IN PASSING Soaring utilities costs are impacting severely on the affordability of housing. Manufacturing
industry is also feeling the pinch and retailers are struggling with distribution costs.
ANDREW GOLDING The residential property market appears to have settled into a pattern best described as a "new
normal" in which there are a number of positive factors, including sound buying support.
PROPERTY OUTLOOK Pricing is critical in this sensitive market and buyers need to have their finances in place. Astute buyers are active in the market place looking for bargains.
MORTGAGE OVERVIEW Lenders fear a "credit bubble" is developing. A major reason why mortgage bonds are hard to get is
the continuing high level of household indebtedness – in spite of the lowest interest rates in 38 years.
THE ECONOMY
Wage demands, wildcat strikes, violent protests are all damaging our economy and hurting South Africa's global image. As a result the rand has weakened.
FLOWER POWER
A well-kept attractive garden can represent 20% and more of the value of a residential property. Too few homeowners have adequate insurance cover.
GUEST HOUSES
Seeking a return on investment or a return on life? That is something to ponder before entering the guest house/B&B business. The majority of buyers are from overseas.
HOTELS AND TOURISM
Another future "island in the sun" holiday destination promises to be the tiny mid-Atlantic British
dependency of St Helena. South Africans are building the island"s first airstrip and PGP is assessing
its tourism potential.
LISTED PROPERTY
The JSE's real estate sector has been a rewarding place for investors. Over the past 12 months listed property as an asset class has recorded the highest return.
