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Articles published in January 2011

 
How to keep laundry smelling fresh
03 Jan 2011
Smelly laundry is caused by a build-up of bacteria and mould. Get some tips on how to keep your laundry bright and always smelling fresh!
Wine farms attract investors
03 Jan 2011
International buyers are showing interest in buying farms in the Western Cape winelands according to a spokesman for Wines of South Africa.
Call for further interest rate cut
03 Jan 2011
Even though interest rates are at their lowest level in more than 32 years, the growth in demand for credit has remained sluggish.
R20k in cash – municipal official bust
03 Jan 2011
A municipal official who allegedly received a bribe of R20k from the contractor responsible for renovations has been arrested by the Hawks.
How to replace a broken floor tile
03 Jan 2011
Replacing a broken or chipped floor tile is pretty simple to do and something that almost any homeowner can tackle in six easy steps. . .
Debt spiral keeps getting worse
03 Jan 2011
Joburg’s debt keeps increasing and figures for September show that the city is now owed almost R10,6bn, up by more than R2bn in 3 months.
Live and sleep in one room
04 Jan 2011
Whether you’re a student returning home or have a small bachelor apartment, get some practical tips on how to transform and maximise your space.
Historic cottage to be transformed
04 Jan 2011
A Johannesburg businessman has leased the historic Bailey’s Cottage in Muizenberg from the council as plans to restore the building get underway.
Create a garden path with pavers
04 Jan 2011
Paving is often the cleanest, cheapest and most enduring way to clean up your garden walkway or those informal pathways on common property.
Sectional title Q&A
04 Jan 2011
An expert answers questions about changing managing agents, deposits for renovations and the body corporate being placed under administration.
10 kitchen renovation tips
04 Jan 2011
Find out what you need to know when you start a kitchen renovation project. Attention to detail will help you avoid some common mistakes!
Get your building plans approved
04 Jan 2011
While municipalities may not have enough inspectors to keep tabs on all alterations to homes, the reality is that building plans must be approved.
Microwave safety
05 Jan 2011
Does microwaving plastic release dioxins? Find out the answer and how to follow general safety guidelines for heating food in the microwave here...
Sluggish outlook for 2011 prices
05 Jan 2011
A large surplus of stock in the market with slow economic growth indicates that the property market for this year is likely to remain sluggish
Signing body corporate documents
05 Jan 2011
Although a body corporate is a legal entity able to enter into contracts, it must rely on its duly authorised officers to sign documents.
Policy adjustments – do it now
05 Jan 2011
It is always advisable to prepare a detailed inventory of household contents and check to ensure that you are neither under- nor over-insured.
Flower power – gardens sell homes
05 Jan 2011
The appeal of a garden is often overlooked by sellers and can add up to 20% to the sales value of a home. Be sure to present the best picture. . .
Water-bombs for shack fires?
05 Jan 2011
The City of Cape Town is working on plans to water-bomb shack fires in an attempt to rapidly extinguish them, but fire chiefs have reservations.
Spanish property market bargains
05 Jan 2011
Imagine buying a property using a 100% mortgage, fractional interest rates, repayment terms of up to 50 years and no deposit or bond fees. . .
Healthy lunchboxes
06 Jan 2011
Send your kids back to school with a healthy lunchbox which helps improve their attention, behaviour and learning throughout the day.
R500m SAPS lease - report next month
06 Jan 2011
A report on the controversial R500m lease of a building to house the SAPS has been delayed and will only be made public in February.
Flood warnings across South Africa
06 Jan 2011
Farmers and residents who live along the banks of the Vaal and Orange rivers have been warned to be cautious as dams are at 100% capacity.
Agents & banks – homeloan alternatives
06 Jan 2011
Paddy says the property market is depressed because the banks are not lending and asks what estate agents could do in coming up with alternatives.
‘Greener grass’ and relocation costs
06 Jan 2011
The exodus from cities continues as many seek a better lifestyle, but economic opportunity is still the main reason for moving. Get a cost guide...
Zoo Lake – no helipad soon
07 Jan 2011
Rumours that the Zoo Lake Bowling Club is to be turned into a helipad have firmly been discounted by the Johannesburg Property Company.
Call to reduce electricity use
07 Jan 2011
Heavy rains have hampered the supply of coal to Eskom power stations and property owners have once again been called upon to conserve energy.
Trouble brews for Joburg estate agency
07 Jan 2011
The trust accounts of a well-known Johannesburg estate agency group have been placed under curatorship following alleged financial irregularities.
SIM cards stolen from 400 robots
07 Jan 2011
In-the-know thieves have stolen components from about 400 high-tech robots over the past 3 months leaving Johannesburg property owners to pay.
Downscaling key 2011 property trend
07 Jan 2011
Trading down to smaller properties that are cheaper and easier to maintain is expected to become a key trend in South Africa this year.
Time to pack away the decorations
10 Jan 2011
It's time to take down and pack away your holiday decorations. Here are some simple packing tricks to wisely store lights, ornaments, etc.
Foreign land ownership restrictions?
10 Jan 2011
Foreigners may be restricted from buying land in SA as part of new land reform measures aimed at increasing the number of black-owned farms.
R20m Mpumalanga police station
10 Jan 2011
A property development company was apparently sacked while working on the Tweefontein Police Station in KwaMhlanga, Witbank.
Construction costs to be probed
10 Jan 2011
The Competition Commission has warned the construction industry that it will be under close scrutiny amid widespread allegations of price collusion.
Price of houses higher in 2010 vs. 2009
10 Jan 2011
The average price of property in 2010 was over six percent higher than the previous year, according to the December FNB House Price Index.
Buy a home you will ‘love’
10 Jan 2011
Besides the fact that you would like to make a sound investment and buy in a good location, you need to buy a property you will truly love!
Decision-making in HOAs
10 Jan 2011
A homeowners’ association is a community scheme and its members are entitled to a say in how it is run. Get some expert advice!
Vaal River flood homes now safe
10 Jan 2011
More than 40 families evicted from their homes along the banks of the Vaal River after heavy rains will be allowed to return to their properties.
Makeover your closet
11 Jan 2011
Had enough of closet chaos? Here is a fool-proof way to sort out your cupboards once and for all, keeping your home clutter free.
Cape Town conversion grinds to halt
11 Jan 2011
Plans to convert a derelict Muizenberg property into a paradise for holidaymakers and investors have come to a grinding halt.
Land reforms dangerous
11 Jan 2011
The Land Tenure Amendment Bill published in the government gazette on December 24 last year, may threaten traditional property rights...
Jobs increase could help house sales
11 Jan 2011
While the outlook for property prices in the coming year looks sluggish and dull, the formal employment sector is looking slightly better.
Countrywide probe of estate agents
11 Jan 2011
The Estate Agency Affairs Board is to conduct an investigation to ensure trust accounts of deposit funds held on behalf of clients are abused.
Transfer your property tax-free
11 Jan 2011
The scope for transferring a property from a company, CC or trust into an individual’s name has now widened and may even include some holiday homes.
Property prices set for modest growth
11 Jan 2011
Property prices will achieve modest growth this year and homebuyers should take advantage of the current favourable environment, says ooba.
Provinces fail to meet housing targets
12 Jan 2011
The Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape have not met their housing delivery targets and funds will no longer be given.
Top 5 tips: Selling home unexpectedly
12 Jan 2011
For a property owner not anticipating selling their home or merely dabbling with the thought, an offer ‘out of the blue’ can be a stressful event.
Northern Cape – floods expected
12 Jan 2011
There has been a flood warning to residents living close to the Vaal and Orange River confluence as fast-rising water levels are expected.
Cable theft – leave the lights on
12 Jan 2011
The City of Cape Town claims it is suffering an onslaught from cable thieves and because of this it has decided to leave the streetlights on.
Buying property overseas – pros & cons
12 Jan 2011
The increase in the annual overseas allowance to R4m plus favourable exchange rate, makes buying property overseas an attractive option.
Grey – ‘cool’ kitchen colour
12 Jan 2011
Neutral grey shades in a kitchen décor scheme can be warm when combined with browns and creams, or cool and crisp with blues and whites. . .
East London, Bloem to become metros
13 Jan 2011
East London and Bloemfontein, will become metropolitan municipalities joining others including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban. . .
House prices to drop by 1%
13 Jan 2011
The dismal outlook for the property sector is likely to continue in 2011 with the price of houses forecast to fall by one percent this year.
Buy-to-let property market improving?
13 Jan 2011
Buying property to let in SA represents about 7% of property sales and may improve in 2011, according to FNB Home Loan strategist John Loos.
Uncertainty undermines confidence
13 Jan 2011
Uncertainty over government economic policies such as nationalisation and land reform are limiting South Africa's prospects for growth.
Unscrupulous property dealings
13 Jan 2011
Paddy says South Africa is full of dodgy people looking to rip anyone they can off and the property industry has it's fair share of them. . .
Hang art in a rental home
14 Jan 2011
You've just moved into a new flat and you love it. But what can you do about all those bare walls? Here are some easy DIY tips. . .
Gauteng tenders being investigated
14 Jan 2011
There are at least 13 contracts under investigation in Gauteng and the largest contract, worth R900m, is for road construction within the city...
Joburg agent must stop trading
14 Jan 2011
Wendy Machanik Properties may not trade – at least not until matters relating to her are dealt with by the Johannesburg High Court.
Decorating rental homes
14 Jan 2011
Get some tips on what you can and can’t do when decorating a rental property - and create a space that you will love and feel at home in.
Flood warning for weekend
14 Jan 2011
Johannesburg residents have been warned to be on alert in areas including Eldorado South, Meadowlands, Lenasia South, Florida Lake, Rivonia . . .
Law firm: Summons against Sharemax
14 Jan 2011
The attorneys acting for Sharemax Investments have launched a R9 million damages claim. Read the latest story!
Colourful dining rooms
14 Jan 2011
If you thought dining rooms were boring - think again! Get some great ideas on transforming a plain space using different colour schemes. . .
Rosier prospects for buy-to-let
14 Jan 2011
A growing shortage of residential rental stock, priced below R1m, should enable more landlords to achieve double-digit rental increases in 2011.
Top 7 feng shui home tips
17 Jan 2011
Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of arranging objects to create well-being and achieve maximum harmony in your environment. Get some tips!
Centurion shopping centre auction 16/2
17 Jan 2011
A fully tenanted property in Centurion, Gauteng will be among the various commercial properties going on auction at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton.
Broken promises anger Joburg residents
17 Jan 2011
A string of broken promises from council have left Johannesburg property owners and residents fuming about the still-chaotic billing system.
Gateway, Langa property invasion
17 Jan 2011
Residents at the N2 Gateway housing development in Langa, outside Cape Town have evicted people who moved into the premises of a clinic, a crèche...
Rescue plan for The Villa, Pretoria
17 Jan 2011
A rescue plan has been proposed for The Villa property development in an attempt to prevent investors from losing hundreds of millions of rands.
Firs redevelopment offers promise
17 Jan 2011
The redevelopment of The Firs and Hyatt Regency in Rosebank, Johannesburg is aimed at getting the most out of this property asset. . .
Joburg, PE property most affordable
17 Jan 2011
Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth homes are most affordable followed by Pretoria and Bloemfontein, Cape Town then Durban with the happiest people...
South African’s spend more than they earn
18 Jan 2011
An estimated 96% of South Africans are unable to properly plan their finances and almost 90% spend more money than they earn according to findings.
‘Not an estate agent’ – Machanik claim
18 Jan 2011
Wendy Machanik Properties appears to be on the verge of collapse after agents walked out, bringing negotiations with Rawson Estates to a halt.
Homeowners save loads of energy
18 Jan 2011
South Africans have helped save enough electricity to power a city the size of Durban as part of Eskom’s National Efficient Lighting Programme.
Tenants encouraged to ask questions
18 Jan 2011
Anyone renting a property should ask specific questions as letting agents and landlords will tend to emphasise the good points in a home.
Bank loans - know facts when building
18 Jan 2011
When it comes to securing a loan to build a new home, it is essential for the owner to provide a range of additional documents. Get some guidelines.
Special property for sale in Cape Town
18 Jan 2011
Some unusual and exclusive properties are on the market in Cape Town’s Hout Bay and V&A Waterfront areas.
Two provinces lose housing grants
18 Jan 2011
KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State have lost housing grants worth R463m for under-performing, Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale announced.
Refresh tired interiors
18 Jan 2011
Save your money and apply these simple home makeover tips to revitalise your living spaces and transform tired interiors.
Life cycle of a plastic bag
19 Jan 2011
The end destination of a plastic bag can be detrimental to the environment, let's create awareness to eliminate toxins a single bag can create...
White Acorn and WMP - saga continues
19 Jan 2011
Wendy Machanik Properties allegedly attempted to illegally change its name to White Acorn trading as WMP in an effort to circumvent curatorship...
Buildings rot with animal carcasses
19 Jan 2011
Household rubbish and animal carcasses are fouling two city buildings in central Johannesburg amid reports that council has refused to take action.
Spot checks on domestic workers
19 Jan 2011
The Western Cape Labour Department has warned that employers who pay domestic staff less than the statutory minimum will be fined.
Jhb commercial property auction 16/2
19 Jan 2011
Property on auction includes a wedding venue in the Cradle of Humankind, industrial warehousing and offices in Alrode as well as a shopping centre.
Sectional title - check the finances
19 Jan 2011
Anyone who is considering buying a flat or a complex under sectional title should carefully check the financial status of the scheme.
Conditional sale - time limits
19 Jan 2011
To protect the seller, conditional or suspensive sale conditions in a property sales agreement should always have a time limit.
Property group chairman resigns
20 Jan 2011
Les Weil steps down as chairman of JHI property services group along with other non-executive directors who represented previous shareholdings.
Another development falls flat
20 Jan 2011
Another project has failed to materialise and it seems that development of the Metsi Pepa eco-estate will now not go ahead.
Offices become student flats
20 Jan 2011
Property developers in Pretoria and Johannesburg have invested millions of rands in new student accommodation close to the campuses.
City workers support Joburg residents
20 Jan 2011
City of Johannesburg employees were outraged when instructed to cut-off electricity to hundreds of residents who had allegedly not paid their bills.
Estate agents want their money
20 Jan 2011
Furious Wendy Machanik agents want to take legal action against the Estate Agency Affairs Board for allegedly preventing her from paying them.
Property transfers - unforeseen delays
20 Jan 2011
Unforeseen delays often hold up property transactions causing unwanted extra cost and stress. Find out what some of the most common causes are.
Commercial property recovery?
21 Jan 2011
State leasing contracts may give property investors a reliable cash flow, while sales of distressed commercial properties might present a bargain.
Hawks swoop on Stellenbosch
21 Jan 2011
Amongst rumours of widespread corruption, Stellenbosch councillors and officials will now be in the forensic spotlight.
Farm, shopping malls on auction
21 Jan 2011
As 2011 kicks off and investors are hankering after bargains and several interesting properties, venues and malls.
Building activity drops sharply
21 Jan 2011
More hard-times ahead for SA builders as the number of building plans passed dropped by 30% in November and it fell further in December as well.
City of Joburg billing fiasco
21 Jan 2011
Paddy says if residents have been billed for more electricity than supplied then they should bring charges of fraud, racketeering and plundering...
Machanik barred from trading
24 Jan 2011
Wendy Machanik Properties may not operate as an estate agency until it has a valid Fidelity Fund certificate in terms of a court order granted.
Crisis meeting – Jhb billing shambles
24 Jan 2011
The crisis meeting follows the city’s disconnection of services to homes, and a class action lawsuit against the city manager has been initiated...
Militants raid Zim resorts
24 Jan 2011
Militants raided boating clubs and tourism lodges in Zim’s main tourist areas while party members barricaded fishing spots and a safari lodge...
Sharemax not out of the woods
24 Jan 2011
Sharemax’s board of directors has warned that the rescue plan for The Villa shopping mall in Pretoria is unworkable in its current form.
Build your own greenhouse
24 Jan 2011
You can easily build this sturdy, little greenhouse in a day with basic tools and a few supplies from your local hardware store.
Property sellers still unrealistic
24 Jan 2011
Most people selling property are ignoring the reality of a depressed market, with asking prices still way above what buyers are prepared to pay.
Keep your towels soft and fluffy
25 Jan 2011
By taking proper care of your bath towels, you can keep them looking new for years. Get some easy and practical tips!
Cape Town bids for street grand prix
25 Jan 2011
Cape Town wants to host a Formula One Grand Prix on a new 5,3 km street circuit that will take in some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Gauteng, 40% won’t own homes
25 Jan 2011
Research shows that for many residents in Gauteng despite relatively high salaries, buying property of their own may remain forever out of reach.
Buying to let in R250k to R500k band
25 Jan 2011
Buying property to let in the R250k to R500k price range may be the fastest-growing investment sector in the property market.
Cape Town’s property prices boom
25 Jan 2011
Wealthy people spent millions buying property in the Western Cape over the festive season according to Cape Town agents, with about 60% bond-free.
Two Gauteng malls up for auction
25 Jan 2011
Two major Johannesburg shopping malls, previously valued at R700m, will fall under the auctioneer's gavel following the high-profile liquidation.
Cleaning your brick paving
25 Jan 2011
First impressions count and your driveway is often the first thing visitors see. Rid paved areas of moss, weeds and oils stains.
Weather related insurance claims
26 Jan 2011
Damage as a result of heavy rains and floods should be covered by insurance, but not maintaining your property may result in a claim being rejected.
Fountainhead buys R418.5m Access Park
26 Jan 2011
Fountainhead Property Trust announced that it had concluded an agreement to acquire Access Park properties for 418.5 million rand.
Western Cape is SA best province
26 Jan 2011
With widespread poor service and Joburg’s billing fiasco, it’s not surprising the Western Cape has emerged as the top province for service delivery.
R150m to fix potholes countrywide
26 Jan 2011
The ever-increasing number of potholes on South African roads is a daily hazard for many drivers. Now the government says it has a solution...
Baboon troubles – use an electric fence
26 Jan 2011
Baboons have plagued residents of Constantia, Tokai and the Cape Peninsula but a solution might be at hand for those being raided...
Bold hydrangeas are back
26 Jan 2011
The colour of hydrangea flowers depends on the acidity of the soil and by changing the levels you can change their colour too. Get planting tips!
RDP houses being sold to foreigners
27 Jan 2011
Some South Africans who receive RDP houses are selling their properties to foreign nationals who then become targets for xenophobia.
Plan needed to prevent flooding
27 Jan 2011
While the government has declared parts of South Africa a disaster area, two farmers’ unions have called for better flood management plans.
Jobs lost as construction falters
27 Jan 2011
Figures compiled by KPMG Africa state 36 000 jobs in the building and construction sector were lost last year because of government's failed plan.
Courts in SA need major makeovers
27 Jan 2011
Justice Minister Radebe has said his department will get the Randburg Magistrate’s Court fixed after its roof caved in, but what about the others?
Cape Town – always on the Fringe?
27 Jan 2011
A new innovation hub, The Fringe, is being developed on the fringes of the Cape Town CBD aimed at creating a community of entrepreneurs.
Intern agents allowed to operate
27 Jan 2011
A rookie can start work as an estate agent at any time provided he or she is under the supervision of a qualified principal or mentor.
Agency expands to Phoenix
27 Jan 2011
Tyson Properties’ boards are going up in Phoenix with the recent opening of a new franchise – a market that has been largely unexplored...
Fix a leaking roof fast
27 Jan 2011
It may not always be on your agenda in the dry months, but avoid water damage and make inspecting your roof an annual habit.
The truth about household cleaners
28 Jan 2011
Women everywhere are choosing to use 'all natural' home products. But are those home care products really as green as they seem? Here’s how to tell.
Qualified audit for Joburg?
28 Jan 2011
The City of Johannesburg’s accounts are being questioned by the auditor-general who is seeking assurances that the revenue figures are accurate.
Selling property needs pricing realism
28 Jan 2011
About 90% of people buying property plan to use that home as their primary residence while 8% are buying property for investment says FNB.
Owners must pay excess on insurance
28 Jan 2011
The excess amount payable on an insurance claim is the responsibility of the owner of a sectional title property and not the body corporate.
Historic Wellington home for sale
28 Jan 2011
An historic home in Wellington, originally part of a farm granted to a farmer in 1690, is now on the market priced R2,6 million.
Times still tough in construction
28 Jan 2011
The South African construction industry remains strained and will face challenges in the year ahead, as the slowdown continues.
Slovenia students, builders team up
28 Jan 2011
A team of builders from Magagula Heights and architecture students from Slovenia have shown quick, cheap, energy efficient building is possible.
Foreigners buying property dwindling
28 Jan 2011
The number of foreign investors buying residential property in South Africa has dropped as has buying second homes, reflecting tough economic times.
8 tips for looking after your mattress
31 Jan 2011
Most spring mattresses have a 7 to 10 year life span. To keep your mattress in top condition for longer, here are some tips you can follow...
CT stadium – it’s R700k a night
31 Jan 2011
Anyone interested in having a high-profile bash, product launch or media extravaganza will be able to hire the Cape Town stadium for a night.
Consumer confidence falls
31 Jan 2011
The pessimistic views from people in Durban pulled the national average down, but consumer confidence levels are likely to improve this year.
Renovating – tell your insurers
31 Jan 2011
Anyone who is planning to renovate their property should keep their insurance company informed each step of the way, says an expert.
Rates – Durban wants its money
31 Jan 2011
Independent Durban schools have been branded as 'businesses' by the council, which now refuses to charge them the old lower rates...
Owner not entitled to withhold levies
31 Jan 2011
Owners of sectional title property are not entitled to withhold levies to set off a debt they believe is owed to them by the body corporate.
Choosing the right coffee maker
31 Jan 2011
Not all cups of coffee are created equal and choosing the right coffee maker can make all the difference between an exceptional and a mediocre cuppa
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