Finance – Wealth – Invest

Balwin Properties interim profit plunges 57% as high interest rates affect housing market

Balwin Properties’ headline earnings fell 57% to 16.26 cents a share for the six months to August 31 after activity in the residential property sector remained under significant pressure, mainly due to the prolonged high interest rate environment. The developer of large, middle-to-upper income sectional title estate's revenue decreased 28% to R852.7 million, while profit for the period fell by 57%...

How a good credit record can benefit South African tenants

Landsdowne Property Group, one of South Africa’s residential real estate managers and estate agency companies says having a good credit record is a powerful tool for tenants, and it empowers them to negotiate more favourable lease terms. In a competitive rental market, a strong credit history helps tenants secure quality properties while also paving the way for future financial opportunities,...

Understanding Home Equity – What It Is And Why It Matters

For many home buyers, their priority is the property’s function as a home and not much attention is paid to the investment aspect beyond the fact that real estate is generally a solid long-term investment, however, understanding its equity can make a big difference in managing finances, making home improvements and building wealth over time. This is according to Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen...

Words on Wealth: 3rd quarter brings bumper rewards for SA investors

The third quarter of 2024, to the end of September, produced bumper returns for South African investors, with the JSE having its strongest third quarter in 11 years and local bonds also performing strongly. Returns from global equities and bonds, however, were muted. The quarter also saw the rand strengthen against the US dollar, inflation continue its downward trend and, to the relief of consumers...

SA economy still on positive trajectory, but risks remain as disposable income falls 44 percent in eight years

South Africa’s economy appears to be on a more confident trajectory than it was before the national elections in May, with the successful formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) combining with lower inflation and an improved power supply to boost consumer confidence. All eyes will be on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as he delivers his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on...

5 smart credit strategies to boost your financial future

While Rome wasn’t built in a day, a decision towards smarter credit habits may help us imagine a future where credit is our friend. Ayanda Ndimande, Strategic Business Development for Retail Credit at Sanlam, says the good news is that the help we need to get there is not just available, it’s also getting smarter! Ndimande highlights the growing role of AI in predicting financial behaviours...

Words on wealth: How the classification of unit trusts and ETFs has changed

The Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa), the body representing the local life insurance and asset management industries, recently published a revised classification of collective investment schemes (CISs): the Asisa Fund Classification Standard, effective from October 1. CISs are pooled investment funds that are marketed to retail investors, either directly through asset...

IS IT A GOOD TIME TO INVEST IN LUXURY PROPERTY?

The luxury real estate market has long been viewed as a safe haven for investors, offering not only opulent living spaces but also the potential for substantial returns. However, recent economic shifts and global uncertainties have caused many to wonder if now is truly the right time to invest in high-end properties. “Higher interest rates, rising inflation and growing instability worldwide have...

South African estate duty explained: Insurance strategies for wealth preservation

By: Erin White Life insurance can make an excellent estate planning tool to ensure succession, make provision for loved ones, and to create liquidity in one’s estate. However, it is important to understand the estate duty implications when it comes to life assurance policies because getting it wrong can have severe consequences for your estate and your loved ones. Section 4q...

Financially stressed South African homeowners have options to navigate financial woes

South Africans are enduring the effects of a sustained period of rising costs and increased debt payments which in turn have put them under severe financial pressure, for many homeowners, this pressure has seen them being unable to keep up with their monthly home loan repayments. According to credit bureau TransUnion, as many as 7.2% of homeowners are three months or more in arrears on their home...

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