MyProperty News Feed

Sellers must have a way out in linked deals

2010-09-23T11:21:00

Posted: 2010/09/23 11:21:00 AM

Many homebuyers these days first need to sell their own properties before they can proceed with the purchase transaction, and most sale agreements make provision for this with a “subject to” clause...
Many homebuyers these days first need to sell their own properties before they can proceed with the purchase transaction, and most sale agreements make provision for this with a “subject to” clause.

But what happens when something goes wrong and ...

Make your home safe for summer play

2010-09-23T11:19:36

Posted: 2010/09/23 11:19:36 AM

Warmer weather is on its way and in sunny SA that means more time spent in the great outdoors – but parents need to be aware that many dangers lurk in their own backyards...
Warmer weather is on its way and in sunny SA that means more time spent in the great outdoors – but parents need to be aware that many dangers lurk in their own backyards.

“Most people take precautions when they take their families to the beach, ...

Spruce up your bathroom for a quicker sale

2010-09-21T13:11:19

Posted: 2010/09/21 01:11:19 PM

Consumers who want to sell their homes urgently should take a good look at their bathrooms...
Consumers who want to sell their homes urgently should take a good look at their bathrooms.

Uninspiring bathrooms can be a deal breaker, says Richard Gray, CEO of the Harcourts Africa property group. “Polls show that buyers are picky when it come...

It’s perfect pool time for HOAs

2010-09-21T13:09:45

Posted: 2010/09/21 01:09:45 PM

With summer on the doorstep, now’s a good time for the Home Owners’ Associations (HOAs) in estates with communal swimming pools to focus on the maintenance and safety measures that will ensure a season of uninterrupted fun and enjoyment...
With summer on the doorstep, now’s a good time for the Home Owners’ Associations (HOAs) in estates with communal swimming pools to focus on the maintenance and safety measures that will ensure a season of uninterrupted fun and enjoyment.

So says ...

Aida beefs up rental property management service

2010-09-21T13:08:20

Posted: 2010/09/21 01:08:20 PM

With no end in sight to the demand for rental property on both short and long-term leases, premier real estate group Aida has just launched a new electronic rental property management solution to ensure excellent service for both landlords and tenants...
With no end in sight to the demand for rental property on both short and long-term leases, premier real estate group Aida has just launched a new electronic rental property management solution to ensure excellent service for both landlords and tenants.
&nb...

Double-check the details in your holiday unit

2010-09-16T16:53:35

Posted: 2010/09/16 04:53:35 PM

In residential letting, you usually only have to keep one tenant happy all year. But in holiday letting, you could have dozens of people to satisfy in the hope that they will come back or at least recommend your rental unit to friends...
In residential letting, you usually only have to keep one tenant happy all year. But in holiday letting, you could have dozens of people to satisfy in the hope that they will come back or at least recommend your rental unit to friends.

And to do ...

Make your home more secure this summer

2010-09-16T16:51:50

Posted: 2010/09/16 04:51:50 PM

Home security is a top priority among South Africans and with summer on its way, now is a good time for homeowners to review ways to improve safety...
Home security is a top priority among South Africans and with summer on its way, now is a good time for homeowners to review ways to improve safety.

People tend to socialise more during the summer months, explains Richard Gray, the new CEO of the...

It’s ‘back to the city’ now for many semigrants

2010-09-13T10:19:34

Posted: 2010/09/13 10:19:34 AM

The wave of property purchasing that saw prices soar in country towns and villages during the property boom has ebbed and is leaving many of them high and dry as lots of new residents start to “follow the money” back to the cities...
The wave of property purchasing that saw prices soar in country towns and villages during the property boom has ebbed and is leaving many of them high and dry as lots of new residents start to “follow the money” back to the cities.

“This is very ...

Wilderness fans discover Kleinkrans

2010-09-13T10:18:32

Posted: 2010/09/13 10:18:32 AM

Discerning retirees and holidaymakers are discovering the charm – and attractive home prices – in the Kleinkrans area near the perennially popular Wilderness on the Garden Route...
Discerning retirees and holidaymakers are discovering the charm – and attractive home prices – in the Kleinkrans area near the perennially popular Wilderness on the Garden Route.

Kleinkrans, situated about 10 minutes’ drive from Wilderness, offer...

Check the ‘fit’ before you buy a home

2010-09-13T10:17:33

Posted: 2010/09/13 10:17:33 AM

Use your imagination to try a home on for size and shape before you buy it and you could save yourself a lot of agitation - and expense...
Use your imagination to try a home on for size and shape before you buy it and you could save yourself a lot of agitation - and expense.

That’s the advice of new Harcourts Africa CEO Richard Gray, who says prospective buyers visiting a show house...

Rate cut a confidence booster

2010-09-10T07:39:24

Posted: 2010/09/10 07:39:24 AM

This week’s interest rate cuts should help to underpin the tentative recovery that has been evident in the property market this year...
This week’s interest rate cuts should help to underpin the tentative recovery that has been evident in the property market this year.

Indeed, says Richard Gray, the new CEO of the Harcourts Africa property group, the Reserve Bank is to be congrat...

GOOD NEWS FOR HOME OWNERS AND HOME BUYERS, SAYS DR ANDREW GOLDING

2010-09-10T07:37:43

Posted: 2010/09/10 07:37:43 AM

Today’s (9 September 2010) announcement by the Monetary Policy Committee that the interest rate would be reduced is most welcome and needed, says Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group...
Today’s (9 September 2010) announcement by the Monetary Policy Committee that the interest rate would be reduced is most welcome and needed, says Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group.

“This is good news for existing home owners and f...

Rate cuts will make loan qualification easier

2010-09-10T07:36:21

Posted: 2010/09/10 07:36:21 AM

The most positive effect of this week’s drop in interest rates on the residential property market will be to make home ownership more affordable for first-time homebuyers...
The most positive effect of this week’s drop in interest rates on the residential property market will be to make home ownership more affordable for first-time homebuyers.

So says Jan Davel, the new MD of the RealNet group, who notes that with th...

Don’t fight the interest rate gap, says Everitt

2010-09-10T07:34:59

Posted: 2010/09/10 07:34:59 AM

There has been some debate again of late about whether the fixed difference between the repo rate and the prime rate of interest is too large at 3,5 percentage points, and whether government should move to shrink it, but property experts are arguing against such a move...
There has been some debate again of late about whether the fixed difference between the repo rate and the prime rate of interest is too large at 3,5 percentage points, and whether government should move to shrink it, but property experts are arguing against s...

ESTABLISHING THE RIGHT PRICE IN TODAY’S MARKET

2010-09-08T10:58:24

Posted: 2010/09/08 10:58:24 AM

The new millennium has ushered in some interesting changes for the property market, says Carol Reynolds, Pam Golding Properties area principal in the Durban North and La Lucia areas...
The new millennium has ushered in some interesting changes for the property market, says Carol Reynolds, Pam Golding Properties area principal in the Durban North and La Lucia areas.

“In the year 2001, Capital Gains Tax was introduced; then in 2006 th...

Surveys provide property investment guidelines

2010-09-06T11:00:00

Posted: 2010/09/06 11:00:00 AM

Residential property surveys provide valuable pointers to soundly-based buying decisions in a volatile property market, says a leading property commentator...

Residential property surveys provide valuable pointers to soundly-based buying decisions in a volatile property market, says a leading property commentator.

Gerhard Kotzé, CEO of the ERA South Africa property group, says that while the market ...

Clarens estate now on show to the world

2010-09-06T10:59:14

Posted: 2010/09/06 10:59:14 AM

The Chas Everitt International flag is now flying high at The Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, close to the picturesque village known as the Jewel of the Free State, thanks to the decision of a local property expert to purchase a Notebook® licence...

The Chas Everitt International flag is now flying high at The Clarens Golf & Trout Estate, close to the picturesque village known as the Jewel of the Free State, thanks to the decision of a local property expert to purchase a Notebook® licence.
&nbs...

Young Lion award for Aida CEO

2010-09-06T10:57:55

Posted: 2010/09/06 10:57:55 AM

In recognition of his potential as one of the new leaders of the real estate industry, Aida National Franchises CEO Young Carr has been honoured as one of this year’s Young Lion award winners...
In recognition of his potential as one of the new leaders of the real estate industry, Aida National Franchises CEO Young Carr has been honoured as one of this year’s Young Lion award winners.

The award was presented at the Property Professional ...

Check building costs to get value for money

2010-08-31T16:39:53

Posted: 2010/08/31 04:39:53 PM

Everyone knows that newly-built homes generally cost more, meter for meter, than pre-owned properties, but many people still dream of building a new home from scratch and they need to be sure that they are getting the best possible value for money...

Everyone knows that newly-built homes generally cost more, meter for meter, than pre-owned properties, but many people still dream of building a new home from scratch and they need to be sure that they are getting the best possible value for money.
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UPTURN IN DEMAND FOR COMMERCIAL SPACE IN CENTURION, GAUTENG

2010-08-31T16:37:47

Posted: 2010/08/31 04:37:47 PM

Since the start of 2010 the demand for commercial space – including retail and offices, has seen an upturn in Centurion, which is strategically situated between Pretoria and Midrand...
Since the start of 2010 the demand for commercial space – including retail and offices, has seen an upturn in Centurion, which is strategically situated between Pretoria and Midrand, says Azlie Loots, leasing and sales broker for JHI property services company...

Blouberg tipped as SA’s hottest new playground

2010-08-31T16:36:47

Posted: 2010/08/31 04:36:47 PM

It’s hot, it’s hip and it’s the most ‘happening’ place in the Western Cape to live right now, boasting a heady combination of magnificent beaches, awesome views and the integrated urban lifestyle sought after by today’s up-and-coming executives and professionals...
It’s hot, it’s hip and it’s the most ‘happening’ place in the Western Cape to live right now, boasting a heady combination of magnificent beaches, awesome views and the integrated urban lifestyle sought after by today’s up-and-coming executives and profession...

THE CHANGING FACE OF JOHANNESBURG CBD

2010-08-26T16:29:33

Posted: 2010/08/26 04:29:33 PM

Those working in the Johannesburg CBD and living in the surrounding areas are well placed to capitalise on the enormous changes brought about by the infrastructural changes and public transport improvements nearing completion...
Those working in the Johannesburg CBD and living in the surrounding areas are well placed to capitalise on the enormous changes brought about by the infrastructural changes and public transport improvements nearing completion in and around Gauteng, says David...

Tune in to your market before setting a price

2010-08-26T16:28:02

Posted: 2010/08/26 04:28:02 PM

You may know your own mind when you decide to sell your home, but do you know your own market...
You may know your own mind when you decide to sell your home, but do you know your own market?

“One thing that is absolutely certain in real estate is that nothing stays the same,” says Tjaart van der Walt, CEO of the RealNet estate agency group....

Weigh up new and pre-loved homes for the best value

2010-08-26T16:26:58

Posted: 2010/08/26 04:26:58 PM

Homebuyers are counting their pennies as they struggle to find affordable properties in the current difficult economic climate, and that raises the question of which type of property...
Homebuyers are counting their pennies as they struggle to find affordable properties in the current difficult economic climate, and that raises the question of which type of property – pre-owned or newly-built – offers the best value.

“Both types...

Window of opportunity opens in Waterkloof

2010-08-23T12:21:21

Posted: 2010/08/23 12:21:21 PM

Top-end home prices are still well down from their boom-time highs – but unlikely to go any lower - so now’s the time to buy if you aspire to a property in premier Pretoria suburbs such as Waterkloof and Brooklyn...
Top-end home prices are still well down from their boom-time highs – but unlikely to go any lower - so now’s the time to buy if you aspire to a property in premier Pretoria suburbs such as Waterkloof and Brooklyn.

That’s the word from Annette Bos...

The view’s just one part of the package

2010-08-23T12:17:40

Posted: 2010/08/23 12:17:40 PM

Homebuyers are accustomed to the idea of paying a premium for a property with a view, like a “house on the hill” or an apartment overlooking the sea...
Homebuyers are accustomed to the idea of paying a premium for a property with a view, like a “house on the hill” or an apartment overlooking the sea.

But just how much value does a view add? “In an area where most homes have views you’ll probably...

Don’t be afraid to negotiate home loan rate

2010-08-23T12:05:03

Posted: 2010/08/23 12:05:03 PM

Home loans are currently hard to come by – but that should not prevent qualified borrowers from negotiating for a better interest rate...
Home loans are currently hard to come by – but that should not prevent qualified borrowers from negotiating for a better interest rate.

Negotiating a loan at even one percentage point less than the prime lending rate can save borrowers a substant...

BUY-TO-LET INVESTORS SHOW CONFIDENCE IN ‘ONE ON HERRWOOD’ IN UMHLANGA

2010-08-19T14:43:24

Posted: 2010/08/19 02:43:24 PM

The recently launched ‘One on Herrwood’ 92-unit, luxury development on prestigious Umhlanga Ridge just north of Durban is attracting buy-to-let investors – mainly locals, reports Elwyn Schenk...
The recently launched ‘One on Herrwood’ 92-unit, luxury development on prestigious Umhlanga Ridge just north of Durban is attracting buy-to-let investors – mainly locals, reports Elwyn Schenk, area principal for Pam Golding Properties.

“A very good ind...

Plan to get the most out of ‘downsizing’

2010-08-19T14:42:13

Posted: 2010/08/19 02:42:13 PM

The prospect of a carefree retirement at the traditional age of 60 to 65 is becoming an increasingly remote possibility for many people...
The prospect of a carefree retirement at the traditional age of 60 to 65 is becoming an increasingly remote possibility for many people.

However, says Harcourts Africa CEO Martin Schultheiss, proper planning can bring it closer, and one of the mo...

Home truths about home pricing

2010-08-19T14:41:01

Posted: 2010/08/19 02:41:01 PM

Oddly enough, the last thing most home sellers want to think about when their property is not attracting offers is price – even though they themselves may be extremely value conscious when looking at homes to buy...
Oddly enough, the last thing most home sellers want to think about when their property is not attracting offers is price – even though they themselves may be extremely value conscious when looking at homes to buy.

This is clearly evident in the l...

Make moving plain sailing

2010-08-19T14:38:48

Posted: 2010/08/19 02:38:48 PM

Buying a new home is fraught with a myriad of details – and buyers don’t need added complications when the day comes to move lock, stock and barrel...
Buying a new home is fraught with a myriad of details – and buyers don’t need added complications when the day comes to move lock, stock and barrel.

A few precautions can, however, prevent a lot of unnecessary...

Call to put property taxes to work in housing

2010-08-13T14:39:35

Posted: 2010/08/13 02:39:35 PM

Although the new mortgage guarantee fund introduced by the Department of Human Settlement is to be welcomed, more needs to be done to help lower-income families achieve home ownership...
Although the new mortgage guarantee fund introduced by the Department of Human Settlement is to be welcomed, more needs to be done to help lower-income families achieve home ownership.

So says Harcourts Africa CEO Martin Schultheiss, who suggests...

Expectations and desires of prospective buyers can influence the price of your house.

2010-08-13T12:26:58

Posted: 2010/08/13 12:26:58 PM

The desires and expectations of hopeful buyers should not be underestimated when it comes to selling your house, according to Absa’s senior economist Jacques du Toit...
The desires and expectations of hopeful buyers should not be underestimated when it comes to selling your house, according to Absa’s senior economist Jacques du Toit.

The buyers’ belief, anticipation and expectation introduce a speculative eleme...

Kimberley infrastructure problems put homebuyers out in the cold

2010-08-13T11:40:10

Posted: 2010/08/13 11:40:10 AM

New housing development in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, has come to a standstill and first-time buyers are being shut out of the market...
New housing development in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, has come to a standstill and first-time buyers are being shut out of the market.

Kobus van der Walt, owner of the Aida franchise in the city, says there is huge pent-up deman...

Polokwane shows the way in blood donation campaign

2010-08-11T11:53:41

Posted: 2010/08/11 11:53:41 AM

Scores of people participated in the latest blood donation drive held by the Aida office in Polokwane, which is one of the leading supporters of the real estate group’s national campaign to bolster the reserves held by the SA National Blood Service...
Scores of people participated in the latest blood donation drive held by the Aida office in Polokwane, which is one of the leading supporters of the real estate group’s national campaign to bolster the reserves held by the SA National Blood Service.
...

HOAs can solve the storage issue

2010-08-11T11:52:47

Posted: 2010/08/11 11:52:47 AM

The homes in townhouse developments and other gated communities usually all have their own garages or carports, but there is often also a demand for additional permanent parking or storage areas for trailers, bikes, boats and caravans...
The homes in townhouse developments and other gated communities usually all have their own garages or carports, but there is often also a demand for additional permanent parking or storage areas for trailers, bikes, boats and caravans.

And becaus...

Rental demand high in new growth centres

2010-08-11T11:51:58

Posted: 2010/08/11 11:51:58 AM

For developers and investors prepared to look beyond the big cities and popular tourist spots, there are some excellent opportunities available in residential rental property...
For developers and investors prepared to look beyond the big cities and popular tourist spots, there are some excellent opportunities available in residential rental property.

That’s the word from the RealNet property group, whose franchisees rep...

Affordability: developers need to take heed

2010-08-11T11:51:08

Posted: 2010/08/11 11:51:08 AM

Affordability holds the key to the future health of the South African housing market – and developers should take heed of this fact...
Affordability holds the key to the future health of the South African housing market – and developers should take heed of this fact.

Commenting on FNB predictions that house price growth is likely to slow to single digits later this year, Martin ...

New estate redefines luxury living

2010-08-10T12:28:50

Posted: 2010/08/10 12:28:50 PM

The French ambience of Montmarte, including fine views, is what buyers will find at the luxury Vue De La Ville Lifestyle Estate in the upmarket Baronetcy suburb of Plattekloof...
The French ambience of Montmarte, including fine views, is what buyers will find at the luxury Vue De La Ville Lifestyle Estate in the upmarket Baronetcy suburb of Plattekloof.

“Offering stylish living in full title houses, sectional title apartm...

Plan to revive rail spurs will benefit platteland property

2010-08-10T12:27:31

Posted: 2010/08/10 12:27:31 PM

The property market trend towards ‘semigration’, or the drift of city dwellers to the country areas, could be given a boost by plans to revive many dormant railway spurs as part of a general overhaul of Transnet...
The property market trend towards ‘semigration’, or the drift of city dwellers to the country areas, could be given a boost by plans to revive many dormant railway spurs as part of a general overhaul of Transnet.

ERA South Africa property group CEO Ger...

Eskom hikes positive and negative for landlords

2010-08-10T12:26:13

Posted: 2010/08/10 12:26:13 PM

Residential landlords who want to keep their tenants may have to forego any further rental increases this year as the new Eskom electricity tariffs start to eat into disposable incomes...
Residential landlords who want to keep their tenants may have to forego any further rental increases this year as the new Eskom electricity tariffs start to eat into disposable incomes.

That’s the word from RentalsDOTCom, the rental property mana...

New GM for Aida Commercial

2010-08-06T16:51:55

Posted: 2010/08/06 04:51:55 PM

Top real estate group Aida is forging ahead with its new commercial property operation and has just appointed Andre Volbrecht as general manager...
Top real estate group Aida is forging ahead with its new commercial property operation and has just appointed Andre Volbrecht as general manager.

Highly experienced in the sales and marketing of primary and secondary lifestyle estates and commerc...

Grab a brand-new family home for less than R1m

2010-08-06T16:50:48

Posted: 2010/08/06 04:50:48 PM

Spring has come early to the Amberfield Valley estate in Centurion, where the developers have put together some exceptional offers for homebuyers – including special discounts on stands...
Spring has come early to the Amberfield Valley estate in Centurion, where the developers have put together some exceptional offers for homebuyers – including special discounts on stands and exclusive building packages at prices from R925 000.

The...

Buy early and low to beat negative equity

2010-08-05T09:19:50

Posted: 2010/08/05 09:19:50 AM

If you want to avoid the negative equity “monster” that can swallow your home whole, you’ll need to do some forward planning...
If you want to avoid the negative equity “monster” that can swallow your home whole, you’ll need to do some forward planning.

So says Tjaart van der Walt, CEO of the RealNet estate agency group, who notes: “Amid all the positive news about the re...

Temporary relocation: should you sell or let your home?

2010-08-05T09:18:24

Posted: 2010/08/05 09:18:24 AM

In a tight economy employees must go where the work is - but that raises questions about what to do with your property when you are offered a contract in another city or country...
In a tight economy employees must go where the work is - but that raises questions about what to do with your property when you are offered a contract in another city or country.

The options need careful consideration, says Martin Schultheiss, CE...

Mortgage fraud makes lenders even more nervous

2010-08-05T09:17:34

Posted: 2010/08/05 09:17:34 AM

It’s not much discussed, but mortgage fraud is becoming more extensive and could well be adding to the banks’ current extremely cautious approach to lending...
It’s not much discussed, but mortgage fraud is becoming more extensive and could well be adding to the banks’ current extremely cautious approach to lending.

“There are 101 varieties of mortgage fraud,” says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt...

TIME TO SEIZE THE MOMENT, SAYS DR ANDREW GOLDING

2010-08-02T15:47:25

Posted: 2010/08/02 03:47:25 PM

Off the back of the hugely successful Soccer World Cup, never before has South African been presented with such an ideal opportunity to promote the country to foreigners as a prime investment destination, said Dr Andrew Golding...
Off the back of the hugely successful Soccer World Cup, never before has South African been presented with such an ideal opportunity to promote the country to foreigners as a prime investment destination, said Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property...

PRIME CAPE TOWN CBD LEASE CONCLUDED THROUGH JHI

2010-08-02T15:45:56

Posted: 2010/08/02 03:45:56 PM

The lease of a prime located commercial space on the ground floor of Cape Town’s historic Mandela Rhodes Place in the heart of the city centre has been concluded by JHI leasing, sales and investment broker Selwyn Sharon on behalf of Pam Golding Sectional Title Administrators...
The lease of a prime located commercial space on the ground floor of Cape Town’s historic Mandela Rhodes Place in the heart of the city centre has been concluded by JHI leasing, sales and investment broker Selwyn Sharon on behalf of Pam Golding Sectional Titl...

About the Master Builders Association (MBA)

2010-07-30T15:33:52

Posted: 2010/07/30 03:33:52 PM

The Master Builders and Allied Trades' Association (MBA), Western Cape, is a registered trade association for employers in the building industry...

The Master Builders and Allied Trades' Association (MBA), Western Cape, is a registered trade association for employers in the building industry. Its membership comprises some 400 companies in the Western Cape, most of whom are either builders, building su...

Expert Advice on Avoiding a Bad Building Experience

2010-07-30T15:31:43

Posted: 2010/07/30 03:31:43 PM

We’ve all heard the horror stories that accompany building, such as contractors absconding with deposits or not completing work that has already been paid for, and many of us have had our own bad experiences...
We’ve all heard the horror stories that accompany building, such as contractors absconding with deposits or not completing work that has already been paid for, and many of us have had our own bad experiences. Executive Director of the Master Builders Associat...