Advice

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...

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,...

As the adage so aptly proclaims, ‘In this life, only death and taxes are guaranteed.’. Unfortunately, the reality is that your financial obligations to the tax authorities persist even posthumously, as estate duty and other taxes are levied against your estate before any inheritance can be paid out to your heirs. Understanding what taxes your estate might be liable for is the first step in...

By: Gavin Lomberg With interest rates at a multi-year low, now is an opportune time for first-time homebuyers to step into the property market. However, when it comes time to budget, potential homebuyers are encouraged to account for several important - but often overlooked - costs. While home loan pre-approval gives homebuyers a clear idea of what they can realistically afford, many...

Property expert Adrian Goslett argued that calculating your home’s potential to generate a profit will provide a clear picture of how well a property is performing as an investment. ;The Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX ; said that knowing this information will also help you decide whether to keep your property, sell or upgrade it. ;The expert said that conducting a return on investment calculation...

When you are selling your home, it is vital that you make a great first impression on potential buyers and by knowing what grabs their attention, you prioritise repairs or upgrades that might appeal to them as well as avoid wasting money on changes they do not care about.This is according to Claude McKirby, co-principal, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburb."When...

The buy-to-let strategy has faced headwinds in South Africa, with rising interest rates, economic pressures, and escalating property prices making it harder for investors to ensure rental income covers costs, according to Odette Maartens, head of rentals at DG Properties. Despite these challenges, Maartens says Cape Town and the Western Cape remain strongholds for buy-to-let opportunities, thanks...

Considering your retirement planning options while your new-year good intentions are still intact can put you in a good position, according to Linda Kleynscheldt: head of Actuarial and Product, PSG Wealth. A tax-free savings account (TFSA) and retirement annuity (RA) are two options that are available to people, but you need decide if either (or indeed both) of these products might be right for...

What if we told you that you could save over R480,000 in interest repayments to the bank on a R1.4 million house or apartment if you paid just R1,000 more than your required instalment over 20 year repayment plan. Of course, despite the 25 basis points interest rate cut, many South Africans - including high income earners - are currently cash-strapped and in debt, but an additional R1,000 and...

Refinancing a home is seen as a last resort for many, but the recent succession of interest rate hikes and the rising cost of living has left many consumers in search of financial relief. Here’s what you need to know about the process. In a case where you wish to refinance your home, you’ll apply for a new bond on the same property based on its current value rather than its valuation at...