.
23 August 2011Read More .....
Camps Bay a good investment proposition
Property shows steady capital appreciation, if you can afford it to begin with.
23 August 2011Read More .....
Valuing of property
It is essential to understand how banks go about property valuations. The property media have done an excellent job in educating and informing the general public on property matters and their increased knowledge has become apparent in the questions they
23 August 2011Read More .....
Home owners holding on to property for longer
Hoping to realise higher prices in the residential market.
18 August 2011Read More .....
Huge demand for homes in mining towns
Mining towns and villages are experiencing a surge in property demand thanks to the rising platinum prices and expansion of mining operations.
18 August 2011Read More .....
Is your tenant paying rent on time?
The number of tenants who pay on time declined to 79 percent in Q2 2011 and 15 percent of Gauteng tenants defaulted on their rental payments.
16 August 2011Read More .....
First signs of a swing by investors back to sectional title property
But trustees must improve levy collections to make these schemes more viable.
16 August 2011Read More .....
Property selling to emigrate slows
The number of property owners selling to emigrate has declined to 4 percent in 2011 from a peak of 20 percent in Q3 2008.
16 August 2011Read More .....
What a householder may or may not do to protect his property
Ian Teague says there is still widespread ignorance around this matter.
18 August 2011Read More .....
Highest price growth for small homes
South African houses in the lower income segment have shown a better price growth since early 2010, according to the FNB Property Barometer.
12 August 2011Read More .....
Bloemfontein, a property buyers’ den
Property sales are booming at the lower end of the market in some parts of Bloemfontein and demand for homes is reportedly still strong.
12 August 2011Read More .....
Is listed property correlated more with bonds or equities?
Study reveals the correlation between real estate and bonds is greater than equities and real estate. Real estate unit trust funds have been in the limelight of late owing to their strong performance numbers at the end of the June quarter. Not only did
12 August 2011Read More .....
Sellers under financial pressure
Distribution of wealth seems to be shifting more significantly in the property market according to the FNB Estate Agent Survey Q2 2011.
10 August 2011Read More .....
Property owners: do not neglect to draw up a will
The consequences of avoiding this could be dire. All people, but especially property owners, should realise that if they do not draw up a will, the time taken to wind up their estate when they die may well be lengthened significantly and considerable ex
12 August 2011Read More .....
Absa: Growth in home values improving
The Absa House Price Index report has revealed a further improvement in home values in the middle segment of the South African housing market in July.
5 August 2011Read More .....
Huispryse in middelsegment styg effens
Johannesburg. - Huisprysgroei in die middelsegment van die mark (80 m² tot 400 m²) het in Julie vanjaar effens versnel, maar is niks om oor huis toe te skryf nie.
5 August 2011Read More .....
Seller must keep in full touch with the transfer process
Mistakes and delays are time-consuming and expensive. Another High Court case has shown again that, although a property seller appoints a conveyancing attorney to handle the legal and accounting aspects of his deal, he must continue to take full respons
3 August 2011Read More .....
Property market depressed not dead
The market is moving slowly and prices are under pressure, but there is still activity.
3 August 2011Read More .....
House prices show growth, buy now
South African house prices have grown to 4.6 percent in July from 3.1 percent in June as revealed in the FNB House Price Index released yesterday.
2 August 2011Read More .....
Young buyers flock to Bloemfontein
Property buyers and particularly young and first time buyers are reportedly finding the city of roses an ideal location to call home.
3 August 2011Read More .....
Household debt still taking strain
The total value of outstanding credit balances in the South African household sector increased by 7% year on year (y/y) in the first half of 2011, according to data released by Absa Home Loans.
1 August 2011Read More .....
Eastern Cape property market improving
Increased demand from eco-tourists and first-time buyers is elevating the Eastern Cape as a key area in the property market recovery, with Port Elizabeth in the throes of a buyers' market, according to Willie van Niekerk, Jawitz Properties' franchise pri
1 August 2011Read More .....
Luxury Cape Town properties in demand
Estate agents operating in some parts of Cape Town are reporting an increased appetite from buyers looking for exclusive homes with beautiful views.
28 July 2011Read More .....
House prices declining, find bargains
House prices are set to decline in real terms in 2011 and 2012 according to the latest Housing Review third quarter report by Absa.
28 July 2011Read More .....
Deposits still key for home loans
Although 100 percent home loans are being approved by banks in select cases, potential property owners are advised to save for mortgage deposits.
28 July 2011Read More .....
Banks ease their mortgage lending criteria
Standard Bank said to be leading the pack in terms of new mortgage lending.
28 July 2011Read More .....
Technical Insanities in the Companies Act
Director’s tip for non-executive directors
28 July 2011Read More .....
Property owners sell to become tenants
The majority of property sellers downscaling due to financial pressure prefer renting following the sale of their homes.
28 July 2011Read More .....
What to ask when buying property
Adrian Goslett shares some insight. Property remains a viable asset class in which to invest and still forms one of the most important investment cornerstones for South Africans. For those who are currently looking at investing in a property, the timing
28 July 2011Read More .....
Where to get services
Financial Advice, Trustee, Trust Accounting and Property Services
25 July 2011Read More .....
Mixed signals in residential building
An improvement in building activity in the South African housing market was evident with regard to the planning phase in the first five months of 2011 compared with the corresponding period in 2010, according to Jacques du Toit, sectoral analyst at Absa
25 July 2011Read More .....
Beating the Average
People think making money is very difficult, because…
21 July 2011Read More .....
Interest rates remain unchanged
Property owners and investors can breathe a sigh of relief as the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5 percent.
21 July 2011Read More .....
Interest rate decision: Housing market relieved
MPC leaves interest rates unchanged.
21 July 2011Read More .....
Interest rates hike unlikely
The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will announce the decision on interest rates on Thursday.
20 July 2011Read More .....
Have problems with defaulting tenants?
Hypothec the easiest way to get payment from a defaulting tenant.
20 July 2011Read More .....
Four certificates now necessary when selling a home
You are now also required to obtain a Gas Certificate and a Plumbing/Water Certificate.
20 July 2011Read More .....
Illegal agents compliance extension
The Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) is offering illegally operating estate agency practitioners an additional three months to meet the requirements to become registered and compliant agents.
18 July 2011Read More .....
SA listed property continues its upward course
And More new property loan stock listings are expected on the JSE before year end.
18 July 2011Read More .....
Slight growth in June house prices
The June oobarometer price index reveals that the average house price rose one percent year-on-year to R845,725 from R837,599 a year earlier,"said ooba CEO Saul Geffen said in a statement. The increase followed two months of year-on-year decreases in lo
19 July 2011Read More .....
Illegal agents compliance extension
The Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) is offering illegally operating estate agency practitioners an additional three months to meet the requirements to become registered and compliant agents.
19 July 2011Read More .....
SA listed property continues its upward course
And More new property loan stock listings are expected on the JSE before year end.
19 July 2011Read More .....
Joburg inner city homes have appeal
While South Africa’s property prices continue to decline with people still feeling the pinch, first-time buyers are snapping up trendy homes in affordable areas.
20 July 2011Read More .....
Capital injection for Tshwane
The Standard Bank is to lend R1-billion to the Tshwane Council to fund various infrastructure projects aimed at improving the delivery of services to residents in the region. The loan is repayable over 15 years.
13 July 2011Read More .....
Home loan approvals highest in 3 years
Ooba, a leading bond originator, recorded a massive growth in bond applications and a significant increase in approved bonds in the last quarter, the company said on Friday.
11 July 2011Read More .....
Interest rates not the defining factor in the residential property market
Rates, although important are by no means always the determining factor.
11 July 2011Read More .....
Homes for people earning R15k or less
Old Mutual Investment Group South Africa (Omigsa) Alternative Investments has set aside R9-billion that will be used to provide funds for housing for those people who earn less than R15k a month. The fund is the largest one of its kind in the country.
11 July 2011Read More .....
Cape Town land shortage hurts housing
Cape Town’s housing developments are being stymied because there is a shortage of land in the city and the council says it would have to pay at least R2-billion to buy the state-owned land that the government has refused to sell.
6 July 2011Read More .....
Advice to trustees hit by the CSTM demise
Michael Bauer advises how you should proceed from here on.
6 July 2011Read More .....
Kouga wind farm to go ahead
A new 300 MW wind farm will be built at Kouga in the Eastern Cape by Red Cap Kouga Wind Development Company, which has now been granted the necessary authority by the Department of Environmental Affairs to go ahead with the development.
6 July 2011Read More .....
Free rubbish removal but rich may pay
Poor people will have their refuse removed for free but the local councils have no idea how this will be funded although Clive Keegan, director of the Local Government Research Centre, says that it appears that funding may come from the municipal infrast
6 July 2011Read More .....
Sars comes down heavily on those trying to skip vat payments
Agents will be held partially responsible.
6 July 2011Read More .....
Looking to invest in property but stymied by a lack of finance?
Investment clubs are the answer.
6 July 2011Read More .....
Property prices slightly up for June
Johannesburg - First National Bank's House Price Index for June shows a slight acceleration to 2.6% year-on-year growth from a revised 1.8% (2.1%) in May. Adjusting the nominal growth rate with inflation, real house prices have declined at a rate of -2.5
4 July 2011Read More .....
Rosebank property undergoing revival
Rosebank is fast becoming Johannesburg’s third largest high-rise business centre, after Sandton and the inner city, according to the research conducted by Broll, a commercial property services group.
4 July 2011Read More .....
Property prices down 15% from 2008
Average house prices are 15 percent lower than they were three years ago, according to the FNB House Price Index released on Monday.
4 July 2011Read More .....
The TREOC Way Checklist for New Members
Not all of those who profess to be Treocians are in fact Treocians
4 July 2011Read More .....
Advice to property clients: Use an agent who can produce an accurate estimate
Or be prepared for a let-down.
30 June 2011Read More .....
Buying property from a non-resident?
Capital Gains Tax is your responsibility.
28 June 2011Read More .....
Joburg inner city confidence rising?
The city nodes of Johannesburg’s central business district, Braamfontein and Newtown, continue to rise as more and more investors are putting money into the redevelopment of these regions according to property management company Broll.
23 June 2011Read More .....
Distressed sales led by speculators
Johannesburg - Across SA, investors are moving distressed homes through the system far faster than lenders, according to Auction Alliance CEO Rael Levitt.
23 June 2011Read More .....
Confidence in SA economy growing
The Bureau for Economic Research at the University of Stellenbosch and First National Bank has confirmed that consumer confidence has risen to 11 – up from just 9 points in the first quarter of the year –during the second quarter of 2011.
23 June 2011Read More .....
Paying interest on levy arrears
Sectional title body corporates are entitled to charge compound interest on levy arrears.
23 June 2011Read More .....
85% of sellers drop asking prices
South Africa’s property market has been stagnating for the past few years mainly as a result of tough economic conditions prompted by a global economic recession combined with the regulations contained in the National Credit Act.
21 June 2011Read More .....
All housing sectors affected by recession - but estate
Since 2003 the growth in the estate market has been almost 350%.
21 June 2011Read More .....
Financial pressure as rentals improve
At least 25% of houses sold in the second quarter of this year were the result of financial pressure on the household. According to John Loos, property strategist at FNB Home Loans, financial stress and pessimism about the future had contributed to the r
20 June 2011Read More .....
Property market remains conducive to new home buyers
Lenders continue to relax their lending criteria.
20 June 2011Read More .....
Managing tenant risk
As with all risks, tenant risk is best managed up-front.
20 June 2011Read More .....
Property owners selling to downscale
More home owners are selling their properties to downscale due to financial pressure, according to the latest FNB Estate Agent Home Buying Survey released on Tuesday.
17 June 2011Read More .....
Emotional upheaval of leaving a home
A good agent can help greatly with the emotional upheaval of leaving a home.
17 June 2011Read More .....
When is the right time to buy a home?
Hanlie Bassingthwaighte offers some insights into the current realities of the situation.
17 June 2011Read More .....
Not the only way, but definitely the best way
Unconditional Money-back Guarantee Plus a Free Copy of Rich Mind Rich Man
13 June 2011Read More .....
Property prices continue to fall
House prices continued to drop in May even though consumer price inflation has risen gradually. In the category of small houses (80 sqm to 140 sqm) prices dropped by 6,4% in nominal terms and by 8,6% in real terms.
10 June 2011Read More .....
Sectional Title Amendment Act has useful changes
Latest amendments will tighten up sectional title management.
10 June 2011Read More .....
When is the market going to turn around?
Last week a journalist asked me per email for my opinion regarding when the local housing market will recover. This is how I answered:
9 June 2011Read More .....
Start small and pay less
The best place to start is to buy small and then build up to your dream home.
9 June 2011Read More .....
140 new rental apartments for Randburg
More than 140 new rental accommodation units in two different developments are set to come onto the market in Randburg in the coming months, attempting to meet the demand for quality apartments in the business district.
7 June 2011Read More .....
Somerset West, Constantia still alive
The property market in Somerset West remains relatively buoyant with 35 properties worth R73-million being sold in the area between February and May this year according to Linda Killick of Pam Golding Properties.
7 June 2011Read More .....
Strand Beach Road prices fall by 50%
Apartments along Beach Road in The Strand in the Western Cape are selling at discounts of between 40% and 50% according to Wouter Joubert of Rawson Properties.
7 June 2011Read More .....
2012 - 2013 likely to see property recovery
The first signs of a more optimistic outlook are now becoming evident.
7 June 2011Read More .....
First time buyers set to dominate sales
The US market is a good indication of where we are headed.
7 June 2011Read More .....
Cape Town student flats to let
An upmarket student housing development in Rosebank, Cape Town was recently completed providing much needed additional accommodation for students in the area.
2 June 2011Read More .....
Swing to smaller homes suggested
Almost 80% of households have an annual income of up to R192k and this means that they fall into the lower-income property-buying market and are in a position to buy affordable homes that cost up to R1,4-million.
2 June 2011Read More .....
FNB May house price index up 2.1%
Johannesburg - The FNB House Price Index once again remained in low positive growth territory, with the price growth rate rising to 2.1% in May, from a revised 1.7% rate in April.
2 June 2011Read More .....
Flawed credit profiles
Bond applicants must clean up their own credit records.
2 June 2011Read More .....
Property deals cannot be exited after offer is accepted
Many believe, wrongly, that they can exit from a deal after the offer to purchase is accepted.
2 June 2011Read More .....
Property prices past and present
I have no doubt that property represents a fantastic long-term investment that almost every family in this country should be able to enjoy. The problem is that I doubt if we will ever create the kind of affordability in property prices that is needed to
1 June 2011Read More .....
Cape Town property market stronger
There has been sustained improvement in market activity across all price ranges in the Cape Town residential property market during April, according to Pam Golding Properties.
1 June 2011Read More .....
Interest rates up from September?
Interest rates could go up from September this year according to Hugo Pienaar, chief economist at the University of Stellenbosch’s Bureau for Economic Research, which has forecast that interest rates will rise by 50 basis points before the end of this ye
1 June 2011Read More .....
Trustees' prime responsibility is to ensure health of scheme
Trustees are responsible for the entire project's success.
1 June 2011Read More .....
Beware of the looters
We live in a country where asset protection is getting more and more difficult.
31 May 2011Read More .....
Bond approval rates up sharply
The price of an average home in South Africa dropped from R881 044 to R823 483. A decline of 6,5%, in April according to figures released by major bond originator, Ooba. The average price of affordable home dropped by a modest 0,2% to R625 252 year-on-ye
25 May 2011Read More .....
Retired people can remain home
Retired people may soon be able to enjoy their retirement years in their own homes rather than being forced to move into a retirement home. The Association for the Aged or Tafta has launched its Ageing in Place initiative in South Africa that promises re
25 May 2011Read More .....
Demand outstrips supply for lower-to-mid priced rentals
But pricing is key.
25 May 2011Read More .....
Luxury house prices still dropping
The luxury housing market, with values of between R3-million and R12-million, is still slipping in the recessionary conditions with average values continuing to fall according to Linda Erasmus, chief executive of Fine and Country.
23 May 2011Read More .....
More home loans approved
Banks declined fewer home loans in April 2011 compared to the same month in 2010, a bond originator said on Monday.
25 May 2011Read More .....
Rentals for government homes?
The Gauteng provincial government’ Department of Infrastructure and Development is losing at least R26-million a year because it is failing to collect market-related rentals for 753 homes that it owns across the province.
25 May 2011Read More .....
Are banks 'killing' property market?
Has it ever struck you just how many people are property experts when you mention that you are thinking of buying or selling a property?
25 May 2011Read More .....
Do you have the stomach to be a landlord?
Ya'el Geffen gives tips for renting out properties.
1 June 2011Read More .....
Usufruct in the current market
In this issue: Big Usufruct Savings and Multiple Streams of Income
19 May 2011Read More .....
Property in demand, despite prices
Johannesburg - The demand for property in SA belies reports of a "soft" market from First National Bank (FNB) and Absa (ASA), according to Jawitz Properties.
19 May 2011Read More .....
Thinking of buying your first home?
Some points to ponder before taking the plunge.
20 May 2011Read More .....
Flats, townhouses to drive demand
Johannesburg - Higher-density residential property developments such as flats and townhouses are expected to be a strong focus of future housing demand and supply in SA, Absa (ASA) reported on Monday.
16 May 2011Read More .....
Interest rates decision welcomed
MPC dediced to keep the interest rates unchanged.
16 May 2011Read More .....
You can't afford to be under-insured
About 40% of insurance policyholders are under-insured in SA.
16 May 2011Read More .....
Bond rate steady but banks hurt loans
The decision to maintain interest rates at their current levels has been broadly welcomed by the property industry where the housing market remains in the doldrums as banks impose strict lending criteria that reduce the availability of bonds to prospecti
13 May 2011Read More .....
Consumers should caution big purchases
Consumers should not commit to huge home and car loans to take advantage of low interest rates, as these are expected to start rising at the end of 2011, Gavin Opperman, chief executive of Absa Retail Bank, said on Thursday.
16 May 2011Read More .....
Illegal estate agents must register
The Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) is urging unregistered estate agents to take advantage of the current amnesty to get their businesses compliant ahead of a crackdown on illegal operators.
13 May 2011Read More .....
Sectional title property best performer
It is the fastest growing sector in SA property.
13 May 2011Read More .....
Female bond applications on the rise
The number of single female homebuyers in SA has risen significantly over the last four years.
13 May 2011Read More .....
Are you in trouble?
You have options! Don’t miss the following 5 “help” options.
11 May 2011Read More .....
City Power’s prepaid meter blunder
In yet another blunder Johannesburg’s power utility City Power has sent irate residents notices informing them that they have three days to convert to prepaid meters or risk having their electricity supply disconnected.
11 May 2011Read More .....
More single women are landowners
More and more single women are applying for bond finance according to bond origination company ooba.
11 May 2011Read More .....
Rental terminology simplified
For many first time tenants, entering into a lease agreement is a contractual obligation laced with complicated jargon.
11 May 2011Read More .....
Investing in conservation real estate
Some rather odd properties come onto the market from time to time such as a shed in the middle of the Klein Karoo set on 1 783 hectares of land that is selling for R3,93-million.
9 May 2011Read More .....
Burglars target retirement villages
Burglars in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal are believed to be targeting retirement homes and villages after at least 13 burglaries at these homes in the past month. The spate of robberies follows a number of murders and muggings of the elderly people in the pro
6 May 2011Read More .....
Outlook for property prices
House price growth in various segments has continued to slow down after adjusting for consumer price inflation but house prices may increase marginally during the coming year according to figures contained in Absa’s Quarterly Housing Review.
6 May 2011Read More .....
Cheaper to buy than to build
It is about 33,1% cheaper to buy an existing house than it is to buy a new house according to figures released by Absa in its quarterly Housing Review. Moreover, mortgage rate repayments are, in general, 33,5% cheaper now than in December 2008.
6 May 2011Read More .....
Interest rates are likely to remain unchanged - Samuel Seeff
Amidst growing pressure on consumer spend.
6 May 2011Read More .....
Home loans advances still sluggish
The growth in home loans advances remained sluggish but the total value of outstanding credit balances in the country’s household sector increased by 7,4% year-on-year (y/y) to R1 127,8-billion according to figures released by the South African Reserve B
5 May 2011Read More .....
House prices to drop in real terms
Johannesburg - The residential property market is expected to continue reflecting developments in the household sector and on the interest rate front in 2011.
5 May 2011Read More .....
Is the South Coast reinventing itself?
Property sales recovering in areas like Ramsgate.
5 May 2011Read More .....
No municipal rates for tribal land
Owners of tribal lands in South Africa will not have to pay rates in terms of the Municipal Property Rates Amendment Bill that has been accepted by the Cabinet. It will go through a process of public hearings and calls for comment over the next several w
3 May 2011Read More .....
FNB house price index grows 2,2%
Johannesburg - The FNB house price index has recorded 2,2% growth year on year (y/y) in April from the revised 1,2% in March.
3 May 2011Read More .....
More demand for smaller, cheaper homes
South Africans are opting increasingly for smaller, cheaper homes in sectional title developments, as opposed to large, freehold homes on sprawling properties.
5 May 2011Read More .....
Sectional title property shows growth
Small sectional title apartments – typically a bachelor pad or a one-bedroom unit – represent the best-performing sub-sector of the sectional title market according to FNB’s property strategist John Loos.
3 May 2011Read More .....
Another historic home on the market
An historic 19th Century Cape Dutch farmhouse in Mowbray, Cape Town is on the market for R5,45-million. It once formed part of the Bloemendal Estate on the banks of the Liesbeek River but was part of the sub-division of the farm that occurred many years
29 April 2011Read More .....
EAAB needs to get its act together
The Estate Agents Affairs Board is a disgrace – and it’s an embarrassment to the property industry that it is meant to serve. If it had a group of private sector shareholders – rather than the Department of Trade and Industry – I have no doubt that the e
29 April 2011Read More .....
Affordability drives property prices
Johannesburg - The affordability and "back to basics" drive is still visible in house price trends in SA, while traditional measures of affordability continue to improve, financial services group First National Bank (FNB) said on Thursday.
29 April 2011Read More .....
SA cities must prepare for shortages
South African cities need to prepare for rapidly increasing oil prices, unpredictable rainfall patterns and fresh water demand, according to a State of the Cities Report released on Wednesday.
21 April 2011Read More .....
Landlords ignore the consumer protection act at their own peril
According to the definitions of the CPA, landlords, rental agents and buy-to-let investors can be seen as suppliers and tenants as consumers.
29 April 2011Read More .....
Owners responsible for tenants' conduct
Unruly tenants will attract fines – and should be made to pay them.
29 April 2011Read More .....
Luxury KZN apartments attract buyers
Affluent buyers are investing millions of rands in apartments in Durban according to Pam Golding Properties’ Heather Sudding who says that luxury apartments offer space, a prime location and virtually no maintenance expenses.
20 April 2011Read More .....
Home loans - applications up 36%
Home loan applications last month reached their highest level in three years according to mortgage originator ooba. It says that home loan applications in March were up by 36% compared to the average monthly figure for last year.
20 April 2011Read More .....
Water seepage damages 115 homes
At least 115 houses in Braamfischerville, Soweto are to be demolished less than five years after they were built because water from an underground pan is seeping into them. The entire development comprises 19 000 units.
20 April 2011Read More .....
Huge fines for abandoning a building
Property owners who neglect or abandon their buildings – mainly in shoddy, run-down suburbs or within Johannesburg’s inner-city – could face fines of up to R1-million. Tough new laws to prevent the hijacking of buildings are to be introduced from Septemb
20 April 2011Read More .....
Blow to bond originators
Absa is planning to oust bond originators by increasing the number of mortgage sales it negotiates directly with its clients after the banks cut commissions to bond originators in 2009.
18 April 2011Read More .....
Renting proves better than buying
Wealthier South Africans are choosing to rent instead of buying a place to live in due to the high costs of ownership.
18 April 2011Read More .....
ALA to the rescue again!
The more things change, the more they stay the same
18 April 2011Read More .....
Property market, little to cheer about
Latest data from the major banks paint a bleak picture of South Africa’s residential property market, with last year’s mini-recovery turning out to be short-lived.
15 April 2011Read More .....
Buy-to-let investors in Rondebosch
Sales worth R150-million have been recorded at Rondebosch Oaks Phase Two, River’s Edge and The Rondebosch and 64% of investors who purchased units in these developments intend to rent them from day one.
15 April 2011Read More .....
Deal only with qualified estate agents
There are some estate agents in South Africa who have been working tirelessly to gain a form of professional status for those people engaged in the business of selling houses.
15 April 2011Read More .....
Bond applications highest in 3 years
Bond applications reached their highest level in three years and bond approvals were at the highest value since October 2008 according to figures released by bond originating company ooba.
13 April 2011Read More .....
First-time home buying increasing
First National Bank (FNB) says its estate agent survey results have shown a noticeable increase in first-time home buying.
13 April 2011Read More .....
End of the road for Bully Banks!
Banks may face claims from indebted clients
14 April 2011Read More .....
More first time home buyers show confidence in market - FNB
There were more first time home buyers in the first quarter of 2011.
14 April 2011Read More .....
Bond applications up in March
Bond originator ooba said the number of bond applications in March reached a three-year high while home loan approvals also improved.
13 April 2011Read More .....
Landlords need to be aware of tenants' rights
In SA law tenants' rights are sacrosanct.
13 April 2011Read More .....
The Fringe: Cape Town's creative hub
How the city is changing the landscape.
13 April 2011Read More .....
Rental property to improve this year
While data availability for the South African rental market is somewhat sparse, available indicators suggest some improvement in the fundamentals driving the rental market, the FNB property barometer indicates.
11 April 2011Read More .....
Rosebank precinct booming
Five billion being invested in properties around the trendy "The Zone" mixed use project.
8 April 2011Read More .....
House prices to fall by 3% this year
The dull and lack-lustre housing market is likely to remain that way for the coming year with price increases forecast to be between 1% and 1,5% year-on-year according to Absa’s latest House Price Index.
7 April 2011Read More .....
Stop complaining, CT residents told
Cape Town property owners are quick to prevent high-density projects going up in their neighbourhoods but they should know the zoning rules first.
7 April 2011Read More .....
Growth in house prices remains low in March
Marginal monthly price growth was evident in two of the three categories of housing measured by the Absa house price indices.
7 April 2011Read More .....
Escape to Ladismith in the Karoo
Anyone interested in getting away from the crowded and congested highways, shopping malls and parking lots of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or Port Elizabeth could consider moving to Ladismith, a small gem set in the heart of the Little Karoo.
7 April 2011Read More .....
RDP residents may have to pay rates
Residents living in government-subsidised RDP houses may have to start paying for services in eThekwini and Housing Committee chairman, Nigel Gumede says that residents who can afford to pay for electricity, sanitation and rates should be charged accordi
7 April 2011Read More .....
Purchasers cannot claim for anything spent on a home before transfer
Even though he takes complete ownership only after transfer.
7 April 2011Read More .....
17 salt-water dams planned for WCape
The severe power shortages facing Cape Town – coupled with the apparent reluctance to extend nuclear power in the city – has resulted in Eskom earmarking 17 sites for the erection of plants to generate electricity using wind and wave energy.
4 April 2011Read More .....
Banks keep strict lending rates
Banks lent even less money to people wanting to buy a home in February and statistics show that mortgage advances declined from 3,8% in January to just 3,4% in February according to data released by the South African Reserve Bank.
31 March 2011Read More .....
Future of housing lies in high-density property - Absa
Households still to feel financial pinch this year.
1 April 2011Read More .....
Student flats – elderly complain
A group of elderly Durban residents are fuming after a new block of flats, meant to provide student accommodation, was built next to Denham Court off Clark Road where a number of elderly people live in flats and houses in the area.
31 March 2011Read More .....
A new Sandton for KZN
An artist’s impression of Bahia Club in Ilala Ridge were 60% of the 33 units have been sold for R23-m. Residential development in Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal have retained a ‘village’ atmosphere even though a number of major multinational companies have m
31 March 2011Read More .....
SA property market begins recovery in 2010
The commercial real estate market returned to double-digit annual performance last year.
31 March 2011Read More .....
Co-ownership proving a viable option for prospective property owners
38% of people surveyed believe that partnering with a friend or relation to get a bond is a positive option.
31 March 2011Read More .....
CPA, sole mandates can be cancelled
The new Consumer Protection Act includes a five day cooling-off period that allows any buyer to effectively cancel an offer to purchase as long as this is done within five days of the offer being submitted and accepted.
24 March 2011Read More .....
Western Cape property most attractive
The Western Cape was the only province to have more property buyers than sellers in 2010, suggesting good economic growth, according to the FNB Inter-provincial Home Buyer Migration Monitor released on Thursday.
24 March 2011Read More .....
Home Buyer Migration Monitor: Western Cape rated the most competitive region
The 2010 total inter-provincial repeat buyer flow rate is slightly higher than the 17% of 2009.
24 March 2011Read More .....
Property market is stable, not rosy
While there are fewer properties being repossessed by banks, the good times for the property market are not about to start rolling according to the Reserve Bank’s latest Quarterly Bulletin released yesterday.
23 March 2011Read More .....
New residential home loans still low
Johannesburg - The January leading indicator resumed its declining trend in year-on-year growth, declining to a rate of 5.5%, suggesting that the increase in year-on-year growth in new residential mortgage loans in December may have been short-lived.
23 March 2011Read More .....
Good fundamentals for new residential homebuyers
Residential property prices continued to decline in February 2011.
23 March 2011Read More .....
Unscrupulous estate agents beware
The Consumer Protection Act is on your doorstep.
24 March 2011Read More .....
Not for sensitive racists!
One of our members sent me the following thought provoking article about racism in America. Maybe all South Africans, black & white, can learn something from it;
22 March 2011Read More .....
Empower yourself
I want to empower myself and start investing in property. I read all your emails, but I need the information all together since I don’t want to make mistakes.
22 March 2011Read More .....
Know your body corporate rules
Buyers need to do their homework thoroughly.
22 March 2011Read More .....
Want a bargain? Try Soweto
Estate agents operating in Soweto say that there has been an upswing in sales in the township with more and more people looking to buy bargain properties at affordable prices.
16 March 2011Read More .....
Fancy owning a boutique wine farm?
A boutique wine farm with a magnificent modern Cape Dutch manor house has come on to the market in Franschhoek, Western Cape.
15 March 2011Read More .....
Extension of sections in sectional title schemes
Owners wishing to extend their section need to apply to the body corporate for approval.
15 March 2011Read More .....
Fewer flats stand empty
Buy-to-let property investors finally have something to cheer about, with latest data pointing to an improved outlook for residential rental growth.
15 March 2011Read More .....
Would you become an estate agent?
The estate agents’ profession has been rocked by a string of sensational events over the first few months of this year starting with the forensic investigation into the affairs of Wendy Machanik Properties and ending (if it has ended yet) with the dismis
15 March 2011Read More .....
Joburg residents get billing discounts
Pretoria – Johannesburg residents with long-standing queries on their billing accounts are to receive substantial discounts, if they meet certain requirements.
10 March 2011Read More .....
Sectional title schemes require adequate insurance
What you need to know.
8 March 2011Read More .....
Property prices remain low
Based on the Absa house price indices, the nominal year-on-year growth in the average value of small, medium-sized and large homes in the middle segment of the South African housing market remained relatively low on a year-on year basis in February 2011,
7 March 2011Read More .....
Value of home ownership still not understood by many South Africans
One of their major challenges is to overcome the "mental block" caused by short-term thinking.
7 March 2011Read More .....
Consumer Protection Act and your property rights
The purchasers of property that was marketed to them via direct marketing, such as e-mail, will be able to cancel the sale after the property has been registered.
7 March 2011Read More .....
If it's broken, who's going to fix it?
Martin Bester looks at a new Act on sectional title and the median line.
7 March 2011Read More .....
'Huisprysgroei relatief laag'
Johannesburg. – Die nominale jaar-tot-jaar groei in die gemiddelde waarde van klein-, medium- en groothuise in die middel segment van die huismark het op ’n jaargrondslag in Februarie 2011 relatief laag gebly, het Absa Maandag gesê.
7 March 2011Read More .....
'Phenomenal growth' in solar market
New data out on Monday by growth partnership company Frost & Sullivan (F&S) finds phenomenal growth in SA's solar water heater market, which has expanded to include more than 400 suppliers from less than 20 in 1997.
7 March 2011Read More .....
Tenant rental payment activity stable
Tenant rental payment behaviour remained "stable" throughout 2010, with the breakdown of data in the fourth quarter of last year indicating a slight deterioration as the paid-on-time category declined by 2% to 66% and the paid-late category increased by
8 March 2011Read More .....
Soneringkwessies laat grondwaarde opskiet
Johannesburg. - Eiendomsontwikkelaars gaan moeilik aan die gang kom wanneer die huismark weer gunstig raak, grootliks weens die toenemende skaarste aan gesoneerde grond met ontwikkelingsregte landwyd.
7 March 2011Read More .....
Foreign property – conditions are ripe
The rand's strength, historically low international property prices and relaxed exchange controls have combined to make this a good time for South African investors to look overseas to diversify their property portfolios.
2 March 2011Read More .....
Real market value of a property?
Determining the true market value of your property or of one you may be interested in buying can seem difficult, but it’s made easier when you follow a simple process.
2 March 2011Read More .....
FNB house price index year-on-year growth decline continues
But FNB Valuers did estimate a very slight improvement in demand.
1 March 2011Read More .....
Two new BEE property funds set for 2011
Cape Town, 1 March 2011 - Two new property funds run by black-owned management companies will get under way in 2011 with backing from Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments (OMIGPI).
1 March 2011Read More .....
ENB: Huismark steeds onder druk
Johannesburg. – Huispryse het in Februarie minder groei getoon vergeleke met die vorige maand, volgens Eerste Nasionale Bank (ENB) se nuutste huisprysindeks wat Dinsdag bekend gemaak is.
1 March 2011Read More .....
Slow growth in mortgage lending
In January, the value of mortgage loans slowed further in year-on-year growth, from 4% in the previous month to 3.8%.
2 March 2011Read More .....
Transfer duty rate cuts to boost the residential market
Barry Washkansky reveals how the changes in this year's Budget affect you.
28 February 2011Read More .....
Profits from Crime
We have some good news before we talk about the bad stuff.
25 February 2011Read More .....
Property transfer threshold raised
The decision to raise the threshold at which transfer duty becomes payable from R500 000 to R600 000 is welcome news for the property industry, an estate agency head said on Wednesday.
28 February 2011Read More .....
First time buyers returning to property market
And are currently responsible for almost half of all home loan applications.
22 February 2011Read More .....
Evicted tenants must be offered appropriate alternatives
Landlords have to provide tenants with an "equable solution".
22 February 2011Read More .....
First-time property buying improves
First-time property buyers are making a steady return to the residential property market in South Africa, according to latest statistics, which show that they are currently responsible for almost half of all home loan applications.
22 February 2011Read More .....
Advisors and Sharemax
Today I want to write about Advisors and Sharemax, but before I do, just a quick note about the Millionaire Workshop and the Internet Marketing events.
22 February 2011Read More .....
Kopers wat na eerste huis kyk, kan naderstaan
Johannesburg. - Huispryse wat daal en die verbeterde uitleenkriteria van banke maak dit tans ’n gunstige tyd vir mense om hul eerste huis te koop.
17 February 2011Read More .....
Good time for buying property?
Residential property prices declined in January 2011, albeit from a solid base following their strong recovery last year. However, according to bond originator ooba conditions are favourable for homebuyers to consider getting onto the property ladder.
17 February 2011Read More .....
First-time home buying checklist
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make during your lifetime. Managed well, it can be a very rewarding investment over the long term, so it is important to understand your rights and how to exercise them. It is also impo
17 February 2011Read More .....
Consumers need to understand rights when entering into property sale agreements
Entering into property sales agreements should not be taken lightly - particularly with regards to trust monies.
17 February 2011Read More .....
Looking to sign up for suretyship?
Make sure you can afford it if things go wrong, advises Anton Du Plessis.
17 February 2011Read More .....
New Blouberg apartment development
A new property development with 83 apartments is to be built at Blouberg’s Big Bay with prices starting from R850 000 and ranging up to R2 million for penthouse suites.
16 February 2011Read More .....
Verkopers pootjie hulself met te hoë huispryse
Johannesburg. - Huisverkopers wat hardnekkig aan hul hoë prysverwagtings vashou, is besig om hulself uit die mark te prys.
16 February 2011Read More .....
Current conditions favourable for buyers to get onto the property ladder
Residential property prices declined in January 2011.
17 February 2011Read More .....
Banks inconsistent in granting bonds
Banking groups in South Africa have been accused of “lacking consistency” when it comes to approving mortgage bonds and that the criteria applied by the different banks when assessing an application make it confusing and difficult for estate agents who a
15 February 2011Read More .....
Insolvency drop good news for property
Latest statistics show a sharp drop in both liquidations and insolvencies last year.
15 February 2011Read More .....
Looking for a home loan?
Here is what the lenders don't want to see.
15 February 2011Read More .....
Sectional title versus freehold ownership
Adrian Goslett offers the pros and cons to both forms of ownership.
14 February 2011Read More .....
Demand is starting to exceed supply
Entry-level is now on a different level
15 February 2011Read More .....
Langebaan property recovery signs
Property in the Cape West Coast town of Langebaan is experiencing renewed interest after a quiet period over the past two years that saw a slump in the buying of second homes.
15 February 2011Read More .....
State of the Nation speech ‘exciting' for property
The strong focus on job creation is welcomed news for the property sector.
11 February 2011Read More .....
Don’t pay for government's mistakes
The ANC government has proudly spoken about how, in the past 16 years, it has delivered more than two million homes to indigent people around the country. And it proudly reassures its voters – who would vote for it anyway and don’t need any reassurances
11 February 2011Read More .....
Australian Page
We wrote a few articles about our exciting Australian expedition and we will write more in weeks and months to come. This page serves as an easy access index to all the articles about Australia. Just click on the following links.
10 February 2011Read More .....
Atlantic Seaboard homes sell slowly
Property on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town was listed for an average of 234 days and sold at 29,2% below the asking price making homes there the most difficult to sell quickly in the Western Cape according to figures compiled by the Institute of Esta
10 February 2011Read More .....
R70m spent on president's residences
More than R70 million has been spent on renovating the five presidential residences over the past five years, with almost R40 million being spent on President Jacob Zuma's Pretoria residence, Mahlambandlopfu, alone.
10 February 2011Read More .....
Get a plan before you give a mandate
Home sellers need to be sure that their estate agent has real marketing muscle - and is committed to using it.
10 February 2011Read More .....
The slow affordability adjustment continues
As the residential market stays on the weaker side of the economic spectrum.
11 February 2011Read More .....
Robben Island church gets makeover
The historic Anglican, now non-denominational, church on Robben Island will soon be repainted and repaired to its former glory.
8 February 2011Read More .....
Bankrupt Developer saved by Family Trust
Krukziener seeking nod to manage family trust
7 February 2011Read More .....
District Six row brewing
In ten years, just 68 houses have been given to beneficiaries in District Six, one of the country’s most historic and politically-charged suburbs.
7 February 2011Read More .....
Price of houses to fall further
Property prices are expected to decline in 2011 amid forecasts that the average inflation rate will be more than 4% for the year but house prices are only likely to rise by about 3% in nominal terms according to Absa’s senior property analyst, Jacques du
7 February 2011Read More .....
Think like a buyer when pricing your home
If you really want to sell, says Berry Everitt.
7 February 2011Read More .....
The Notorious Surf Trust Saga
Knowledge most people will not gain in a lifetime
8 February 2011Read More .....
Property stocks: Offshore may be best
JSE-Listed property stocks delivered better returns in 2010 than their counterparts in the UK, US and Australia but fund managers believe property investors will make more money offshore than in their own backyards this year.
8 February 2011Read More .....
Stellenbosch development on cards
Stellenbosch has been slow on the property development front, mainly due to a shortage of land within the municipal boundary as well as strict rules governing the demolition of existing older homes.
8 February 2011Read More .....
HOAs: Personal liability of executives
It is unusual for executives of home owners’ associations (HOAs) to be held personally liable for a failure of the association to perform any of its obligations. HOA executives act for and on behalf of the association, not in their personal capacities, w
4 February 2011Read More .....
Sect. title: Management provisions
Sectional Titles Amendment Act, No. 11 of 2010 was published as Notice No. 1172 in Government Gazette No. 33849 of 7 December 2010.
4 February 2011Read More .....
Petrol price now a big factor in property market
Increasingly, buyers are now concerned about the proximity of amenities and availability of public transport.
4 February 2011Read More .....
Pretoria estate agent being probed by the EAAB
Customers have complained of trust monies going missing.
4 February 2011Read More .....
Buying homes all about affordability
The level of home buying activity in the middle-income and lower-income segments held up better in the second half of 2010 compared with the higher-end segment, although both saw activity levels decline from earlier in the year.
3 February 2011Read More .....
SA property law "sound"
But you need an attorney who understands it, says Ulrik Strandvik.
3 February 2011Read More .....
Slowdown in house prices on the cards
The residential property market, as reflected by Standard Bank's property book, slipped into negative territory in real terms in January.
2 February 2011Read More .....
NHBRC has "betrayed the poor"
Paul Henry criticises the NHBRC for failing to protect those buying into low-cost units.
2 February 2011Read More .....
Huispryse gaan miskien vanjaar geen groei toon
Johannesburg. - Die huismark gaan moeilik groei vir die volle 2011 op ’n jaargrondslag toon.
2 February 2011Read More .....
Property prices won’t go up this year
Property prices in the residential property sector are unlikely to rise this year because of low demand for new homes coupled with high levels of debt among consumers.
1 February 2011Read More .....
Homeowners need a reprieve
Struggling homeowners who are battling to meet mortgage repayments should be given some financial support by the government claims Tony Clarke, managing director of Rawson Properties.
1 February 2011Read More .....
Do we need agency trust accounts?
Sean McCauley queries whether estate agency trust accounts are needed.
1 February 2011Read More .....
