Advice

Explore the complexities of family trusts in estate planning. Understand the benefits, potential pitfalls, and whether a family trust aligns with your long-term financial goals. When it comes to estate planning, few decisions are more complex—or more personal—than whether to establish a family trust. High-net-worth individuals often grapple with this choice, prompted by advice...

Even in a cautious market, South African homeowners preparing to sell can unlock significant value with simple, strategic renovations that don’t break the bank. That’s according to Antonie Goosen, Principal and Founder of Meridian Realty, who says small upgrades often deliver the biggest returns. “In many cases, sellers are tempted to embark on expensive renovations before listing,” says Goosen....

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...