Advice

Unlocking additional income: how your home can help during tough times

Homeowners can unlock additional income through their homes while staying compliant with local zoning and insurance requirements, noted a property expert. Bradd Bendall, national head of sales at BetterBond, said the house one calls a home can be so much more than the place where they live. “A home can also be a source of additional income, especially during challenging financial times." "It...

Homeownership warnings for mothers: understanding long-term financial impacts

Mothers need to be especially vigilant about the long-term financial implications of owning a home. Motherhood significantly impacts the financial aspects of property ownership, according to Momentum Financial Planning's Esther Devar. She advises prospective homeowner mothers to seek professional financial advice and to account for all expenses beyond just the mortgage before making a...

Homebuilders urged to embrace Alternative Building Technology and Innovative Building Technologies for a sustainable future

With the prevailing economic and environmental realities, homebuilders are encouraged to consider alternatives such as the usage of Alternative Building Technology (ABT) and Innovative Building Technologies (IBT). This was as the whilst high interest rates inevitably impacted the affordability, or lack thereof, and increase in home construction costs. Portia Sebulela, the head of Marketing,...

Choosing Between New and Secondhand Homes: Essential Insights for Buyers

One of the biggest decisions buyers face is whether to invest in a new development or opt for a secondhand home when purchasing a property. Last month, the Absa Homeowner Sentiment Index, a barometer of consumer confidence across six key metrics in the country’s housing market, showed that consumer confidence in South African real estate soared to the highest level in a decade. South African...

New development vs secondhand home: what every property buyer needs to know

One of the biggest decisions buyers face is whether to invest in a new development or opt for a secondhand home, when purchasing a property. Last month, the Absa Homeowner Sentiment Index, a barometer of consumer confidence across six key metrics in the country’s housing market, showed that consumer confidence in South African real estate soared to the highest level in a decade. South African...

Homeowners beware: how to shield your property from severe weather damage

As winter approaches, homeowners are warned to ensure that they are financially protected against the damage that can be done by severe weather systems. Last week, the South African Weather Service(SAWS) issued an advisory that said a cut-off low was expected to bring heavy rain and cold conditions for much of the country in the week. It said a cut-off low (COL) system is expected to make landfall...

Buyers beware: Understand your property’s title deed and zoning regulations before purchasing

Buying a home can ignite a whirlwind of excitement and dreams for the future, but there lurks an essential step that can't be overlooked: understanding the property’s restrictions. For many, the thrill of ownership can quickly morph into disappointment if regulations prevent cherished plans, such as building a dream deck or opening a boutique coffee shop. To avoid such scenarios, industry...

Mediation under the Expropriation Act: a new path for resolving property disputes

Where an expropriating authority and a disputing party do not agree on the amount, time and manner of payment of compensation, section 19(1) of the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 provides that the parties may refer the matter to mediation. This is according to legal experts at commercial law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as they explored the key changes in the new legislation and the delicate balance...

Three reasons why your home is not selling

Selling a home can often feel like navigating a maze, especially for those who find their properties lingering on the market longer than expected.While there are various obstacles that can hinder a successful sale, many of these issues can be avoided with the right guidance from an experienced real estate professional.According to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, the...

Prepare for the hidden costs of home buying to avoid financial strain

Prepare for the hidden costs of home buying to avoid financial strain

Purchasing a home is not just about the price tag; it’s also about the myriad of costs that come into play once you’ve made your choice.For first-time buyers in South Africa, the importance of accounting for transfer costs and bond registration fees often goes unnoticed, leading to unexpected financial strain at a crucial moment.Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett,...

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