Property Boss Optimistic About the Future
The information in the article is courtesy of Realestateweb (Six reasons to be cheerful about 2009 – Property boss – 20 November 2009)
Jan Le Roux, CEO of Leapfrog Property Group says that he sees ... read
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Why are Suburbanites Moving Back to the Townships?
The information in the article is courtesy of Realestateweb ("We're moving back to the townships" - 19 November 2008)
Many property buyers living in the suburbs have now decided to pack up and move... read
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2009: A Time to Buy
The information is this article is courtesy of Realestateweb (What's in store for property - 2009, 17 November 2008)
Lew Greffen, head of Lew Greffen Sotheby’s, said that this is a great time to bu... read
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Rental Deposits: Do’s and Don’ts
The information in the article is courtesy of Realestateweb, (“Tenant’s rental deposit: what you need to know”, 14 November 2008)
Realestateweb’s columist, Mike Spencer – property valuer, estate ag... read
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World Cup to Transform SA Property Market
An international property website reported yesterday that the Fifa 2010 World Cup is expected to inject as much as £ 1.5 billion (around R23.4 billion) into South Africa, as tourists and visitors from... read
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The Big Five Challenges Facing the Market
RealEstateWeb reports:
A resilient property market as well as the local economy has proven that we can expect a come back – even as soon as next year this time. According to Samual Seeff, chairman of... read
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Large Demand for Low-Cost Property
Bill Rawson, chairman of Rawson Properties says that 80% of residential housing is now aimed at the sub-500k market and most of the remaining 20% is demand for homes in the 500k to R1m range. Rawson a... read
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Real Estate Clock Predicts Rebound in 2010
The information in the article is courtesy of Property24 (“Residential Market to Rebound Then”, 6 November 2008)
Real estate group, Colliers International (COL), indicated that the South African re... read
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Rental Demand is Plunging
Landlords has been forced to lower their asking rent due to a dip in demand for rental accommodation. This comes after a number of estate agents, including rentproperty.co.za, announced that the lates... read
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Inflation Figures Point to Interest Rate Cuts
This article is courtesy of RealEstateWeb (“New inflation figures pave way for interest rate cuts” – 30 October 2008)
The latest inflation figures will give the nation hope that interest rates wi... read
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Property Under the Hammer
Buying property at an auction is something many South Africans don’t consider due to negative connotations like liquidations and insolvencies. Yet in countries like Australia, the largest percentage o... read
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Mortgage Figures Signalling Tough Times
This article is courtesy of RealEstateWeb (Ouch! More bad mortgage figures point to scary property scenario” – 29 October 2008)
FNB released its figures for outstanding mortgages for September and ... read
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Is the Slow Property Market Bottoming Out?
Things are starting to look up for the South African Property Market as a number of real estate agents reported an increase in activity, suggesting that the slow market is bottoming out.
High inte... read
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Guidelines For Choosing Sectional Title Managing Agents
Les Reynard reports that body corporate trustees, according to management rule 46(1) under the Sectional Titles Act, are responsible for appointing managing agents. This appointment must be in writing... read
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Keep Tenants Paying on Time
This article is courtesy of Realestateweb and Bill Rawson (“How to keep your tenants paying and behaving”, 23 October 2008).
Chief executive of the Rawson Property Group, and seasoned investor, Bil... read
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Agency Boss Lashes Out At Doom Prophets
The information in the article is courtesy of RealEstateWeb and Tony Clarke (“Estate agency boss lashes out at stock brokers, financial intermediaries” – 27 October 2008.)
Tony Clark, Managing Dire... read
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Avoid Tenants Running a Business From Your Property
The information in this article is courtesy of Property24 (“When tenant run business from home” – 27 October 2008)
It is vital for landlords to make sure that tenants are well aware of what they ca... read
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Capital Investments Improving Investment Product
According to information released by property portfolio management company, Capital Investments, they are offering a much improved investment product and also sorting out the problems of one of the co... read
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SA Property Market Not Only One Battling
South African homeowners and estate agents can rest assure that they are not alone in their battle with the poor property market.
This comes after Mark Friend, vice president of Realogy Holdings... read
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Small Agencies Suffer Due to Slow Market
The slump in the property market is now causing a substantial number of estate agents to close their doors. According to Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty this can be seen in the estimated 30%... read
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How to Negotiate Lower Rent
According to FNB’s Residential Property barometer, the rental market activity was above average for the first quarter of 2008, with the homebuyers market sitting at a mediocre level.
This proves t... read
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How is the Stock Market Affecting Residential Property?
Two leading property figures are divided over whether the world stock market is having a good or bad effect on residential property.
Saul Geffen, chief executive officer of Ooba (one of the countr... read
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Low Income Housing Now Affordable
Nedbank has launched an affordable housing finance scheme available to South Africans earning less than R9 760, which makes first time home ownership just that much more accessible. The bank has team... read
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How To Pay Less For Your Home Loan
With interest rates so high it is important to get the best possible rate on your home loan.
According to valuer and estate agent Mike Spencer of Platinum Global in Bloemfontein, you qualify for ... read
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Survive the Crash
While the world has been inundated with news about plummeting stock markets, financial systems in trouble and anticipation of a global recession in the last week, there are some estate agency bosses i... read
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SAPOA Extends its Program
The South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) aims to expand and streamline its existing training and development program in the coming months, with courses set to be launched early next year.... read
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What Effect Will Crisis Have on SA?
An article published by The Times discusses Nedbank chief economist, Dr Dennis Dykes’ view that the current crisis in the US could potentially impact South Africa far less than many other countries ar... read
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Bottom of the Cycle Yet?
Real estate veteran Bill Rawson says that while house prices are down, national sales are up dramatically, which suggests that we have reached the bottom of the cycle. Perhaps the most common mistake... read
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Some Encouraging Signs but Beware
A press office feature released by FNB indicates that the risks to property have shifted from interest rates to economic growth and that consumers should heed this latest development. The FNB Propert... read
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IEASA Calls on Estate Agents
The South African Institute of Estate Agents (IEASA) has called on all real estate agents practicing in the country to join the institute. This is in a bid to increase the professionalism and respons... read
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Some Life in Property Market
A recent article published by Reuters discusses South African house prices, indicating an increase of 3.6 percent year-on-year in September. This is the first increase in 10 months, reflecting fresh ... read
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Property Prices Still Struggling
FNB has recently indicated that expected job losses are bound to put more pressure on the ailing South African property market. Statistics show that real house prices have dropped by nearly 10% and t... read
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What SARS Has to do With Property
When it comes to buying your first home, there are a number of things required by various parties that can prove extremely complicated. For instance, the transferring attorneys will ask for your tax ... read
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Investment Opportunities Still There
An article in The Times discusses the recent drop in value of assets under management experienced by private client operations following the recent fall in markets. Sean Farrell, CEO of RMB Private B... read
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Property Game Has Changed
There is no doubt that this year will be put down as one of the most shocking in South African property market history, with the army of estate agents shrinking unbelievably and panicking sellers stru... read
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Politics Won't Affect Property Yet
FNB’s property strategist, John Loos believes that the recent change in president may have rattled some cages, but it “is unlikely to change an already deteriorating residential market trend”.
Kgal... read
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Wall Street Crisis Hurts Global Markets
While the main saga plays itself out in New York and London, there has been a significant ripple effect on the rest of the world. Investors in emerging markets like South Africa, which are known as “... read
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Home Building Sector Slipping
A business reporter for Dispatch Online has drawn attention to the lack of business confidence in the home building sector, which appears to have dropped to levels last seen 7 years ago, according to ... read
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Property the Safest Bet
While global markets and investors literally shudder in the aftermath of the collapse of Lehman Brothers and AIG, South African property investors are somewhat smug in comparison.
Paul Hansen of St... read
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Land Grab Law Not Over Yet
It was recently reported that the Portfolio Committee on Public Works debating the proposed Land Bill had suspended its deliberations on the 14th of August 2008. Now a top law firm has warned clients... read
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Call for Review of Property Laws
Jeanne van Jarsveldt, financial director of RE/MAX Southern Africa has indicated that a serious review of the law is needed to stimulate the property market and encourage first time buyers to invest. ... read
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Lehman Collapse Resounds in SA
The troubled US bank at the centre of the global stock market woes has financial ties to a massive development in the Cape set to rival Century City. It is through a private equity fund that Lehman B... read
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Top 5 Offshore Destinations
An article by Mariana Tolken published by Moneyweb discusses five offshore property hotspots that show promise as retirement destinations, immigration possibilities and big city investments with sound... read
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Landlords Beware
The CEO of RealNet Property Group, Tjaart van der Walt has warned that landlords looking to increase rentals could land in financial trouble. The current market has seen rental accommodation in stron... read
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Good News At Last
According to John Loos, FNB’s property economist, there is improvement expected in the household sector’s financial situation that is likely to reverse the fortunes of the ailing residential mortgage ... read
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Property Sales on the Up
Tony Clarke, managing director of Rawson Properties has reported a dramatic improvement in property sales recently. He went on to say that all players in the residential sector have been watching the... read
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High Rise Here We Come
An interesting article published on iafrica.com has drawn attention to the international trend towards high-rise living and how this seems to be playing out in South Africa. It seems that despite eff... read
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How to Thrive in Tough Conditions
Despite the current economic conditions where the property market is particularly sluggish, there are experts who believe that there are still ways to maximize profits. Bill Gibson is a sales special... read
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New Tax Break on Residential Units
If you own at least 5 residential property investments then SARS may soon hand you a gift by changing the tax law. Tax expert David Warneke explains that the new Revenue Laws Amendment Bill issued on... read
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What's the Worst Case Scenario?
The latest reports from FNB’s house price index indicate that a drop of 5% is the worst South African consumers can expect before things in the residential property market begin to improve. Before no... read
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Should You Buy That House?
Shaun le Roux is a portfolio manager at Alphen Asset Management and in an article published by Realestateweb, he poses the big question pervading the minds of many smaller investors: is residential pr... read
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Global Stats on House Price Crash
An article in the UK’s Guardian has highlighted a global phenomenon in the house price crash that began in the US and spread across the globe, this according to international estate agents Knight Fran... read
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Sigh of Relief at Rate Hold
No doubt, there are many South African consumers who breathed a significant sigh of relief at the Reserve Bank’s recent decision to put interest rates on hold. According to Rael Levitt, chief executi... read
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Bear Market Survival
With damning statistics and predictions of impending economic doom, it is no surprise that many investors are tempted to believe that the local markets are in crisis. According to an article publishe... read
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Latest Stats on Market Crash
Realestateweb has published yet another article detailing the grim situation still being experienced in the South African property market, this time revealing the latest figures from RE/MAX of Souther... read
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Land Reform Bill on Shelf
There has been vigorous debate recently concerning the government’s proposed Land Bill aimed at speeding up the land reform program in South Africa. Farmers and citizens alike can breathe a huge sigh... read
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Not All Doom and Gloom
The South African property market may be experiencing difficult times, but data released by the South African Property Transfer Guide (SAPTG) indicates that the situation is not quite as dim as some o... read
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Rentals in High Demand - ERA
A Business Report article has drawn attention to the intensifying conditions in the current property market with the demand for rental properties in South Africa literally going through the roof. Thi... read
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Should You Rent or Buy?
In the current property market climate, investors are understandably shy and there are many potential buyers who are choosing to rent and rather bide their time until the market improves. However, th... read
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Divergent Views on Future of Property
According to a recent article published by Business Report, economists seem to have divergent views when it comes to the property market outlook. This came to light at a fractional ownership conferen... read
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Property Entering Green Era
Astute property developers, investors and entrepreneurs will no doubt already be aware of the next big era in the property, namely the profound impact that ‘green building’ practices are going to have... read
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EAAB Issues Warning to Agents
An article by Realestateweb has drawn attention to the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) and its stern warning to all estate agents and house sitters to comply or “face consequences”. Th... read
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Sapoa Course World Class
An article in Business Day draws attention to commercial property association, Sapoa and its flagship property development course, which attracted the highest number of international delegates in its ... read
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Time to Cash In?
An article published by South African Insurance Times and Investment News poses the question: change to cash, or not? This comes in response to the current volatility and uncertainty surrounding the ... read
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FNB Clarifies its Decision
Recently, it was reported that the Ombudsman for Banking Services fired a warning shot at FNB for its decision to withdraw home loan approvals on a large scale. An article by Realestateweb dis... read
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Interest Rates to Drop Soon
An article published by Realestateweb predicts that interest rates will begin to fall fast from later this year, according to a top economist. Inflation is set to drop more than it has risen a... read
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Green Is In
An Engineering News article has drawn attention to the recent trend in South Africa where property investors are set to place more emphasis on green building. This comes after the United Natio... read
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FNB Criticised for Credit Withdrawals
An article by Realestateweb has drawn attention to the Ombudsman for Banking Services' recent warning shot fired at First National Bank (FNB)’s decision to withdraw home loan approvals “on a la... read
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Green Building Rating Tool in SA
An Engineering News article draws attention to the expected launch of South Africa’s green building rating tool in Cape Town in November. The Green Star rating tool will be launched at the ina... read
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Land Bill Has Wide Implications
An article published by Realestateweb has drawn attention to the government’s proposed Land Bill and the possibility that it could be about more than just real estate, potentially allowing the ... read
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Owning Property Costs Add Up
An article published on the property iafrica website indicates that the there is more than meets the eye when it comes to owning property. The current gap between asking prices and selling prices con... read
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House Prices Still Dropping
An article by I-Net Bridge published in The Times indicates that Standard Bank’s median house price dropped to R570 000 in July, which reflects a contraction of 2.6% year-on-year.
The bank... read
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Should You Rely on Market Trends?
An article published in Business Day has drawn attention to market sentiment, suggesting that it may not be as reliable a short-term barometer as many investment commentators seem to think.
... read
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Farmer Wins Landmark Case
An article published on the IOL website discusses the results of what some are calling a landmark case for South African farmers and other citizens with business interests in crisis torn Zimbabwe. On... read
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Civil Society Says No to Land Bill
An article published on the IOL website has drawn attention to civil society’s reactions over the government’s proposed land bill. Fears have been expressed about the possibility of a Zimbabwe-like s... read
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Investment Getaway in the Karoo
An article published in the Weekend Post has drawn attention to the Karoo’s newfound status as a dream location for property investment. In fact, with the rest of the Western Cape suffering fr... read
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Troubled Times for Estate Agents
An article published on the IOL website draws attention to the plight being suffered by real estate agents across South Africa. Hard times in the property industry have literally decimated the number... read
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Houses Not Selling Despite Low Prices
An article by Dispatch Online’s business correspondent, Xolile Bhengu has drawn attention to the fact that despite lower prices, houses are harder to sell. In fact, sellers are having to settl... read
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Slowdown Global Phenomenon
An international article published by Business 24/7 indicates that international real estate transactions have dipped by 46%, a figure influenced by the global credit crunch and economic uncert... read
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Top Property Awards in SA
An article published on by Real Estate Web draws attention to the winners of the coveted South African property awards. Jacoba (Kobie) Potgieter from Port Elizabeth is the new Nedbank Property... read
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Keep Investing Say Experts
An article published on the Personal Finance website draws attention to concerns over the current downturn in the South African market and urges investors not to bail out just yet. You will lo... read
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Still Booming Says Rode
An article released by the South African Insurance Times and Investment News website argues that despite the prevalent doom and gloom currently being experienced in the residential property market, co... read
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Latest Consumer Confidence Index
A recent article discusses the results of the latest Master Card Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence for the latter half of 2008, which shows that South Africans remain impressively optimist... read
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Why Buyers Should Invest Now
An article published by the Daily Dispatch Online discusses the current trend in the property market and urges buyers that the time to invest in a fixed asset like property is about six months ... read
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Property Tax Pointers
An article published by Real Estate Web provides some excellent insights on how to beat property tax. “For expenses to be tax deductible against rental income, there must be a genuine intention to co... read
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Green Building Way Forward
An article published on the Engineering News website has drawn attention to the successful introduction of ‘green’ building systems into the industry by steel framework building company, Vela S... read
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Property Slump Felt Globally
An article in the Weekend Post has highlighted the fact that while South Africans are currently under increased financial pressure due to rising inflation and interest rates, as well as the ste... read
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7 Year Boom Reaches End
An article in Business Day has called an end to the seven year boom in the property market, saying that homeowners can literally wave goodbye. The main focus at the JSE on Monday involved prop... read
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Tenants Want Rent Reduced
An article published on the Cape Business News website draws attention to the plight currently being experienced by tenants in the retail industry. The current economic situation in South Afri... read
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Negative Equity the Latest Risk
An article published on the Business Report website draws attention to the latest trend in the property market, where homeowners now face the risk of negative equity on their homes as house pri... read
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SA Property Not All Bad
An article in Business Day reports that property loan stock company, Vukile sees light at the end of the tunnel and is in fact expecting reasonable growth in distributions over the year to Marc... read
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Diversify Your Assets?
An article published in Newsweek brings up an interesting notion as it discusses the recent hype surrounding globalization making the world a smaller place, with barriers falling and fear of fo... read
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June House Prices Down
An article published on the Reuters Africa website yesterday indicates that South African median house prices fell by 11.3% year-on-year in June, put under even more pressure by higher interest... read
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Homeowners Feel the Pinch
An article in The Times reports that more repossessions are bound to be on the cards as South Africans face yet another interest rate hike. There is simply no good news for homeowners trying t... read
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Emerging Markets' Positive
An article published on the Sify website has highlighted increasing inflation in a number of emerging markets over the last year. While this problem is also being experienced in developed mark... read
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Lending Rates at SA Banks
While the current downcycle being experienced in the South African property market is perceived as terrible news in terms of interest rates, there are still those astute investors who are bound to pic... read
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War of the Expert Opinions on Property
An article published on the IOL website has highlighted the clashing opinions of various experts and major players in the South African property industry. A “war of words” seems to have broken... read
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Shop Around for Home Loans
An article published by I-Net Bridge has drawn attention to the “perfect storm” created in the housing market by a combination of interest rate hikes and tightening financial liquidity. Simon ... read
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Sigh of Relief for Property Owners
An article in Business Day published last week discusses the monetary policy committee’s decision to raise interest rates by just 50 basis points. The move was seen as an ‘ironic twist’ and re... read
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Concern Over Expropriation Bill
An article in the Sunday Tribune has reported that civil society organizations believe the draft Expropriation Bill currently before Parliament is ‘the greatest single threat yet to the nationa... read
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Plettenberg Bay Top Marks in UK
A recent article by Douglas Rogers published in the UK’s Telegraph newspaper reported on Plettenberg Bay as South Africa’s new playground for the well to do. According to the article, it is Pl... read
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Property Development Rejuvenation
A news article published on the Property Magazine website draws attention to South Africa’s planned rail network rejuvenation. With predictions of an increase in rail usage in South Africa, fu... read
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Estate Living On Rise in SA
A transcript published on the Business Day website outlines a discussion by the Property Experts on South Africa’s Home Channel on DSTV. The debate centred around estate living, why it has bec... read
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SA Not Attending Zim Crisis Summit
An article published in the UK’s Guardian newspaper reports that South Africa’s President will not be attending an emergency meeting of African nations to discuss the election crisis in Zimbabw... read
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Information on Sectional Title
Sectional title schemes provide an ideal opportunity for developers to reap considerable profits in the real estate market. Such developments can comprise residential units, offices, shops, commercial... read
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Emigration Regains Appeal
An article published in The Times has reported on the idea of emigration as holding a renewed appeal for local South Africans. A wealth survey carried out in August last year showed that 96% o... read
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Property Investment Shifts to Commercial
An article in Business Day indicates that there may be a shift in investment from residential to commercial and industrial property. Auction house ClareMart Auction Group said this week that i... read
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Concern Over Rising Oil Prices
An article published in Business Day indicates that South African markets are braced for a tough few days ahead, as oil prices head towards $150 a barrel and the Reserve Bank is set to deliver ... read
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Price Drop May Not Be So Big
Property economist for FNB, John Loos was recently reported as predicting a 40% drop in house prices by year-end. An article published in Personal Finance refutes these predictions with report... read
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Shock Drop for High-End House Prices
An article in Business Day has drawn attention to a shock prediction for high-end house price decline. A leading property expert says that house prices could fall as much as 40% by year-end, e... read
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Surprisingly Good News for SA Property
The Bizcommunity website has published an article detailing evidence released by a recent report that reveals South Africa’s property market is in good shape and that while growth may be slowin... read
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Expert Says Invest in Property
An article published on the Bizcommunity website reports on a recent visit by Dolf de Roos to South Africa. De Roos is an international speaker, educator, investor and author of eight best-sel... read
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More Burden on Property Prices
An article published in Business Report draws attention to growing concern over the ever-lengthening list of negative factors burdening property prices in South Africa. Reserve Bank governor, ... read
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Property Investment Bargain for PIC
An article in Business Day reports that the lower property prices and spiraling interest rates have created investment opportunities for big players, such as the Public Investment Corporation (... read
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Property Prices Falling Worldwide
An article published in the UK’s Independent has drawn attention to the fact that the housing slump is spreading globally, with the adverse effects of the credit crunch on property values takin... read
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Xenophobia Affects Property
An article published in Business Day has highlighted the increasing negative factors dampening the residential property market, most recently the wave of xenophobic attacks that have spread fro... read
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Drop in Mortgage Originations
An article in Business Day has drawn attention to the fact that banks are declining more and more mortgage applications, which combined with the implementation of the National Credit Act has re... read
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Be Sure to Up Home Insurance
A press feature released by FNB Insurance Brokers has warned that homeowners should beware of a housing market muddle that could render them “vulnerable to under-insurance running into hundreds... read
more
Xenophobic Attacks Condemned
An article published in The Times reports how business leaders have spoken out to condemn the spate of xenophobic attacks that have spread throughout the countries main provinces, claiming more... read
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Small Building Companies Taking Strain
An article in Business Day reports that it is not just real estate agents who are facing job losses, small and mid-sized construction companies that turned down work a year ago because they wer... read
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Drop in Building Plans Passed
An article in Business Day reports that building plans passed for the private sector have fallen by a seasonally adjusted 1.7% in the first quarter of the year, compared to the same time last y... read
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Expropriation Bill Assault on Property Rights
A statement released by the Democratic Alliance (DA) this week calls for joint Public Works and Agriculture / Land Affairs deliberations on the government’s proposed Expropriation Bill. The st... read
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Tough Times for Estate Agents
An article published on the Business Report website has indicated that the severe slowdown in residential property sales is leading to a number of estate agents leaving the industry and the wor... read
more
Property Dragged Down by Negative Sentiment
Dispatch Online’s business reporter, Siya Miti discusses how political uncertainty, the current electricity crisis and the never-ending effects of crime are “hot on the heels” of interest rate ... read
more
Make the Most of High Interest Rates
A press office feature released by Mazars Moores Rowland has given some valuable advice on how to make the most of the high interest rates. The current situation can benefit you if you do a re... read
more
Eco-Tourism Lodge 100% Green
An article published in BuaNews has highlighted the incredible eco-friendly inventions of Dr Hans Hahn, who runs an eco-tourism lodge based in Soutpansberg. The Moshavehla Lodge is detached fr... read
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Standard Bank Downplays Market Slump
An article published on the Business Report website reports that Standard Bank expects a “relatively mild cyclical downturn rather than a full-blown recession” when it comes to the residential ... read
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Fractional Ownership vs Timeshare
An interesting article in the Business News section of the Bangkok Post highlights the latest trend in international property investment: fractional ownership. It’s important to differentiate ... read
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ABSA Predicts House Price Fall in Real Terms
An article in Business Day reports that soaring interest rates and rising inflation are continuing to worsen residential property woes, with house prices in the middle segment of the market dro... read
more
Coastal Development to be Restricted
According to Reuters News, the South African government has made a move to curb the development of coastal property in a bid to protect the vast stretches of coastline from environmental damage... read
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US to Invest in SA Housing
An article in a property portal magazine in the UK has reported that International Housing Solutions (IHS), an affiliate of Mortgage & Equity, LLC (‘MuniMae’) and Howard Eurocape Limited has announced... read
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Wills and Estate Planning
YOUR WILL
I am sure that you are familiar with the saying that nothing is certain in life,
other than death and taxes.
For this reason, if for no other, it is important to ensure... read
more
Recession on the Cards?
An article published in The Times has drawn attention to the current downtrend in the property market, indicating that property values have plummeted by nearly a tenth in just a single year. I... read
more
Johannesburg Property Market Scores
An article on a Holiday Letting website in the UK has drawn attention to property investment opportunities on the up in Johannesburg as the 2010 World Cup approaches. The rest of the country m... read
more
Power Shortage Not to Affect New Developments
An article by Luyanda Makapela in BuaNews reports that concern over electricity supply shortages and the proposed moratorium on new property developments is somewhat unfounded, according to Hou... read
more
Pam Golding Top of the Pack?
An article by I-Net Bridge suggests that while most agencies are struggling in the current property market, Pam Golding reports a total growth in turnover of 13.5% over the previous year, which... read
more
Property Barometer At All Time Low
An article on the Dispatch website indicates that the First National Bank (FNB) residential property barometer has recorded an all time low for any quarter measured since its launch in 2003.
... read
more
Rode's Take on the Current Property Market
An interview with property economist Erwin Rode of Rode & Associates indicates that the house party most South Africans have been enjoying over recent years is officially over for now.
There... read
more
Interest Rates Bring Down House Sales
An article in Business Day reports an immediate negative impact on property values across the board after the latest interest rate hike. The Alliance Group auction house expects this to result... read
more
Green Building Accelerated in SA
An article published on the Engineering News website has indicated an increased awareness amongst South Africans to save energy and a consequent acceleration in green-building techniques amidst... read
more
Buying Property as a Non-Resident
BUYING PROPERTY AS A NON-RESIDENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
INFORMATION TO ASSIST
South Africa is said to have one of the best Deeds registration systems in the world which is highly accurate. All the in... read
more
Buyer and Seller Information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SELLERS AND PURCHASERS
For TRANSFERS make provision for extras such as post and petties, Rates Clearance Certificate or a Levy Clearance Certificate (+) R1 000
For B... read
more
Debt Burden on Consumers Increases
An article in the Mail & Guardian Online has indicated that consumers and small businesses are beginning to collapse under the increased debt burden created by higher interest rates, petrol pri... read
more
Lower Income Groups Hit Hard
An article published on the Iafrica Business website has suggested that the latest interest rate hike will have a negative effect on the residential property market, particularly in light of the predi... read
more
Building Professions' Unease Over Unified Body Plan
An article in Business Day has expressed concern over the latest proposals by the government to revise the regulatory framework of professions in the building industry. The engineering and oth... read
more
Top Tips for Saving Energy
An article on the Save Energy website (About.com) provides some excellent tips on how to save energy at home. It needn’t take days of planning; there are many things that you can do to save energy ri... read
more
Should the EAAB go?
An article on the Property24 website has reported statements made by a leading South African real estate group that call for the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) to be scrapped and to be allowed to ... read
more
How to Insulate Your Home
In light of the current energy crisis in South Africa, it would be useful to know how to save energy at home. The Sustainable Home Design website provides some excellent information. When it comes t... read
more
House Prices Fall
An article on the Bloomberg News website reports that South African house prices have dropped for the first time in 8 years, as borrowing costs continue to rise, this is according to Africa’s b... read
more
Commercial Property Performs Well in 2007
An article on the Engineering News website discusses the commercial property index results released on Monday 31 March 2008. While there has been growing concern about the performance of the S... read
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Johannesburg Rates Tariffs Approved
An article in BuaNews reports that the City of Johannesburg has approved the new assessment rates tariffs, which should come into effect on 1st July 2008. The public is able to raise objections until... read
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SA's Top Suburbs
An article published on the iAfrica website (20 March 2008) reports the results from the annual South African Property Transfer Guide (SAPTG) ‘Top Ten’, carried out by a leading local marketing... read
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Going Green at Home
With electricity use such a problem around the country at the moment, it might help to have some useful information about what you can do at home to help. An article on “Greening your home” by Giles ... read
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Farmers Vow to Fight New Legislation
The government’s Expropriation Bill has caused much consternation amongst farmers in the country, following the approval of the draft policy by Cabinet earlier this month. The Bill is due to be table... read
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SASFIN Backs Planned Land Bank
SASFIN Bank has said that it will back plans by property entrepreneur, Stuart Chait to establish a ‘land bank’ company. The plan is to ensure the reliable supply of land for about R10bn worth of prop... read
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Construction Sector Feels the Pinch
The South African construction sector is the latest to feel the pinch of the national electricity crisis that has gripped the country. The rolling blackouts have effectively “smothered industry” and ... read
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Durban Property Market on the Up
An article in the UK Sunday Times (Karen Robinson, “Durban Regnerated”) has given Durban the thumbs up in terms of overseas property investment opportunities, despite the growing concerns about securi... read
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Park Lane Development Nears Completion
If you have a business in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, it might interest you to know that Park Lane, a R100 million office park development in Pinelands, Cape Town, is soon to be completed. The deve... read
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Knysna River Reserve Development
An article by Michael Appel (BuaNews, 19 February 2008) details the decision made by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Martinus van Schalkwyk, to give developers the go ahead for the ... read
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Business by Candlelight?
In an article published in Business Day (7 February 2008), Nick Wilson analyses the effect that the shortage of electricity may have on the property cycle. He draws attention to the fact that if the ... read
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Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Michelle Swart (Business Day, 8 February 2008) spoke to a variety of experts in the property industry to ascertain their opinions on the most recent interest rate announcement. Swart highlights the h... read
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FNB Property Barometer
Bruce Whitfield conducted an interview with Jan Kleynhans, Chief Executive of Home Loans at FNB, to discuss the current state of the property market. According to Kleynhans, the latest FNB property b... read
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Integrated Zoning Scheme
BuaNews recently published an article detailing the government’s new Integrated Zoning Scheme (IZS) in the Cape. The IZS aims to control the use of land and property development within the Cape Town ... read
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Investment Hotspots Around the World
A recent article published on the Property Wire website announces the top 5 emerging property investment hotspots in 2008. The article points out that property markets are frequently “defined by low ... read
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Fingers Crossed
A recent article by I-Net Bridge published in The Times, seems to suggest that property prices will improve. According to property expert John Loos from FNB, the impact of new credit laws enforced by... read
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LIGHTING UP OBSERVATORY
Those wonderful and imposing buildings in Observatory that originally housed the Lion Match Factory are currently sparking a great deal of enthusiasm. The reason is because their regeneration, as part... read
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Uittog na platteland baat Aida
Uitgereik deur Aida National Franchises
2006/02/28 by Meg Wilson
Plaaslike huiskopers se groeiende versugting na ‘n plattelandse leefstyl ondersteun gesonde groei in eiendomsmarkte – en huispryse – in klein dorpies regdeur die land.
Alex Fenwick, uitvoerende hoo... read
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Rejected? Find out why…
For most people purchasing a home is a major investment, requiring a substantial loan from a financial institution. However, many consumers do not know how banks go about making the all-important deci... read
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International Realtors fly high with AWARD-WINNING Qatar Airways
Now buying or selling property brings its own rewards – a return trip overseas!
Property group International Realtors (IR) and five star rated Qatar Airways announced a groundbreaking partnership d... read
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Exhibitions are effective
Overseas exhibitions are not just a mandate-getting ploy by SA estate agents, according to Chas Everitt International, which recently took part in several such showcases.
MD Berry Everitt says: "De... read
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Buying off-plan
Buying off-plan is often an appealing option for buyers who want a new, hassle-free home, but building delays and fine print can obstruct the path to the dream package.
Susan van Aswegen of Sotheb... read
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When more gets you less
More is definitely not better when it comes to estate agents marketing your home.
"In fact," says Chris Cloete, co-owner of the Chas Everitt International Franchise in Cape Town's northern suburbs, ... read
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Bring out the big guns
Now, more than ever, home sellers need the heavyweight support of established real estate brands, says Aida CEO Alex Fenwick.
"The South African property market is currently much more favourable t... read
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Sealed with a kiss?
With house prices on the increase, more and more young people are buying property jointly. However, couples are well advised to draw up a legal contract. This contract should reinforce each partner's ... read
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Greek lessons for 2010
Much has been written about the potential positive impact on the South African property market of the Football World Cup in 2010, but a closer look at the lessons of the Olympics in Athens means a lot... read
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Tax Shock for Trusts
For several years property buyers have avoided transfer duty by simply buying a trust that held a property thereby effecting transfer and avoiding transfer fees — but now the South African Revenue Ser... read
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Keeping an eye on building standards
The quality of building in South Africa today is often criticised for its lack of consistency, and new developments experiencing damp problems, structural cracking or plaster cracking within the first... read
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Is it rational for listed property yields to be lower than bond yields?
Since 1998, listed property yields have closely tracked those of long bonds, implying that investors view these assets in a similar light. More recently, however, listed yields have dropped below thos... read
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More clues as to the future path of office rentals
The Rode team recently did some calculations to establish what rentals investors would expect from new office developments in popular office nodes such as Bryanston in the northern suburbs of Johannes... read
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House prices exceed replacement costs
House prices exceed replacement costs
Interesting implications can be derived from the fact that, according to Absa's latest house-price indices, old house prices are currently only 5% cheaper than... read
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Short-term view can distort residential cycle forecasts
Property economist Erwin Rode says that his light-hearted remark that from a purely financial point of view it would be smart to sell his home right now, rent for 5 to 10 years, and then buy another h... read
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The way to wealth
Property ownership is one of the best ways to create wealth and young South Africans should look to invest in property if they can afford it.
So says Saul Geffen, managing director of South Africa... read
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Ermelo Property Boom
Few areas of South Africa have missed out on the property boom of the past few years and for the most part, growth has been fuelled by similar drivers.
The property market of Ermelo, however, stands... read
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Women buyers on the up!
Shifting social trends and traditions, coupled with empowerment and growing equality in the workplace, mean that many more women are buying their own homes as a mark of independence - often before get... read
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Love thy neighbour?
With the property market as buoyant as it is, many property owners are contemplating subdivision of their stands to change land use rights which can be very lucrative if rezoning permission is granted... read
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Vacant land outperforms housing
Vacant land outperforms housing
A recent study by property economists and valuers Rode & Associates has found that vacant land has grown faster than house prices over the past few years and seems s... read
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Double whammy for office property market
Double whammy for office property market
After many years of underperforming, office rentals are set to soar sky high as both demand and supply side factors are exerting upward pressure, predicts the... read
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Why house-price growth prospects look bleak despite a booming economy
In spite of a rosy forecast for economic growth of 4 to 5 percent for South Africa over the next five years, house-price growth is unlikely to even beat consumer inflation, says Erwin Rode of property... read
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Smart investors will get in before the office-stock rush
Listed funds are generally reporting that properties at appropriate yields are hard to come by these days. That is especially true as far as retail property is concerned. This situation is largely cau... read
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A PURCHASER'S GUIDE TO
ALTERNATE ENTITIES FOR
ACQUIRING OWNERSHIP
OF IMMOVABLE PROPERTY
1. Introduction and Recent
Changes in Legislation
Various vehicles exist for purchasers of immovable property. Transfer can be effected to a purchaser in his personal capacity (a natural person), ... read
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SA PROPERTY TRENDS
There are increasing signs that the demand for listed property cannot be adequately met by existing property funds.
Garth Johnson, editor of Rode’s Report, a quarterly overview of the local property... read
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THINK BEFORE YOU BUY-TO-LET:
Why buy-to-let is not a good idea:
If we weren't so emotional about our homes, the best financial decision for us to make at a time like now when real house prices are near or at the top of the prope... read
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CHEAPER TO RENT OR BUY?
South Africa’s residential tenants are in the pound seats. Most are saving tens of thousands of rands a year by renting instead of buying, says Neville Schaefer, CEO of national residential property m... read
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BUYING PROPERTY
IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa follows a system of land registration where every piece of land is reflected on a diagram and ownership recorded in one of the regionally located Deeds Registries where documents are avai... read
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SAVE WITH AN ACCESS BOND
Tapping into your home equity to pay university fees, consolidate credit card debt or even to buy a new car is becoming commonplace amongst homeowners.
While there is no doubt that this is a cost ... read
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