Retreating Advances
Interest rates have come down but that doesn’t mean bond-seekers are getting the benefits
|
Taking Stock
The real estate business has changed dramatically since the halcyon days when the rise in house prices appeared infinite. The boom is long over. Hopefully, we are coming out of the bust.
|
Bottoms Up
Homeowners are anxiously seeking signs that the property market downslide is levelling off. Unfortunately, there are mixed signals from analysts, but there are more rays of light than black clouds.
|
Growth Comes First
he Reserve Bank’s surprise rate cut indicates that it is more concerned with lack of economic growth than inflationary pressures. This is a turnaround in its mandate and suggests pressure from governm
|
Bedding Down
Great expectations are the name of the game as South Africa counts down to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Hopefully the fans will pour in as expected. But we mustn’t get too greedy.
|
A Piece Of Action
Fractional ownership is an attractive answer to the cost of the annual holiday – and it helps if you play golf.
|
Enter The Super-rich
Beachfronts, game reserves and wine estates – they are all on the buying lists of the ultra-wealthy.
|
Trouble Ahead
The global property market is in trouble as massive loan defaults loom. Locally, the boom in the commercial sector has died down and landlords face much tougher times.
|
Rates
A more accurate job needs to be done in the next rates General Valuation process. And
municipalities must bear in mind that residential property prices have fallen!
|
Loosen the Pursestrings
PGP’s Chief Executive Dr Andrew Golding discusses the problems facing
the housing market.
|
Interest Rates and Mortgages
Interest rates will take time to have a noticeable impact
on property values.
|
Turning Over
The new turnover tax is designed to help small businesses
and entrepreneurs, by simplifying returns. But is the real
beneficiary SARS itself?
|
Selling Commercial: Back to Basics
Auction sales are not what they were as the
market faces some economic stress.
|
London Calling
A strong rand, weak sterling and slumping UK property prices provide South Africans
with opportunities and choice in London apartments.
|
Asset Allocation the Vital Choice
Volatile markets mean that asset allocation is
absolutely essential in staying ahead of inflation
and protecting wealth.
|
Intention is everything
There are stirrings in the buy-to-let market. Don’t be caught out by SARS.
|
In Passing
Homeowners will have to dig deep to meet running costs in
coming months.
|
Back from the brink
Buyers and sellers are back in the housing market as positive feelings grow.
|
Freefall for rates?
The turn in the interest rate cycle looks set to accelerate over the year ahead. Even our conservative Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni is smiling.
|
Commercial Property
Buying opportunities are springing up. But investors must take a medium to long term view.
|
Customary marriages
Constitutional Court’s
ruling makes a difference.
|
Economic Outlook
Are we going to follow the world into the banking abyss? So far we’re doing OK.
|
Relief in sight
Interest rates are expected to fall soon as inflation is projected
to decline sharply.
|
Time to grasp opportunities
The housing market is showing signs of bottoming out. Now is the time to be bold.
|
Investor options in volatile times
In times of uncertainty the cautious investor should opt for a balanced fund.
|
Coastal properties picking up again
The weakening of the coastal property market is probably at an end.
|
Rentals
Top end of the market is achieving remarkable returns
|
Mortgages
Tight credit is the name of the game. But the renovations and house extensions business is brisk.
|
UK market
Rents are rising as UK buyers struggle to raise mortgage finance
in a fast falling housing market.
|
Fuelling inflation
Inflation, price increases, bad debts and belt-tightening – it all boils down to the price of oil. Is there anything government can do?
|
On the bright side
Foreign buyers have confidence in South Africa’s residential property market. We also need to take the long view
|
Property outlook
Affordability is a major issue for home seekers, clamped as they are between high debt repayments and a credit squeeze
|
Can we trust the stats?
Inflation targeting isn’t working, say some economists. Others say it’s the only medicine the Reserve Bank has. But are the inflation numbers accurate?
|
Rentals revving upwards
As house sales cool, demand for accommodation continues to grow. As a result, people are turning to renting – pushing up returns in the process
|
Urban opportunities
There are worthwhile tax incentives in government’s plan to encourage rehabilitation of decaying urban areas. But you need to know the distinctions
|
Into the West
The sea may make you shiver but South Africa’s West Coast has its own magnetic charms and attractions
|
Trees on the boundary
Attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes answer readers’ legal queries and advise generally on property matters
|
Is your house in order?
Government intends to introduce a tax on dividends. This could adversely affect homeowners who have registered their property in a company or a close corporation
|
Fractional issue
SARS lays down the rules for applying VAT to sales of fractional title interests, but the debate will carry on
|
Country airs
Crime and an unappealing city lifestyle are contributing to the groundswell of families seeking homes and peace in the countryside
|
Gloom on the High Street
The credit crunch has the UK’s mortgage lenders quaking and the housing market is taking its cue from the banks as prices fall
|
Borrowing blues
If rising interest rates have put the squeeze on your repayments, ask your lender to make a plan
|
Flight to quality
In tight market conditions, consumers in the property market need the best advice and service they can get
|
It’s an ill wind…
The power crisis will impact on all sectors, including residential building activity. Could this be good for house prices?
|
Taking a break
The Reserve Bank has held interest rates for the moment. Inflation could fall later this year
|
Rentals on the move
Difficulties in affordability and finding finance for home buyers have given a welcome boost to landlords
|
Readers’ queries
Attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes answer readers’
queries and advise on problem issues on the home front
|
Suspensive waivers
A court decision is of importance to estate agents as well as buyers
and sellers of residential property
|
Beware the pitfalls
Always be certain that a valid and binding agreement has been reached between buyer and seller
|
Cents and the cities
Government gives its property interests a break with lower rates, but ordinary ratepayers will have to pay the piper. Is the municipal rating system fair?
|
Developments drag
But there is still demand for affordable units, well priced, in the right place, and offering attractive amenities such as shops
|
Economy is slowing
There are too many imponderables, global and internal, to make any sort of accurate call this year
|
All at sea
Should the rising sea levels wash away your garden, it’s just too bad – so beware!
|
UK market feels the chill
Affordability is the watchword in Britain’s residential property milieu as first-time buyers are caught up in the credit crunch. But Central London sails ahead
|
Commercial charter
Expectations of good future growth keep investors in the commercial property lists
|
Crime and confidence
Chronic instability is costing South Africa essential skills – impacting on our future economic growth
|
Time for balance
Land reform and foreigners buying property in South Africa are two separate issues – both emotionally charged, says Dr Andrew Golding
|
Buyers’ market
The residential property market is steady, if not hot. We’ll have to look to 2008
for renewed price growth
|
Mortgages slow down
Debt repayment costs and the new credit act are putting on the brakes
|
A margin of error
Must the gap between the banks’ borrowing and lending rates be so high?
|
Buying off plan
The development market has its rewards but entrants need to know the ropes
|
Rentals get a boost
The letting market is better than it has been for years,
partly due to the inflow of foreign executives
|
Will HIPs spread?
Britain’s residential property industry is in turmoil over new legislation
exacerbating the onerous paper chase
|
Building costs
Input and raw material costs, coupled with services inflation, are adding quite a burden for the homeowner to shoulder.
|
Office space explosion
Chronic traffic congestion is forcing employees to move closer to the workplace
|
Soft landing
The panel’s report and recommendations for a new policy on purchases of property by foreigners awaits further input
|
SARS’ safety net
Buyers, sellers, agents and conveyancers need to know the ins and outs of the
withholding tax on non-residents
|
Location, location
Township property prices keep rising – and there is a growing trend towards mixed use developments
|
Just for kicks
Already the 2010 Soccer World Cup is having an effect. But if tickets are to cost hundreds of rands each, how will the majority of local fans afford them?
|
Tough at the top
Market leaders continue to do well even in difficult times. That’s when brands are so important.
|
Property outlook
Affordable housing is still streaking ahead in the sales charts, supported by a strongly growing economy – particularly in the Gauteng region
|
National Credit Act
An opportunity for real estate agents and the industry to help clients over the loan application hurdles
|
Mortgages steady
Credit advances worry the Reserve Bank. Is the demand coming from the credit-hungry consumer or are we ignoring growth in commercial property loans?
|
The economy
Consumption charges and wage demands may yet be major drivers of inflation. Is targeting right for South Africa?
|
Regional breakdown
KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast is ready to set the coastal property pace
|
Making waves
The Integrated Coastal Management Bill could become law by year-end. It will have serious consequences for beachfront property owners
|
Commercial positive
Consolidation characterises the listed property sector – still underpinned by income distribution and growth; office space is becoming a star performer
|
Sparkling diamonds
Black middle class families are moving to the suburbs, where owning property is their overwhelming ambition
|
Integrated development
Rich and poor will live cheek by jowl in Johannesburg’s groundbreaking Felapeng development. Will the concept catch on?
|
Property’s plutocrats
Prime property is a key investment for the super wealthy. As they seek new opportunities such as South African locations, prices will continue to rise.
|
Art’s richer canvas
South African art is coming into its own. Appreciation, however, is a combination of taste and investment decision
|
Stats at a glance
Lower house price growth recorded in June
|
Bricks and motors
Comparing house prices with car prices creates a novel barometer. It suggests SA residential property has a way to go
|
A united voice
The real estate industry is improving its image by confronting important issues. One such is our concern for the environment
|
A second wind for homes
All-time high consumer confidence is helping to keep demand for property going at a steady lick
|
Interest Rates
Not everyone expected the Reserve Bank to hold interest rates at present levels. Rising oil and food prices could force it to change tack
|
Switched off
Life doesn’t get any cheaper. More price increases are on the way for utilities as the authorities scratch for cash
|
Buy-to-let still attracts
Better rentals and reasonable capital growth continues to draw in investors
|
Readers’ queries
Attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes answer readers’ queries and advise on problem issues on the home front
|
Building your own home?
The new Bill to give better protection to consumers
having homes built gives more powers to the NHBRC.
But if you’re building your own home you’ll now have to apply for exemption
|
Mortgages and credit
With the new Credit Act, banks have to extend their checking procedures but delays should be minimal
|
Listed property
Distribution growth expectations are still the market’s main attraction. Mutual funds’ portfolios are a useful investment guide
|
Visitors are buying
Already, the 2010 Soccer World Cup is boosting tourist arrivals - together with guest house purchases
|
International markets
US sub-prime mortgage bonds are shaking investors
|
In Passing
It's possible we have come to the end of the interest rate upward cycle. Let's hope so, but the balance of payments deficit is still a worry.
|
Fractional Ownership
Why own a holiday home when you can buy a part of one, asks Dr Andrew Golding? Do syndications make sense?
|
Property's Bumpy Ride
House prices will remain relatively flat this year but there are still pockets of surprising activity and demand...
|
Unlocking Home Values
Among new mortgage products coming onto the market is the Lifetime or ‘Equity Release’ bond aimed at retired people with inadequate pensions. But is it suitable for SA?
|
Tax Amnesty
The tax amnesty gives paper-drenched entrepreneurs an opportunity for catch-up – and dodgers a chance to come clean.
|
Rentals Revive
What comes in, soon goes out. That's the word from the letting market - good news for sales too.
|
Empowerment at Work
The Pam Golding Properties Group’s groundbreaking BEE scheme has enabled black
entrepreneurs to prosper in the retail property market
|
Readers' Queries
Attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes answer readers’ queries and advise on problem issues on the home front.
|
Rates and Rights
We are coming up to that time when municipalities try to squeeze extra income from ratepayers.
|
International Round Up
UK house prices are on the rise again, especially in London. But Germany seems to be the pick of the international litter.
|
Commercial Attracts
The commercial and industrial market is galloping ahead. Alas, buyers are battling to find opportunities.
|
The Big Dipper
The rand's see-saw ride has probably been overdone. But there are winners as well as losers. What a gap for foreign visitors!
|
Use Science, not sentiment
A practical approach to buying and selling property is essential. Get the best possible professional advice rather than listen to dinner party gossip.
|
Tiny Bubbles
Residential property prices are flattening out. But house price growth is still there, if not at the rate of boom times
|
Loan Rangers
More interest hikes are putting the brakes on consumer borrowing, But demand is still growing, Should you fix now?
|
Who'll pay the Piper
Infrastructural spending by government will be massive in the years ahead, including the Big Push for the 2010 soccer World Cup. But the cost will have to be shared
|
Fuel for Thought
The ups and downs of the petrol/diesel pump prices keep the motorists guessing. But the international oil price is critical to inflation prospects.
|
Commercial Property
Investing in commercial property is flavour of the year now that residential has slowed down. But you need to do your homework.
|
Fractional Ownership
At the top end of the market, private residence clubs are gaining popularity with investors seeking quality leisure facilities
|
Country Caution
Selling off portions of country properties, such as farms, needs prior ministerial consent. So buyers beware.
|
Reader's Queries
Attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes answer reader's queries and advise on preoblem issues on the home front.
|
Alternative Investment
Krugerrand investors have enjoyed a pleasant capital gain as the gold price has offset the rand’s decline.
|
UK market recovering
Cheap borrowing and a shortage of stock have underpinned Britain’s housing market. Meanwhile, patterns are changing
|
Life’s a beach
A home on a tropical island is everyone’s fantasy. How to make it a reality is another matter. Here are some tips
|
Whither listed property?
The real estate sector on the JSE Securities Exchange has fallen in line with the market. But fundamentals for commercial property are still sound
|
Treading water
House price growth continues to decline as the brake is put on consumer spending. But actual prices are not expected to fall, says Standard Bank
|
Credit made safer
The new Credit Act, which kicks in next June, is aimed at protecting consumers – from sharp lenders and from themselves
|
No need to panic
Mortgage repayments will increase with interest hikes but there’s no need to rush out and fix your bond rate
|
Making the market
House sales are off the boil but the industry leader is still showing the way and breaking records
|
Tito’s bitter pills
Interest rates look set to climb as the Reserve Bank governor grapples with a current account deficit and other inflation threats
|
Off your trolley
Do we really believe that consumer inflation is as low as the stats tell us? Have a peek at the household bills
|
Bottomless pit?
Holiday, or second, homes can become an expensive indulgence. But there are ways to offset the costs
|
Construction boom ahead
William Bowler, Chief Investment Officer of Sanlam Private Investments, assesses the investment potential of the South African construction industry
|
Footing the bill
According to Game Plan 2010, some 15 000 VIPs are expected to attend the Soccer World Cup in SA. Where do they find these people?
|
Save as houses
Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni is worried about SA’s poor savings record. But, if 30% plus capital growth in residential house prices isn’t saving, what is?
|
Tito through the tulips
The Reserve Bank has kept interest rates steady, but governor Tito Mboweni doesn’t tread softly when it comes to issuing warnings about potential threats to inflation targets
|
Foreign folly
Hopefully the government will turn a deaf ear to the clamour to curtail overseas buyers of South African property
|
Slow, but sure
Affordability is the key to the current residential property market. Values are still growing, but at a slower pace
|
Hammer it out
Multiple auctions hold advantages for sellers and buyers alike. Pam Golding Commercial’s new auction division is setting new records
|
Money grows on trees
“God Almighty first planted a garden; and, indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures.” A beautiful garden can ensure top prices for your home
|
Coming up short
Water restrictions and power outages are irritations South Africans are learning to live with. Here are some tips on making life easier
|
Standard Bank’s Property Stats at a Glance
The residential property market continues to be buoyant.
|
No loose change
Cultural preservation laws are undergoing a thorough revision to further protect our heritage
|
Listed property
Value growth will continue as the commercial market offers high income attractions
|
Readers’ queries
Attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes answer readers’ queries and advise on problem issues on the home front
|
In passing
A whine on wine; table manners; exchange control folly; living in the Nanny State
|
The road ahead
Dr Andrew Golding maps out this year's property prospects and trends
|
The year that was
A quieter year, but some centres kept the house prices pot boiling
|
A new force
The rapidly emerging black middle class is making a huge difference to the residential property market
|
Interest rates
The conditions are right for another cut before the middle of 2006
|
Economic prospects
There are two main concerns, says BER - oil and the current deficit
|
To buy or to build
Acquiring a plot and building from scratch requires thoroughly doing your homework
|
Stats at a glance
Standard Bank's statistics relative to the property market
|
Working from home
If the Receiver doesn't get you, then the family might...
|
Household debt
South Africans have been borrowing like crazy. Can they afford to pay it back?
|
Leasehold Property
We are used to owning on a freehold basis, but times are changing
|
Readers' queries
Attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes answers readers' problems
|
Listed property
The commercial market is still going strong - and rewarding investors
|
Ins and outs
Foreigners still finding property bargains in South Africa - South Africans looking abroad.
Golding Properties is marketing a new exciting apartment development in a North London regeneration project
|
UK property market
A soft landing - and now a bounce back
|
No need for Interest
Editor Stuart Murray reckons interest rates will stay where they are. He also takes a tilt at medical aid schemes
|
Fundamentals still underpin the property market
PGP chief executive Dr Andrew Golding reports that house price growth is down but is still realistic
|
Oil and the Economy
BER economist Dr. Charles Martin analyses the current oil price scare and its ramifications for the South African economy.
|
To Fix or Float?
Mortgage bondholders are beginning to wonder whether interest rates have touched bottom. Should they fix their borrowing rates?
|
Buy-to-Let Hurdles
The taxman is watching you!
|
Sectional Title
Updated legislation tries to smooth out the issues in communal living. But in the end, it’s still a people thing
|
Transfer Delays
It’s the central issue of contention in any property transaction. Why does it take so long and what can be done?
|
The Love Nest
The Love Nest
How you legalise your marriage contract can make a huge difference to asset split
|
Legal pointers
Interesting property-based case studies from attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan
Boyes
|
Listed Property
Property stocks have shown phenomenal growth due to the upsurge in commercial property. There is still some steam left
|
Buying a Business
PGP’s commercial division is recording demand for small businesses. Here’s some advice for budding entrepeneurs. Also, the restaurant trade
|
So you want to run a Guest House?
It’s not just a romantic dream; hard work and sharp brains are required. But there’s always the chance of a goverment loan
|
Focus on Gauteng
Mobility is driving growth as the country’s economic heart bucks the trend
|
UK Property Market
Residential has slowed to a gentle stroll, but the commercial sector is showing increased activity, where PGP’s joint venture company is making substantial returns
|
Off the boil, but ...
The residential property market has come off the boil, but there is still plenty of steam left in the growth curve
|
When Phones cost more than Homes
Editor Stuart Murray muses on communication costs, scalping the equities market, and the ever-puzzling machinations of airlines.
|
Second-guessing the Bank
Inflation kept under control – or economic growth and a serious assault on the growing unemployment situation.
Is that our choice?
|
Surfing with the Rand
Jake White’s overfed Springboks are having more downs than ups. Is the rand going to follow a similar pattern?
|
Big Macs
Price parity suggests the rand is seriously undervalued
|
Property Stats at a Glance
Standard Bank’s residential property gauge analyses the market.
|
Big Brother is waiting
If your are contemplating selling a property, you will have to make sure that your tax affairs are in order. Attorneys Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes explain
|
Death and Taxes
Property in a deceased estate can cause financial problems. The best ways to prepare for the burden of estate duty
|
Majority Report
The new Children’s Act will lower the age of majority from 21 to 18. The Bill has been passed by Parliament, but has not yet been enacted. What it will mean
|
Capital gains tax
Rates differ for individuals, trusts, close corporations and companies.
|
Electrical certificates
This bugbear of property transactions has raised its head again. Who is legally responsible? When do estate agents become involved?
|
Sole mandates: the debate
Estate agents argue that it is the best way to ensure that the person selling your home is answerable to you and works to get the best possible price
|
Coasting ahead
Political stability has brought the KwaZulu-Natal residential property market from the doldrums to a front-runner in the growth stakes
|
Of human bondage ...
The re-entry of international banks will liven up the property lending market – already shaken by the runaway success of mortgage originators
|
UK market falters
It remains to be seen whether terror attacks will affect Britain’s property boom. But the signs are that it is already faltering
|