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Articles published in January 2010

 
Middle class likes KZN's Ashburton
04 Jan 2010
Ashburton near Pietermaritzburg is becoming increasingly popular among a new, up and coming middle class, including those buying property as second homes.

Cautious optimism about 2010
04 Jan 2010
Although experts are relieved that one of the most difficult years in the property industry is over, they are still cautiously optimistic about 2010.

3 houses in estate scoop steel prizes
04 Jan 2010
The Steel Awards held in September was hosted by the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC). Read all about the award-winning Witsand estate's interesting design. . .

Price crucial in Orange Grove, Norwood
05 Jan 2010
The right price is vital when selling your property in Joburg's Norwood and Orange Grove. Find out more and get the latest market news for these areas.

World's tallest building opens
05 Jan 2010
Dubai opened the world's tallest skyscraper on Monday, and in a surprise move renamed the gleaming glass-and-metal tower Burj Khalifa.

Read Paddy's outlook on 2010
05 Jan 2010
Paddy ventures some recommendations for 2010 on some of the hot issues plaguing SA and its property owners.

Borrow wisely and pay off debt
05 Jan 2010
Should the need arise, be responsible and cautious when borrowing money says the National Credit Regulator. Get some helpful tips…

Property outlook mild, but better
06 Jan 2010
The outlook for property for 2010, while still mild, was far better than 2009, auctioneers Alliance Group said on Tuesday.

Slide in US home sales ends recovery
06 Jan 2010
Interest rates fell on the bond market as investors snapped up government debt following a drop in the number of Americans preparing to buy homes.

Signals for price growth in 2010
06 Jan 2010
With sales volumes up over the past three months, the residential property market is set for a steady recovery in 2010. But we should not expect growth at levels before.

Mushroom Farm is renewed
06 Jan 2010
After two years as a temporary construction site, Mushroom Farm in Sandton is being rehabilitated as a welcome green lung.

Buy-to-let prospects weaken
06 Jan 2010
Buy-to-let investors may well be able to make a packet by renting out their properties during the World Cup, but the general outlook for the rental market remains bleak.

Rental markets in SA continue to wane
07 Jan 2010
Rental markets continue to feel the pinch of weak economic conditions across the commercial, industrial and residential arenas.

Which price ranges are moving now?
07 Jan 2010
Before you buy or sell, find out what the findings are of the RE/MAX of Southern Africa's recently released South African Property Sales Activity (SAPSA) Barometer.

Caution still prevails in 2010
07 Jan 2010
Selling or buying property in 2010? Read what leaders in the property industry have to say about the prospects for this year.

Buy-to-let prospects weaken
07 Jan 2010
Current rentals are well below the 10% plus growth that many buy-to-let investors were typically fetching 18 to 24 months ago.

Dullstroom boosted by leisure buyers
08 Jan 2010
The market in the Mpumalanga town of Dullstroom is starting to show signs of improvement and properties in the R800k to R2,5m range are most popular.

Zambia's market boosted by tourism
08 Jan 2010
Find out everything you need to know about Zambia's property market and the opportunities it holds.

Cape hotel scoops prestigious award
08 Jan 2010
The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence in Green Point was declared the Overall Winner of the Luxury Hotel Award for 2009 in the "All Suite" category.

Fractions: Know the tax implications
08 Jan 2010
Legally, fractional ownership normally takes two forms. Find out what they are and how they affect the tax being paid.

'Western Cape has best growth outlook'
11 Jan 2010
The Western Cape is the best positioned of SA's provinces to experience growth in residential property market values over the next three to five years.

FNB House Price Index improves further
11 Jan 2010
The FNB House Price Index showed a second consecutive monthly improvement, rising 2,7% in December from a revised 1,4% (2%) in November. </p>

2010: Cautious optimism prevails
11 Jan 2010
FNB property analyst John Loos and industry leaders are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the property market.

Is solar power the answer?
11 Jan 2010
Despite the dominating world powers still unable to implement a workable agreement to seriously reduce carbon emissions, the 'moral will' is growing.

Economy, WC bode well for market
12 Jan 2010
A well-known industry figure believes this year will bring good news – increased demand for property, more sales as well as conservative price increases.

Aida to enter commercial market
12 Jan 2010
The new division will offer commercial and investment sales services, and letting and management services in the residential, commercial, industrial and retail markets.

CT to tackle run-down buildings
12 Jan 2010
The City of Cape Town has stepped up its efforts to compel the owners of derelict buildings to clean up their properties.

Scatter your décor
12 Jan 2010
Pretty and practical, scatter cushions add a touch of luxury to any décor. Learn how to use them to great effect in your décor.

Areas with good schools in high demand
12 Jan 2010
Emigration may have slowed, but there's still a lot of "edugration" going on in SA. Find out more about this interesting trend.

Buyers want space in Pta's Moot
13 Jan 2010
Space has become the determining buying factor in Pretoria's Moot area as house purchases skyrocket.

Average selling time below 100 days
13 Jan 2010
Get some interesting market information on the average selling time, activity within market segments and much more.

V&A to use Atlantic Ocean for cooling
13 Jan 2010
The V&A Waterfront Property Company is looking to use the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean to cool its buildings. Read all about it!

'Retirees shouldn't overreact'
13 Jan 2010
People shouldn't be worried about getting a lower price when they sell, because they will be paying a lower price on a property that they will be buying.

Spoil your home with these resolutions
13 Jan 2010
New Year's Resolutions are usually hard to keep. But here are 10 easy resolutions to improve your home and life in 2010.

Solar geyser rebates shoot up
13 Jan 2010
Eskom has drastically increased the rebate amount on a 300-litre Solahart solar geyser. Read on. . .

Emigration sellers in decline
14 Jan 2010
One of the most positive aspects of the SA property market right now is the decline in the number of homeowners planning to emigrate.

Major centres leading recovery
14 Jan 2010
Some metros are doing better than others, but there's a consistent pattern across the board. Find out more about this trend if you're looking to buy or sell. . .

Non-core asset sale boosts Growthpoint
14 Jan 2010
Growthpoint Properties Limited, South Africa's largest listed property company, has disposed of two non-core buildings for a combined R261m.

CT hotel going 'green'
14 Jan 2010
A Cape Town hotel is incorporating all kinds of interesting environmentally friendly practices into its design.

It's still bad, but get some tips
14 Jan 2010
Paddy says the South African property market is evidently even more troubled than anyone realised, but gives some handy rental and buying hints for 2010.

'Green' decorating need not be costly
14 Jan 2010
Decorating that's environmentally friendly need not be exorbitant – there are many ways to go 'green' even if you're on a tight budget.

'2010 WC creating rental problems'
15 Jan 2010
The hope of almost ludicrously high rentals over the World Cup period has led to many home and flat owners holding back from signing long-term tenants.

Interest in EL's lower-end, but. . .
15 Jan 2010
Read about all the interesting trends, problems and opportunities in the East London property market.

Baroness' mansion up for auction 22/1
15 Jan 2010
The infamous Baroness Alexandra von Maltzahn's opulent Constantia mansion and vacant stand are soon up for auction. Find out more. . .

Commercial pips residential
15 Jan 2010
Investors generally made more money on the listed, commercial property market in 2009 than on residential bricks and mortar.

Gugulethu gets large shopping mall
15 Jan 2010
A R350m shopping centre has opened for business in Cape Town's Gugulethu. Find out why it is so unique and what it has to offer.

Will the agent ever be replaced?
15 Jan 2010
In an era in which technology in general is speeding up estate agents' marketing efforts, is the agent-client relationship still important?

Lanis Salmon Estates relaunched
15 Jan 2010
Leading Helderberg entrepreneurs Lanis and Halen Salmon have relaunched their Somerset West estate agency as Lanis Salmon Estates.

How to choose a rental property
15 Jan 2010
Even though there are a lot of rental properties available at the moment, finding a quality affordable apartment can be a daunting task. An expert gives some tips!

World Cup: Retail will boost demand
18 Jan 2010
The real property spin-off from the Soccer World Cup will not be foreigners making all kinds of buys, but their retail spend stimulating local demand.

Buying pips renting in Richards Bay
18 Jan 2010
People would rather buy entry-level properties in Richards Bay than go the rental route. Find out why and what you are likely to pay for rentals.

Mid-house prices dip 0,2% y/y in '09
18 Jan 2010
Middle segment house prices went down by a nominal 0,2% in 2009 after increasing by 4,1% in 2008, it was revealed on Monday.

Make bedroom bold and better
18 Jan 2010
The bedroom is any home's inner sanctuary – a place of rest, and an intimate retreat for sleep and relaxation. Make it even better with these fabulous decor ideas!

Make For Sale signs work for you
18 Jan 2010
For Sale signs can be a nuisance if your pavement is inundated by them. So find out how to prevent this situation. . .

Property market to improve gradually
19 Jan 2010
Find out what ooba, South Africa's leading bond origination company, is predicting for 2010 and what its price estimations are.

Upgrade, but don't force and evict!
19 Jan 2010
Paddy outlines the right and wrong approaches that SA municipalities take when refurbishing buildings within their borders.

Diverse paint ideas for the home
19 Jan 2010
Painting is not just for walls. Get some helpful, fun and easy tips for painting various home accessories!

Clean your house the eco-friendly way
19 Jan 2010
Get some easy tips on how to make your own non-toxic cleaning materials at home.

Landlord must check correspondence
19 Jan 2010
In any correspondence between a tenant and a landlord, the sender of the communication is responsible for seeing that the recipient received it.

'Transfer tax must be lowered'
19 Jan 2010
Find out how much transfer duty South Africans are paying when compared with the UK, and why it should be reduced.

Meyerton's bank repos selling swiftly
20 Jan 2010
Bank repossessed properties in the industrial Vaal Triangle town of Meyerton are selling swiftly despite the town's generally depressed housing market.

Helderberg drawing first-time buyers
20 Jan 2010
Young professionals and couples with small children are increasingly buying in the R800k to R1,5m range in Somerset West. Find out more about trends in this area. . .

Midrand office park to go under gavel
20 Jan 2010
It has 512sqm of bulk available and is surrounded by gardens. The current roof and foundation allow for another storey to be added.

9-bedroom house on auction 27/1
20 Jan 2010
A Gordon's Bay property, which includes a house with nine bedrooms and eight bathrooms plus five cottages, will come to auction at noon on 27 January 2010.

Décor: Life is tweet
20 Jan 2010
Bird designs and themes have been steadily creeping into mainstream design culture over the past few years, and today, they remain as popular as ever.

Garden is pivotal when selling
20 Jan 2010
A garden can add 10% to 15% to your home's value. So get some quick tips on how to spruce it up before selling your house.

Car industry boosting PE home demand
21 Jan 2010
The motor manufacturing industry is the biggest employer in Port Elizabeth and with this industry showing signs of recovery, so is the property market.

Big rise in passed building plans
21 Jan 2010
Get an analysis of how the latest rise in building plans passed will affect the construction industry and an outline of the 2009 figures.

Go green in your veggie garden
21 Jan 2010
If you're lucky enough to have a garden, growing things organically is a great way to start living "green" and doing your part to save the planet.

Buying via trust, cc: the pros, cons
21 Jan 2010
The alternative vehicles through which a home can still be bought all have merits and demerits that have to be carefully weighed before a decision is made.

To rent or buy: Get expert advice
21 Jan 2010
Renting has its pros and cons and so does buying. Find out from industry leaders what they are and get some buying tips. . .

How conveyancers add value
21 Jan 2010
Buyers and sellers often feel that conveyancers are an unnecessary add-on that wastes money. This perception is not valid, says a legal expert.

Hillcrest has townhouse shortage
22 Jan 2010
Durban's Hillcrest is currently experiencing a severe shortage of townhouses. Find out more about the market in this area.

Houses are selling faster
22 Jan 2010
It no longer takes at least five months to sell the average house, a clear signal that homebuyers are back in the market.

CT CBD getting 5-star hotel
22 Jan 2010
Situated in the city centre at the top of the St. George's Mall pedestrian walkway, is the new Taj Cape Town.

High Court rules in favour of RCI
22 Jan 2010
The Western Cape High Court recently gave judgement in respect of an appeal from the Cape Town Tax Court. Read all about the findings. . .

Commercial project taking shape in KZN
22 Jan 2010
A new leisure and commercial development is currently under way on Umhlanga Ridge in Durban. Find out what it will offer.

Top agency selling more homes than mansions
22 Jan 2010
Although Sotheby's International Realty is renowned for marketing millionaires' mansions around the world, it actually sells far more family homes, flats and townhouses in local suburbs.

What are pros, cons of off-plan?
22 Jan 2010
Buying property "off-plan" holds many benefits for first-time buyers, but there are some potential pitfalls.

Mid-range stock thin in Gordon's Bay
25 Jan 2010
Gordon's Bay residential properties in the R600k to R800k price range have been few and far between since October last year.

Lynnwood office space on auction
25 Jan 2010
A vacant office building in the Pretoria East suburb of Lynnwood will be auctioned off on 9 February 2010 at 12:00.

Baroness' mansion fetches R13m
25 Jan 2010
The infamous Baroness von Maltzahn's Constantia mansion was sold for a mere R13m at an auction on Friday. Find out what else got sold. . .

Industrial leads commercial recovery
25 Jan 2010
Industrial property seems to be in the lead as far as the commercial recovery is concerned. Get some hard data and expert opinions on this trend.

What Decorex will offer in April
25 Jan 2010
The latest direction of Decorex Cape Town 2010 lies in design and décor, the high-end, the handmade and the pure inspirational.

WC letting: These factors count
25 Jan 2010
If a property is two hours away from a venue, the chances of it being rented are slim. Find out what other factors will decide whether your property finds a tenant during the Soccer World Cup.

More pricey stock to come to market?
25 Jan 2010
The transfer of properties in trusts, companies or close corporations into private ownership will likely lead to more quality properties coming to market.

Flats in demand in Cape Metro
26 Jan 2010
An increasing number of young people leaving home as well as expats are boosting the demand for flats in the Cape metro area. Find out what else is happening in the area.

Vaal water quality boosting market
26 Jan 2010
Improved water quality is luring buyers back the Vaal Dam area. Find out why it improved and get a market update on the area. . .

'Market can't rely on rate cuts'
26 Jan 2010
The property market will have to get by without the stimulus of a series of rate cuts, as it is unlikely to enjoy much interest rate relief during the course of 2010.

Kalk Bay landmark restored
26 Jan 2010
A historic Kalk Bay building has received a new lease on life after being given an historically accurate restoration.

Turquoise: Colour of the year
26 Jan 2010
Pantone, the global authority on colour, have announced Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the colour of the year for 2010. Learn how to design with it. . .

Top 10 home security tips
26 Jan 2010
Security is of paramount importance to any South African household and the more you know, the more secure you'll be.

What the West Coast has to offer
27 Jan 2010
Find out what the Cape West Coast has to offer buyers and what trends are emerging in this tranquil part of South Africa.

Sectional title Q&A
27 Jan 2010
Jennifer Paddock fields some pretty thorny sectional title questions ranging from the remuneration of trustees to whether a chairperson is actually needed.

Permanent Pringle Bay population growing
27 Jan 2010
For reasons of crime and convenience, the Cape Overberg towns of Pringle Bay and Rooi Els continue to attract a growing number of permanent residents.

Delarey shopping centre under gavel 9/2
27 Jan 2010
On 9 February 2010, Plaka Centre, located on 622 Ontdekkers Road in Delarey, will be going under the hammer.

Get a commercial outlook for 2010
27 Jan 2010
The sector has remained in pretty good shape throughout the past year and performed remarkably well from an international perspective.

Residential construction outlook grim
27 Jan 2010
Negative sentiment will persist in the residential sector of the local building industry in 2010 due to stagnation of consumer spending.

R777m Kimberley jail completed
27 Jan 2010
A new medium security prison on Kimberley's outskirts has been completed after two years.

Housing contracts: It's bad, bad, bad!
27 Jan 2010
Paddy discusses a recent case of how corruption is hampering the delivery of state housing and points fingers at all the possible culprits. Enjoy!

Ensure municipal valuation is right
27 Jan 2010
If you don't, it could affect the transfer duty paid by the buyer should you decide to sell your property.

Cape Peninsula's lower ranges buoyed
28 Jan 2010
The lower ranges in the Cape Peninsula are moving briskly as entry-level buyers return to the market. Find out more. . .

First-time buyer segment resilient
28 Jan 2010
There is unflagging improvement in the residential market's first-time buyer segment, which rose from 14% of total buying in Q2 2009 to 19% in Q4 2009.

Pta properties under the hammer 11/2
28 Jan 2010
Residential and commercial properties in Pretoria will come under the hammer on 11 February 2010 at Summer Place in Hyde Park.

'Price per sqm is erroneous'
28 Jan 2010
A building industry expert warns consumers to be wary of "guesstimate" quotations compiled using a price per square metre (sqm). Find out more. . .

Trustees' rights: What owners can do
28 Jan 2010
Find out how owners can, as a group, place restrictions on the trustees' discretion in exercising the body corporate's powers.

Cheap housing: Tokyo's figures wrong
29 Jan 2010
Tokyo Sexwale claimed the amount of affordable houses built by government is 2,3m, but backtracked when the DA pointed out that this figure isn't correct.

How to maintain sealants
29 Jan 2010
Why should inspections and maintenance be performed on sealants? Find out why and get a step-by-step guide for doing this.

Sectional title Q&A
29 Jan 2010
Jennifer Paddock fields some pretty thorny sectional title questions ranging from the remuneration of trustees to whether a chairperson is actually needed.

How to make sure HOA stays solvent
29 Jan 2010
Get a breakdown of how a homeowners association can keep its finances sound and delinquencies at bay.

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