Please note that you are using an outdated browser which is not compatible with some elements of the site. We strongly urge you to update to Edge for an optimal browsing experience.

Articles published in February 2012

 
No crisis in Tshwane says mayor
01 Feb 2012
The Tshwane metro has denied that municipal departments have been placed under administration due to poor performance and corruption.

Home market growth will be subdued
01 Feb 2012
Mortgage advances growth in the South African mortgage market was very low in 2011 due to macro economic trends and household finances.

Chas Everitt signs another franchise
01 Feb 2012
Southern suburbs real estate master Jacques Bronkhorst has decided to convert his top-performing agency to the Chas Everitt International brand.

What to ask when buying sect. title?
01 Feb 2012
The quality of a scheme is almost invariably linked very closely to the quality of its management. Before you buy, be sure to do your homework...

Bergvliet homes good value for money
01 Feb 2012
Bergvliet property is reportedly in demand with reasonably priced homes offering good value, close to schools and other conveniences.

Distressed property remains a reality
01 Feb 2012
Many homeowners are still battling to control their levels of debt, which will continue to fuel the distressed homes market this year.

Bathroom makeover tips on a budget
01 Feb 2012
Make the most out of your budget when remodelling your bathroom to avoid costly expenses and increase the value of your home. Here are some tips…

South Africans urged to save power
02 Feb 2012
Power utility Eskom continues to call on South Africans and the corporate world to make a 10 percent savings on electricity.

Are SA house prices really overvalued?
02 Feb 2012
Whether or not you believe the South African housing market is 25 percent overvalued, expect some further real house price decline.

Expect further house price deflation
02 Feb 2012
House prices, in real terms after adjustment for the effect of inflation, are set to deflate further in 2012, according to Absa Home Loans.

Diepkloof mall to open in Oct 2012
02 Feb 2012
Diepkloof Square community shopping centre in Soweto is set to transform convenient shopping for local residents when it opens in October 2012.

Agent acquires RealNet franchise
02 Feb 2012
Top performing estate agent Antoinette Hoeksema has acquired the RealNet franchise for the Moot East area of Pretoria.

Instant décor update
02 Feb 2012
Whether your budget is small or large, there are many ways to update your old and boring décor at home. Here are some inspiring interior ideas…

How to prune trees
02 Feb 2012
Proper pruning can enhance the health and shape of a tree. Here's a basic do-it-yourself guide on how and when to start the pruning process...

7 sins of buying investment property
03 Feb 2012
Buy-to-let property can be a good long term investment but buyers need to become savvy in making a sound financial decision. Get these tips...

Update on Land Use Management Bill
03 Feb 2012
Sapoa says the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill (SPLUMB) will not be enacted in time to meet the Constitutional Court deadline in June

Cape Town property: 4 good value areas
03 Feb 2012
Despite some gloomy predictions for the property market there are all still pockets of good value for those looking to buy homes in Cape Town.

6 misconceptions about home loans
03 Feb 2012
Aspirant home buyers applying for bonds frequently make false assumptions that create problems in the application process. Get a useful guide...

House price growth according to Absa
03 Feb 2012
South African nominal house price growth in the middle segment of the housing market is forecast to remain relatively low in 2012.

A royal home in the bush - be inspired
03 Feb 2012
If you’ve ever dreamed of a home in the bush, you’ll find African design and décor inspirations abound at the world’s best luxury game lodge...

Home sellers warned to keep promises
06 Feb 2012
South African estate agents have been warned to ensure there are no deceptive phrases in sales documents as stated in the Consumer Protection Act.

Chevron SA's new HQ at Century City
06 Feb 2012
Chevron South Africa will build a new 9000 square metre green head office in Century City in the Western Cape.

Business rescue tricky for landlords
06 Feb 2012
Landlords could find themselves in a difficult spot if their tenants undergo business rescue, unless this has been catered for in the lease.

5 tips for selling in a slow market
06 Feb 2012
Selling your home in today’s sluggish market can be challenging. Avoid these common mistakes and stand out from the crowd...

Lessons from property billionaires
06 Feb 2012
There are lessons to be learned from some of the world’s most successful property investors and money to be made in the commercial market.

Top 5 kitchen trends
06 Feb 2012
The kitchen is often the ‘heart’ of our home and more emphasis is being placed on smart yet practical design and using natural materials...

SARS to target wealthy tax dodgers
07 Feb 2012
With few changes to tax brackets expected in the 2012/13 budget, SARS will focus on non-compliant taxpayers, especially high-net-worth individuals.

SA's take on greenhouse gas emissions
07 Feb 2012
South Africa has no legislation requiring a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions currently, but plans are in place to look into the matter.

Beware of cash strapped builders
07 Feb 2012
With prices of between 10 and 20 percent lower than those charged by builders in 2009, developers are eyeing commercial property developments.

Steps to resolve sect. title disputes
07 Feb 2012
Arbitration rather than litigation is the best way to resolve sectional title property disputes and also a lot less costly. Follow these steps...

Home buying – agents versus economists
07 Feb 2012
Determined to sell houses and mop up stock in the residential market, estate agents maintain that it is always a good time to buy property.

How to be a property investor pro
07 Feb 2012
Professional property investors make solid investment decisions that create passive income and long-term wealth. Get some expert pointers...

House price growth muddles along
08 Feb 2012
Standard Bank's median house price growth hobbled to 1.6% in January 2011, according to the bank's monthly data.

Fernwood, some of the best views in CT
08 Feb 2012
The Cape Town suburb of Upper Fernwood in Newlands offers property owners some of the best views in the city, reaching all the way to False Bay.

Be wary to pick the right rental agent
08 Feb 2012
Buy-to-let property is a good field to be in right now but be very careful about the rental agent you choose, says an industry figure.

5 things to ask before buying a home
08 Feb 2012
There are some important factors that buyers need to think about when searching for property and before investing. An expert advises...

Fertilising tips for your garden
08 Feb 2012
Fertilising is an integral part of creating a beautiful garden. Find out about different kinds of fertilisers and when to use them...

Easy tips to greening your home
08 Feb 2012
Going green isn’t designed for property developers and the rich only, homeowners too can add their bit to reduce the carbon footprint.

Can common use areas be 'rezoned'?
09 Feb 2012
A reader says he lives in a sectional title complex where a meeting has been called to ‘rezone’ gardens to exclusive use and change conduct rules.

Tshwane municipal HQ to get makeover
09 Feb 2012
The ageing structure housing the City of Tshwane municipal headquarters will be cleared to pave the way for a new state-of-the art building.

South African retailers are resilient
09 Feb 2012
Defying the noose which is tightening around retailers in the US and Europe, South Africa’s national retailers are proving resilient in tough times.

Kagiso Mall to benefit the community
09 Feb 2012
Old Mutul Property continues to add valuable contributions to sustainable community development and township upliftment.

Property prices and finance solutions
09 Feb 2012
House price growth slowed down year-on-year in nominal terms in January and there is little appetite for financing residential investment property.

Jazz up your bathroom with accessories
09 Feb 2012
Get an update on accessory trends, select a style you love and transform your bathroom space with some clever tricks and choices. Read these tips...

Fab closet design ideas
09 Feb 2012
If your clothes are everywhere in messy piles and you can’t find anything, get some inspired design ideas for a better organised closet.

Engel & Völkers on a winning streak
10 Feb 2012
Engel & Völkers opened the 500th Engel & Völkers office in the district of “Diagonal Mar i Front Marítim del Poblenou” in Barcelona this January.

Affordable homes sought-after in 2011
10 Feb 2012
In 2011, South African home buyers were reportedly looking for more affordable homes, according to FNB Home Loans.

Dodgy estate agent to face the music
10 Feb 2012
Jawitz Properties is taking urgent legal action against its Jeffreys Bay franchise owner, Renette Block, amid serious allegations of theft.

JSE's listed property fund to buy into
10 Feb 2012
The South African Listed Property Index recorded a total return of 4.75 percent in January 2012, according to the Catalyst Fund Managers.

Housing finance help on the way – Zuma
10 Feb 2012
The President had good news for people earning between R3.5k and R15k, during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.

Taj Cape Town's historic city homes
10 Feb 2012
The Taj Cape Town located at the corner of Wale Street and St Georges Mall is a historic property and a must-visit destination.

What to do if you can't pay home loan?
10 Feb 2012
Failure to pay home loan instalments can lead to the involuntary sale of one’s home, but this last resort and a lifetime of debt can be avoided.

Remedies for a 'green' pool
10 Feb 2012
If your swimming pool is starting to look like a crocodile infested swamp, it's time to take remedial action. Get these handy tips...

Eskom to seek ways to reduce pricing
13 Feb 2012
Eskom has been asked to look at alternatives to reducing its price increase requirements from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).

Cheaper homes sell fast in KZN
13 Feb 2012
Affordable homes selling for less than R700 000 are reportedly aiding the residential property market in KwaZulu-Natal, according to estate agents.

Redefine to sponsor rugby’s MTN Lions
13 Feb 2012
Johannesburg Stock Exchange fund, Redefine Properties has concluded a three year sponsorship with Absa Currie Cup champions, the MTN Golden Lions.

Tenants vs landlords over rental hike
13 Feb 2012
In a case brought to the Constitutional Court, a group of ousted tenants claim that their right to adequate housing was violated.

Pace of land redistribution very slow
13 Feb 2012
Land redistribution in South Africa has been slow at only 8 percent of the government’s target of 30 percent by 2014.

Auctions loaded with value properties
13 Feb 2012
South African would-be home buyers with cash will be spoilt for choice at auctions as the market is over supplied forcing prices down.

Do’s and don’ts of rental property
13 Feb 2012
Property investors will find many good opportunities to build their rental property portfolio in the current market. Get these tips...

7 easy colour tips for your home
13 Feb 2012
Need a pleasing colour palette for your home decor? Look around you - from works of art to stylish scarves, gorgeous colour combinations abound...

5 star hotel market set to flourish
14 Feb 2012
The outlook for the 5 star hotel market in South Africa is looking brighter when viewed against the backdrop of global uncertainty.

Govt has the funds for infrastructure
14 Feb 2012
South Africa has the money to spend on infrastructure projects in the five regions outlined in the State of the Nation Address last week.

Why Sunninghill homes are in demand?
14 Feb 2012
The role of estate agents takes on a whole new meaning in helping to create a place to live, work and relax in a secure environment in Sunninghill.

Debunking pros of renting vs. buying
14 Feb 2012
The age old debate of whether it’s better to rent or buy property has proponents for both, but in the long run owning your own home has benefits.

Lovers' nest über properties to buy
14 Feb 2012
If you ask your loved one for a present on this Valentine’s Day, ask for one of these exclusive homes as they will appreciate in value with time.

Give your furniture a facelift
14 Feb 2012
That shabby old piece of furniture can be transformed simply and inexpensively by stripping off the old paint and refinishing the wood...

10 steps to finding the ideal property
15 Feb 2012
The current property market offers buyers a wide selection of homes to choose from, sometimes making the selection process tough. Get a guide...

Grahamstown's new modern apartments
15 Feb 2012
Demand for residential property has peaked in Grahamstown thanks to the new development by Thornbird Trade and Invest 55 (Pty) Ltd, Lindisfarne.

How many proxies can one person have?
15 Feb 2012
There seems to be some confusion of late as to whether a person can hold more than two proxies or not. Get a sectional title expert's guide..

Agricultural properties sought after
15 Feb 2012
South African agricultural property holdings have fast become sought after by homebuyers who feel constrained by busy urban lifestyles.

Chas Everitt opens shop in Polokwane
15 Feb 2012
Two top estate agents have joined forces to launch the Chas Everitt International branch in Polokwane, the bustling capital of Limpopo.

Remove stains and restore old bath
15 Feb 2012
Sometimes replacing sanitaryware is not an option, but there are ways to refresh a stained bath tub, wash basin or sink.

Why social housing is so important
15 Feb 2012
Eastern Cape Economic Development MEC Mcebisi Jonas says social housing projects are important in enhancing racial integration in communities.

Dream home or house of horrors?
15 Feb 2012
If you’re looking at buying property there are questions to ask before you sign a purchase agreement or any disclosure documents. Read these tips...

How to become an estate agent
16 Feb 2012
For many people, a career in real estate is not about making a quick buck and getting out, but a lifelong commitment and passion for the sector.

Property price growth rose in January
16 Feb 2012
House prices rose 6.7% in January and home loan application volumes were up 41% compared with this period last year, according to ooba.

Simple tricks to selling home fast
16 Feb 2012
If you’re selling your home, it is important to create a competitive advantage over other homes for sale by ensuring it has extra appeal for buyers.

Improved tourism is good for property
16 Feb 2012
Since the World Cup not as much has been said about the value of tourism in spurring on home buying, particularly where new jobs have been created.

Cape Town's new AAA office property
16 Feb 2012
Financial powerhouses, FirstRand Bank and Old Mutual have awarded the principal building contract of the Portside project to Murray and Roberts.

5 step guide to insuring your home
16 Feb 2012
Many homeowners put a lot of time and money into making an ideal home, but it is equally important to make considered choices in protecting it...

How to choose an electric drill
16 Feb 2012
When choosing and buying a drill, there are a number of important points to bear in mind. Here's a handy guide to help you make the best choice...

Our complex is broke – what to do?
17 Feb 2012
A Property24 reader says management is falling apart due to non-payment of levies and with unhealthy financials it’s difficult to sell.

7 key points for marketing your home
17 Feb 2012
When you bought your property you had a purpose, certain needs and something that really appealed to you. Now you need to think like a buyer...

If you cannot afford to buy, then rent
17 Feb 2012
Agents and landlords have experienced small increases in their portfolios over the past year, with the majority owning between 1 and 10 properties.

Investing - new units vs. second hand?
17 Feb 2012
Second hand properties are still generally much cheaper than new ones, but new units remain a good option for many investors.

Take advantages in the property market
17 Feb 2012
Despite the South African economic growth challenges, this year is set to present opportunities that property investors can take advantages of.

A Tuscan affair - The Palazzo property
17 Feb 2012
Located at Montecasino Complex in Fourways, Johannesburg, The Palazzo 5 star hotel caters for discerning travellers and local residents too.

Eskom invests R10.85bn in North West
20 Feb 2012
Power utility Eskom has invested R10.85 billion in electricity infrastructure for the next five years in the North West Province.

Transfer duty and the property market
20 Feb 2012
On 23 February 2011 Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan raised the transfer duty threshold to R600 000, but further adjustment is not anticipated.

Green Paper talks on land ongoing
20 Feb 2012
The robust engagement on the South African Green Paper on Land Reform will be completed before the end of March.

R1bn govt housing fund welcomed
20 Feb 2012
Estate agents have welcomed government’s R1bn housing fund to assist home buyers who fall above the RDP housing bracket but can't get a home loan.

How double tax agreements work
20 Feb 2012
South Africa has concluded double tax agreements with a number of countries, the primary purpose being the prevention of double taxation.

Why buying is better than renting?
20 Feb 2012
If you have money and want to own property, buy now instead of renting as this is cash wasted according to some property investors and experts.

Repair a chipped bath or basin
20 Feb 2012
Repairing chips and gouges in a porcelain or enamelled bath or basin is fairly easy if you have the right materials. Get a handy guide...

Installing a garden pergola
20 Feb 2012
A pergola can add interest to all kinds of garden design, whether it encloses a small patio-type back garden or covers a walkway in a large garden.

Jawitz franchise network grows by 44%
21 Feb 2012
Franchising has been a valuable expansion mechanism for Jawitz Properties and has achieved a 44 percent growth year-on-year.

Reader queries on agent qualifications
21 Feb 2012
Following an article on how one becomes a estate agent in South Africa, readers asked specific questions on estate agent qualifications compliance.

Business Rescue and property leases
21 Feb 2012
South African commercial property owners not only have to comply with the Consumer Protection Act, but also have the new Companies Act to deal with.

Pinehurst's new shopping centre, homes
21 Feb 2012
Pinehurst in the Cape Town northern areas is set to further boost its capital growth with the construction of a new retail centre.

Shopping centres need good managers
21 Feb 2012
An experienced, qualified manager can make a world of difference to a shopping centre, says Mark Souris, managing director of Periscopic.

Builders beware of asbestos dangers
21 Feb 2012
Asbestos, once the hero of the building industry, is now regarded as one of the most feared contaminants on earth and a latent killer.

Kitchen and bathroom tile trends
21 Feb 2012
The kitchen and bathroom are the most popular rooms for renovations and also the first rooms scrutinised by potential buyers.

Auction kickbacks a 'sickness' in SA
22 Feb 2012
Property law experts say auction kickbacks by banks, liquidators and executors have been going on for years and it's a sickness in South Africa.

PGP Pretoria expands its reach
22 Feb 2012
Pam Golding Properties (PGP) Pretoria Region now includes Pretoria East, Moot, North and Montana, Bronkhorstspruit, Cullinan, Rayton and Centurion.

Eskom contributes to the green council
22 Feb 2012
The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has secured Eskom’s Integrated Demand Management department (IDM) as a new founding member.

How long for rental deposit refund?
22 Feb 2012
A Property24 reader asks how long she should have to wait for her rental deposit to be refunded when she has been told 60 days. An expert advises..

New SA REIT regulation expected
22 Feb 2012
SA’s new Real Estate Investment Trust legislation is earmarked for 2013 aiming to bring listed property investment in line with international norms.

Loans available for affordable homes
22 Feb 2012
Home loan finance availability has led to a surge in building activity by affordable homes builder RBA Homes, a listed property company.

Interior doors – trends and choices
22 Feb 2012
The design of a room is no longer restricted to the wall colour, accents and furniture. You can make a real impact by installing beautiful doors...

Capital Gains Tax - what you will pay
22 Feb 2012
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for individuals and special trusts will be increased from 1 March as announced in the Budget Speech today.

Budget 2012 and the property market
23 Feb 2012
In his country’s budget speech, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan says South Africa’s new story is about building a vibrant economy.

CPI at 6.3 percent in January
23 Feb 2012
The South African headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) (for all urban areas) annual inflation rate in January 2012 was 6.3 percent.

Can they stop me working at home?
23 Feb 2012
A reader says she works from her sectional title unit, but now a meeting has been called to take action against those conducting business from home.

No fat left in the system says Absa
23 Feb 2012
Commenting on the Budget presented by Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan, Absa says there is no fat left in the system.

Would you buy SA listed property now?
23 Feb 2012
South African listed property funds are reportedly overpriced at current levels as a result of a strong run in this sector in recent years.

Auction Alliance to probe allegations
23 Feb 2012
Auction Alliance has commissioned an investigation into allegations that have been levelled against the firm in recent weeks.

How to check your roof for leaks
23 Feb 2012
When it rains, it often pours and water can cause significant damage to a home, especially where a small problem turns into a bigger one over time.

Tell the truth and you will get a loan
24 Feb 2012
When applying for home loans, it is important that would-be homebuyers give banks truthful information about their current financial situation.

PAIA exemption likely to be the last
24 Feb 2012
Before the end of 2011, many property managers took note of the 11-year exemption from the Promotion of Access to Information Act.

Evictions – the 'unlawful occupier'
24 Feb 2012
The definition of unlawful occupier is currently very wide and is being debated, which could result in an amendment to the PIE Act.

Rawson Properties continues to grow
24 Feb 2012
Rawson Properties is fast becoming a major estate agency brand in South Africa, growing its turnover by 63.3 percent in 2010.

Energy dept shares lessons from COP17
24 Feb 2012
The Department of Energy has highlighted some of the lessons it learnt during the climate change conference, COP17, held in Durban in December.

Water meters for sectional title units
24 Feb 2012
In many schemes overcrowding has become an issue and due to the bulk water meter systems, the smaller households often end up 'sponsoring' this.

How to arrange furniture in a lounge
24 Feb 2012
If you're not sure how to place furniture in a lounge or open plan living area, here are some handy decorating tips...

How to keep your knives sharp
24 Feb 2012
A good knife is likely to be the most important tool in your kitchen, so it’s wise to keep it razor-sharp. Get a step-by-step guide...

Robertson's luxury country getaway
24 Feb 2012
The town of Robertson in the Western Cape Province is an attractive location to own a home with the highest priced property valued at R4.1 million.

Increase in electricity consumption
27 Feb 2012
The South African seasonally adjusted electricity consumption increased by 1.4 percent for the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to Q3 2011.

South Africans shop till they drop
27 Feb 2012
The South African retail trade sales increased by 1.3 percent in real terms in December 2011 compared to November 2011.

Commercial property talk economics
27 Feb 2012
The South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) will hold its 44th International Convention and Property Exhibition in May in Durban.

Civil summonses debt on the decrease
27 Feb 2012
South Africa recorded a 17.9 percent decrease in the total number of civil summonses issued for debt in 2011 compared with 2010.

Role of trustees in sectional title
27 Feb 2012
Trustees are elected by the owners of sectional property and may be dismissed by them. Here is a useful guide to understanding their role...

Property sold for R67.7m in Joburg
27 Feb 2012
A private investor paid R67.7 million for two landmark buildings in the Johannesburg CBD, a sign that commercial property is in demand.

Cash deposit key in home buying
27 Feb 2012
Nearly two thirds of South Africans polled will base their property purchasing decision in 2012 on whether they are able to afford a deposit.

Garden drainage how-to
27 Feb 2012
Good drainage is essential for successful gardening and in extreme cases, bad drainage can even cause cracking in the fabric of a house.

R28m for struggling land reform farms
28 Feb 2012
The national government has put aside more than R28 million to restructure and fund 13 unproductive land reform farms in the North West province.

Liquidations decreasing in SA
28 Feb 2012
The number of liquidations for the three months ended January 2012 decreased by 6.2 percent year-on-year in South Africa, according to a report

Auction Alliance CEO to step down
28 Feb 2012
Auction Alliance chief executive officer Rael Levitt will step down with immediate effect pending the outcome of the independent investigation.

Dealing with troublesome ST tenants
28 Feb 2012
In sectional title schemes, dealing with tenants who regularly flout the conduct rules and make things unpleasant for other residents is a challenge

Leisure property income increases
28 Feb 2012
The South African total income for the accommodation industry for Q4 2011 increased by 13.8 percent compared to Q4 2010.

Building activity expected to improve
28 Feb 2012
The South African value of recorded building plans passed (at current prices) was 4.8 percent higher (R3 035.7 million) in 2011 compared with 2010.

How to clean stainless steel
28 Feb 2012
Stainless steel looks stunning in a modern kitchen, the only downside is it tends to show every little bit of grime. Here are some cleaning tips...

Tips for a water-wise garden
28 Feb 2012
Water-wise gardening makes sense in our hot climate helping to reduce costs and save water while offering great aesthetic appeal.

ST compliance for duet home owners
29 Feb 2012
Duet home buyers in Pretoria, Centurion and Bloemfontein appreciate the cost savings and security to be had by building two homes on one stand.

Chas Everitt - the one for Boschenmeer
29 Feb 2012
Owners of the Boschenmeer Golf Estate near Paarl have appointed Chas Everitt International office as its single preferred agency for two years.

Bloemfontein’s first Makro opens Oct
29 Feb 2012
Bloemfontein will soon boast an exciting new shopping experience when the first Makro store in the Free State province opens its doors in October.

More home buyers flocking to Robertson
29 Feb 2012
Property buyers are snapping up homes in the country town of Robertson, located in the Western Cape’s Breede River Valley.

Banks halt trade with Auction Alliance
29 Feb 2012
Two banks have stopped trading with Auction Alliance, accused of paying kickbacks for preferential treatment, it was reported on Wednesday.

Buyers cashing in on luxury homes
29 Feb 2012
Buyers are bargain hunting in some of SA’s luxury golf estates and sought-after coastal spots, and paying less than expected for their new homes.

6 ways to protect your home
29 Feb 2012
Although South Africans are among the most security conscious people in the world, it is always good to brush up on some basic safety rules...

Give your bathroom a natural look
29 Feb 2012
Don't think you have to tile bathroom walls and floors when there are other options to choose from. Decorative cement finishes can work wonders...

newsletter

Get the latest property news

By continuing I understand and agree with Property24's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Loading