Where to find Karoo property bargains
To find bargain semi- or un-restored Karoo heritage properties one may have to delve further into the Karoo where many towns wait to be “discovered”.
8 September 2010Read More .....
What is the price of a garage?
A garage sale just got a whole new meaning.
2 September 2010Read More .....
When should you start saving for your first property?
Saving up a deposit for your first property brings great financial rewards.
19 August 2010Read More .....
Why deposit is essential
Raising a deposit can be the biggest barrier to owning a home because without “the cash in hand” to show financial ability and intent to conclude the deal, many potential buyers are quite simply out of the running.
13 August 2010Read More .....
Woodstock's revival an investment opportunity?
Is it finally living up to its potential?
11 August 2010Read More .....
What are costs of not paying levies?
Although it is sometimes alleged that the trustees of sectional title schemes lack the power to enforce the Sectional Title Act, this is far from being the case.
5 August 2010Read More .....
Who is in a better position?
Bill Rawson asks who fares better residential or commercial and industrial investors.
23 July 2010Read More .....
Why rate cut would have helped market
Another interest rate reduction would have provided a much-needed “shot in the arm” for the housing market and create further positive sentiment after the Soccer World Cup.
22 July 2010Read More .....
Why waiting to sell won’t help you
Potential sellers who are holding out for much better prices, will eventually be disappointed for two reasons.
21 July 2010Read More .....
What should I upgrade?
It is by now common knowledge that spending too much on your house’s upgrades can lead to overcapitalisation, which will result in you not fully recouping the costs of your outlay when you sell.
6 July 2010Read More .....
What are your levies used for?
Levies cover the common property costs, but what does this actually entail and what are the ramifications of non-payment?
29 June 2010Read More .....
What’s involved when buying home?
Many South African first-time homebuyers and sellers remain surprisingly ignorant of the basic legalities surrounding any property transaction.
24 June 2010Read More .....
Why you should pay above the required rate on your bond
We could all learn a lesson or two from the American billionaire Warren Buffet.
21 June 2010Read More .....
Woon in middestad, so mooi soos toeka
Johannesburg. - In die eerste groot residensiële ontwikkeling in die middestad van Johannesburg sedert die ekonomiese afswaai, word die historiese Stuttafords-kantoorgebou in 133 verhuurbare wooneenhede omgeskakel.
11 June 2010Read More .....
What you should know when insuring your home
Melody Redman says the choice is yours who to ensure your home with not the bank.
11 June 2010Read More .....
WB-lig skyn later oor huismark
Johannesburg. - Eiendomskenners voorsien nie dat die komende Wêreldbeker-sokkertoernooi ’n onmiddellike regstreekse impak op die eiendomsmark gaan hê nie.
4 June 2010Read More .....
What to look for when buying a property
Prospective buyers should compare all banks' home loan offerings.
4 June 2010Read More .....
Waterkloof Ridge stands on auction 5/6
A rare opportunity exists to buy 13 Waterkloof Ridge stands in this exclusive suburb of Pretoria going under the hammer this Saturday 5 June at 10h30.
2 June 2010Read More .....
When a property inheritance is not wanted by the heir
What are you options?
2 June 2010Read More .....
Why property is a good asset class
Any comparison between investment outlets, today increasingly referred to as asset classes, has to take into account whether the sum invested is paid upfront by the investor or whether he can arrange a deferred payment.
27 May 2010Read More .....
What’s selling in EL’s Beacon Bay?
All residential properties in the R1,2m and below range are selling in East London's Beacon Bay while townhouses are still the most popular property type.
21 May 2010Read More .....
What the Consumer Protection Act means for property deals
The way in which a home is represented to the potential purchasers will have to be carefully considered.
21 May 2010Read More .....
Wake-up call
Too many people think if they do things like they did it before, the result will be different.
6 April 2010Read More .....
Want to sell property in a hurry?
Try an auctioneer. You'll be in for a pleasant surprise
16 March 2010Read More .....
Ways to use bonus for home improvement
Homeowners and consumers who are making an informed decision to invest their bonus or 13th cheque in their property will reap the benefits in the near future.
10 December 2009Read More .....
Westville houses in short supply
There seems to be consensus among agents in Durban's Westville that available houses in the area are in very short supply at the moment.
9 December 2009Read More .....
Water-saving and rain harvesting
A report released in early October 2009 by the Water Research Commission of South Africa found that South Africa has 4% less water than 20 years ago.
30 November 2009Read More .....
What foreigners like in Somerset West
Foreigners looking to buy in Somerset West tend to go for homes priced at above R3m.
25 November 2009Read More .....
Wittes trek na pondokke
Johannesburg. – Die aantal wittes wat na informele nedersettings trek het tussen 1996 en 2007 teen die vinnigste koers gegroei van al Suid-Afrika se bevolkingsgroepe.
25 November 2009Read More .....
Wrapping up Christmas
Give this Christmas a whole new spin by recycling for your gifts and gift wrapping!
23 November 2009Read More .....
What is the future of house prices?
House prices will remain flat for the first half of 2010 and then increase by between five and 10% in the second half of the year.
23 November 2009Read More .....
What's in a number? Why address matters
Displaying a proper visible street address is more important than just indicating where one lives.
19 November 2009Read More .....
Wealthier home-owners sheltered from recession
Come rain or shine, higher-end city properties keep heading up in price - new report.
11 November 2009Read More .....
Water infrastructure: SA's next big crisis exposed
If Eskom fiasco shocks you, brace yourself for staggering water, sewage problems.
10 November 2009Read More .....
Watch out for water damage!
Unless it's really obvious, you will probably not notice water damage in a home as much as an overgrown garden, peeling paint or a lack of light.
9 November 2009Read More .....
Women in property making their mark
There are some truly exceptional South African women who are making a real difference in the commercial property world, and it's not for the faint hearted.
2 November 2009Read More .....
Why green building is good and growing
Thirty to 40 percent of all energy produced is from buildings.
29 October 2009Read More .....
Woestynland kry groen-geboue
Johannesburg. – Die aarde word al hoe warmer en die afgelope agt jaar was van die warmste jare tot dusver.
27 October 2009Read More .....
Who's buying in Hout Bay?
Seventy percent of the inquiries about Hout Bay come from foreigners and Gauteng.
19 October 2009Read More .....
Western Cape set to be SA's property star
Buy in Cape Town; you won't be sorry - estate agency boss.
13 October 2009Read More .....
Weaving the colour of life
Tips and ideas from Zollanvari's Persian carpet experts on how to properly look after your Persian carpet.
5 October 2009Read More .....
Working to create your home office
Working form home offers many business advantages, including low overheads, income tax reductions and cutting out the hassle and expense of having to commute to and from the office. It is no wonder then that so many small business owners choose to operat
25 September 2009Read More .....
Weelde-eenhede in Sandton opgeraap
’n Superluukse dakeenheid in die nuwe Legacy Corner-ontwikkeling, een van die beste woonadresse in Sandton, is onlangs vir etlike miljoene deur ’n Suid-Afrikaanse koper opgeraap.
25 September 2009Read More .....
What is donations tax on property?
Donations tax becomes applicable when the donor donates an immovable property to a donee.
22 September 2009Read More .....
Which tax is applicable to property?
Tax is an unavoidable part of buying a property and either transfer duty or VAT is payable on every transfer.
16 September 2009Read More .....
What are we paying rates for?
Ratepayers in 280 municipalities around South Africa are paying their monthly bills to the local authority and yet that municipality cannot actually tell be people where or how their money has been spent.
14 September 2009Read More .....
Which CT areas will benefit from WC?
There is a widespread expectation in Cape Town that certain people will make a miraculously big killing on property sales at the time of the Soccer World Cup.
2 September 2009Read More .....
WC stock levels hits a low
Stock levels in the Western Cape are now lower then they have been for 24 months and the homes on offer vary in price from R330k to R12,5m.
28 August 2009Read More .....
What your portfolio should include
Any property portfolio should be evenly balanced between commercial and residential stock.
26 August 2009Read More .....
What are the prices tags, Darling?
The entry-level for plots in Darling in the Western Cape starts at around R325k for 775sqm, and goes up to around R775k for larger tracts of 3,100sqm or more.
25 August 2009Read More .....
What's on offer in Knysna?
The best buys in Knysna are in central town where owners appeared to be hardest hit by the recession.
21 August 2009Read More .....
Which wall works best?
South Africans, unlike the Europeans and Americans, really value their privacy and for this reason, and for security of course, we are prone to build high walls around our properties.
20 August 2009Read More .....
What London offers SA investors
Latest trends spotlight the large scope of the investment opportunity presented to South African investors by the weakened London property market, according to market intelligence assembled by British Capital.
20 August 2009Read More .....
World Cup rentals: Beware this trap
As excitement mounts ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, many homeowners are eagerly anticipating the potential income they may secure by renting out their homes to soccer fans.
17 August 2009Read More .....
Why still pay the same levies?
For many areas in the country the introduction and implementation of the Municipal Rates Act is old hat.
13 August 2009Read More .....
What sort of property to buy
The uncertain economic climate has prospective homebuyers and investors queuing for advice about the best investment opportunities.
13 August 2009Read More .....
Web is best for property advertising - estate agency boss
About 80% of buyers come through the 'net'.
13 August 2009Read More .....
What are Rondebosch prices?
Buyers in Cape Town's Rondebosch include a mix of families, young professionals and older couples downscaling for retirement, as well as some long-term investment buyers hoping to capitalise on rental opportunities.
3 August 2009Read More .....
What is sect. title fidelity cover?
"Bodies Corporate lose Millions", "Funds Missing", etc.
3 August 2009Read More .....
Witbank golf estate progressing well
Construction on Witbank's first residential golf estate on the banks of the Olifants River is progressing at a brisk pace.
30 July 2009Read More .....
Western Seaboard to get transport boon
The implementation of Cape Town's Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system should be good news for the property market on the city's Western Seaboard.
28 July 2009Read More .....
Weighing up the rent or buy options
RENT THE HIGH LIFE: This rental home is in Sandhurst, Sandton, is a colonial-style home with five double bedrooms — including three suites.
27 July 2009Read More .....
Wág is deesdae die wagwoord
Johannesburg. - Die wagwoord vir huisverkopers deesdae is wag.
20 July 2009Read More .....
Warning bells on plastics
Chemicals that can leach out of plastic products have set alarm bells ringing worldwide and homeowners need to be aware of the dangers.
17 July 2009Read More .....
WC not big property factor - survey
South Africans who think the upcoming Fifa Soccer World Cup will be giving the housing market a boost, are building castles in the air.
14 July 2009Read More .....
West Coast in a bind over 2nd homes
The West Coast property market is now experiencing alarming problems due to the prevalence of second and leisure properties in the area.
13 July 2009Read More .....
West Coast market struggling
The Cape West Coast property market is beset by difficulties and will continue to struggle for another year.
7 July 2009Read More .....
When one door closes, another opens
The doors inside your home might seem to be merely functional, but with a little thought and consideration, they can also become decorative features that will complement and enhance your overall décor.
6 July 2009Read More .....
What is selling in Mossel Bay?
Mossel Bay's central areas are drawing increased interest and properties in the price range between R1m and R3m are selling briskly.
29 June 2009Read More .....
Want for nothing at this pearl in Pezula
KNYSNA remains one of SA’s most sought-after destinations among national and international home buyers.
1 July 2009Read More .....
Wrong property category is costly
Property that is wrongly categorised could cause a huge increase in your municipal property tax account.
24 June 2009Read More .....
With a little help from my bank
In a public broadcast last week the National Credit Regulator (NVR) said that there are now 7,3m people who are more than three months in arrears on their payments for mortgaged houses or motorcars bought on installment sales.
24 June 2009Read More .....
What are Blouberg rentals, prices?
Rentals in Blouberg between R3k and R5k per month are in high demand, with homes closer to the beach renting for about R10k per month.
22 June 2009Read More .....
We must behave responsibly
A recent article in the media highlighted how the implementation of the National Credit Act (NCA) has hampered the banks' ability to recover unpaid mortgage debt by the foreclosing on the property in question.
12 June 2009Read More .....
Want to buy for under R1m in CT?
The vast majority of buyers in Cape Town's northern suburbs are interested in properties priced between R600k and R900k and also bargains.
9 June 2009Read More .....
Weak property market set to continue
Standard Bank's median house price index decreased by 4.1% y/y in May.
3 June 2009Read More .....
What's popular in Pta East?
Sectional title buyers in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria are mostly targeting units up to R1m, with entry-level properties the most sought-after.
28 May 2009Read More .....
What are Hout Bay prices?
So says Wes Carlson, broker/owner of RE/MAX Prestige in Hout Bay, who adds that 90% of the enquiries for Hout Bay properties are from overseas buyers and approximately 75% of concluded sales originate from this pool.
15 May 2009Read More .....
Wanbetaling verg vinnige optrede
Residensiële-verhuringsagente en eiendomseienaars moet vinnig optree teen huurders wat nie betaal nie om groot slaggate te vermy.
11 May 2009Read More .....
Worst house price decline since '86
April 2009 saw the average nominal price of middle-segment housing declining by 2,7% year-on-year (y/y) to R941,600, after declining by a revised 2,3% y/y in March.
6 May 2009Read More .....
What are Lydenburg rentals?
The Lydenburg rental market has been improving steadily with a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home letting for around R6k pm.
5 May 2009Read More .....
Wiped out! Years of property growth
Property prices back to 2006 level as values fall faster - new report.
5 May 2009Read More .....
WC estate launches 16 units
Sixteen cul de sac homes in the Hemel en Aarde Country Club estate, situated between the Western Cape towns of Onrus and Hermanus, have come onto the market.
30 April 2009Read More .....
Why agents should protect sellers
Those selling property, particularly residential property, are often not aware that their agent is obliged legally and ethically to act primarily in their interest.
23 April 2009Read More .....
What are Plett's prices?
Entry-level prices for freehold properties in Plett are currently around R1,4m for a three-bed, two-bathroom house and about R670k for a two-bed, two-bath unit approximately 100sqm in extent.
24 April 2009Read More .....
Windfalls, pitfalls of rent-to-own
With banks now insisting on large deposits before granting home loans, many buyers are looking at other purchase options, including rent-to-own agreements.
21 April 2009Read More .....
Wanpraktyk by verhuur aan staat lei tot ‘gevaar’
Die verhuring van kantooreiendom aan die staat raak ’n al hoe groter risiko wat die kommersiële eiendomsmark ernstig kan ontwrig.
20 April 2009Read More .....
Who Wants to Be a Billionaire?
Are billionaires born or made? What are the common attributes among the uber-wealthy? Are there any true secrets of the self-made?
19 April 2009Read More .....
Winkelsentrum aan Weskus lok duisende
Die Weskus Mall in Vredenburg aan die Kaapse Weskus het sedert sy opening minder as ’n maand gelede al meer as 260 000 mense gelok.
17 April 2009Read More .....
What is Fish Hoek's entry-level?
The entry-level for Cape Town's Fish Hoek now stands at around R450k for a one-bedroomed apartment, while top-end apartments can fetch R1,5m.
3 April 2009Read More .....
What are your rights with balconies?
Sectional title living often sees people living above and below each other.
31 March 2009Read More .....
Watch these factors if you're buying
Prospective property buyers who need information about the market should keep their eye on a few factors, says a leading property figure.
27 March 2009Read More .....
What are Atlantic Seaboard's prices?
Entry-level prices on the Atlantic Seaboard now start at R500k for a basic bachelor's apartment in Sea Point, R1,5m for an apartment in Bantry Bay and R1,9m for a bachelor flat in Clifton.
26 March 2009Read More .....
WR average price now R1m
The average selling price for the West Rand in February was just R1m – slightly higher than the preceding months.
27 March 2009Read More .....
WR average price now R1m
The average selling price for the West Rand in February was just R1m – slightly higher than the preceding months.
27 March 2009Read More .....
Why is offshore property a boon?
With the global village fast becoming a reality, it is important to diversify one's asset base and take advantage of other markets.
24 March 2009Read More .....
Wetgewing vir Reit volgende jaar verwag
Wetgewing vir die oorskakeling van Suid-Afrika se genoteerde eiendomsektor na die lang verwagte eiendomsbeleggingstrust- (Reit) struktuur kan in April volgende jaar op die tafel wees.
18 March 2009Read More .....
Wanted: estate agents!
As estate agents exit industry in droves, more needed in anticipation of market upswing, extra revenue channels – estate agency heavyweight.
19 March 2009Read More .....
Western Seaboard rentals thriving
Expensive beachfront properties on the Western Seaboard are battling to sell with many people opting to rent as opposed to purchasing at present.
6 March 2009Read More .....
WC project on stream in April
The first handovers at a new residential project in the Western Cape's Melkbosstrand will take place from late April onwards.
5 March 2009Read More .....
What intelligent buyers do
Intelligent buyers take great care never to overstretch themselves financially, always making allowance for interest rate rises within the next decade, even if these seem unlikely at present.
3 March 2009Read More .....
