Softening the rate hike blow
Ways to reduce your monthly home loan repayments and other costs. Cost-cutting is on many people’s minds, as prices rise, and affordability becomes stretched. While potential homeowners continue to benefit from attractive interest rates due to heightened competition between the banks, what are the cost-saving options available to existing homeowners? The reality is that the […]
How to obtain a home loan: Things to consider before you apply
With most of the major interest rate hikes now out of the way, 2023 is set to provide a more stable environment for financially savvy, would-be home-buyers to enter the property market. While the economic outlook is set to be less turbulent than during the previous year, it’s still vitally important to take charge of […]
Will solar power increase the value of your home?
The upfront investment is high, which you’ll want to recover when you sell. Stage 6 loadshedding is now firmly in effect, many South Africans are without power for up to 12 hours each day, and the threat of Stage 8 blackouts looms large on the horizon. It’s no wonder then that many households are turning […]
Think before you sign: 5 things to consider before signing a contract
The simple definition of a contract is where an offer by one party is accepted by the other party. These parties are the contracting parties. There will be no agreement between the parties if there is a counteroffer to an offer. However, if a counteroffer is accepted, there is an agreement or consensus between the […]
Can neighbours interfere in building plans?
Disputes between neighbours tend to ensue where an owner decides to build on or renovate their property and the neighbouring owner believes that such building works will have a detrimental effect on their property rights. Neighbours who are disgruntled by the noise nuisance, possible obstruction of an existing view from their property, or the aesthetic features of the building works, […]
The ups and downs of property co-ownership
Property ownership is no small feat. It is one of the most reliable forms of investment and one of the biggest items that most people have on their financial “to-do” lists. Unfortunately, it is not always an easily achievable goal. Property ownership has always been a costly endeavour, and in recent years the age of […]
Have you outgrown your current home?
Knowing when to move is not always as straight forward as one might think. At times, the need for a change is apparent and unavoidable, but other times, it grows over time and may even go unnoticed. Let’s have a look at a few of the biggest indications that it might be time to move house. Growing pains A […]
Investment with a solid foundation
Buying real estate is more than finding the right home or location for your business – owning property is an investment that holds more benefits than you might know. Income Predictability While interest rates may alter mortgage repayments at first, real estate offers a somewhat constant financial investment. Once home loans are repaid in full, real estate offers the owner a constant income that does […]
The (high) rise of the sectional title
Where starter homes in quiet suburbs used to be the norm when it came to first buys for working professionals and young couples, it seems like J.G. Ballard’s 1975 novel, High Rise, may have predicted the future of residential development accurately. More and more individuals and families alike are choosing to opt for sectional title […]
It’s not all fun and games with Holiday Homes
Finding a holiday home isn’t as simple as choosing your favourite holiday spot and packing your bags. With the festive season around the corner, the urge to buy a holiday home may be rising, but a decision like this demands time and careful consideration. Let it simmer. This is not a holiday – this is […]