Diana Burnett

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can feel overwhelming too. After all, you’re not just choosing a property—you’re picking the neighbourhood where you’ll build your life. With cities embracing more urban living, finding the perfect area means balancing your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

Are you thinking of selling your home during the December holidays? While the festive season brings unique challenges—like buyers being on vacation or companies closing—you can still turn this into an opportunity. With careful planning and the right strategies, you can attract motivated buyers looking to close before the new year.

The South African housing market is showing some promising signs of recovery, but it's not quite smooth sailing just yet. According to the latest FNB House Price Index (HPI), house price growth remains slow, clocking in at just 0.9% in December. That’s slightly down from 1.0% in November, bringing the annual average to 0.8%—a dip from the 1.5% recorded in 2023. While this may seem underwhelming, it’s in line with expert predictions.