Jodi Samuels

The South African property market is showing signs of recovery, but the pace remains slow and uneven. The latest FNB House Price Index (HPI) indicates that home values rose by 2.2% year-on-year in April, up from 2.0% in March. This marks the fastest growth in nearly two years and reflects a modest improvement in demand.

An estimated R1.78 quadrillion in wealth is predicted to change hands globally from Baby Boomers to younger generations in the next decade. Known as The Great Wealth Transfer, a majority of these estates will have a home that will change hands, and many inheritors, including adult children, will need to sell them. But as research suggests, these sellers may end up prioritising emotional return on investment (EROI) over price before making their next move and disrupting the transfer of wealth. 

If you’ve ever tried to buy or sell a property in South Africa, you’ve likely encountered a flurry of paperwork, from certified IDs, proof of address, bank confirmations, and more. It might feel excessive at times, but all of it has a very important purpose. That’s where FICA comes in.