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Articles published in July 2007

Witbank property market blooms

02 Jul 2007

Once dependant on coal, electricity and steel, Witbank is now booming with a far more diversified economy and the property market has never looked stronger.

Embattled Bryanston market slumps

02 Jul 2007

Demand for big-ticket properties in leafy Bryanston, one of Johannesburg's oldest and wealthiest suburbs, has slumped on the back of changing buying patterns. By Joan Muller

Guaranteed rentals a sales ploy

02 Jul 2007

Property24 recently highlighted the issue of the 'guaranteed rental', and the practise seems to be becoming increasingly prolific. It seems that more and more sectional-title developers are climbing on the bandwagon to help sell properties to...

Rode: flat rentals 'rewarding'

02 Jul 2007

Flat rentals in all of the major metropolitan areas grew faster than consumer inflation over the last two years.

Scarcity of offices in Tygervalley

02 Jul 2007

The residential 'pull' of the Northern Suburbs is one of the factors bringing commercial occupancy rates in these areas way above those in Cape Town's CBD as employers wise-up to the fact that 'commuting time' is money.

Cape mountain plots selling fast

03 Jul 2007

The snow-capped mountains of the Western Cape's Mount Bain Private Nature Reserve are sizzling, with property selling before it even goes on show.

Tyger Lake listed for award

03 Jul 2007

Amdec Property Development's R120 million Tyger Lake mixed use development was one of only 14 buildings to be nominated for a SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association) property award in the of Retail Developments and Innovative Solutions...

Affordable housing still cooking

04 Jul 2007

The market for houses below R250 000 is expanding with affordable area inflation running at 43% year-on-year in February as affordability deteriorates, said FNB's property economist John Loos on Tuesday. By Tiisetso Motsoeneng, I-Net Bridge

Severe stock shortage in Thabazimbi

04 Jul 2007

A severe shortage of housing stock in booming Thabazimbi is drawing serious property investors.

Paternoster coastal plot for R9,9m

04 Jul 2007

A 7.8 ha water's edge plot at Paternoster is on the market. Called Koeltebaai, it is located next to Tietiesbaai and is priced at R9.995m.

CT's Sunrise Park fully let

04 Jul 2007

The redevelopment of Sunrise Park at Ndabeni is being quoted in Cape property circles as one of the most successful decentralised office developments ever seen at the Cape.

High crime sparks home security

04 Jul 2007

Home security goes 'cutting edge' as crime increases. Ingrid Smit attended the recent Securex exhibition in Gauteng to see what homeowners can do to protect themselves.

How to prevent laminate floors from lifting

04 Jul 2007

Laminate flooring is tough, durable and visually appealing. However it has to be looked after correctly in order for it to remain in a good state.

Sisulu upbeat on N2 Gateway outlook

05 Jul 2007

Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has insisted that South Africa's flagship housing project, the N2 Gateway Project in Cape Town, is a success despite ongoing controversies and delays surrounding the development. By Patrick Burnett

Houses for Jhb East's Paterson Park

05 Jul 2007

About 3 percent of Paterson Park in eastern Joburg, has been identified for residential development in "one of the most exciting public open space projects the City has ever embarked on". By Lesego Madumo

Queuing for Grahamstown homes

05 Jul 2007

Nearly 700 buyers are queuing for properties in Grahamstown, the historical and literary heart of the Eastern Cape, where the world-renowned annual Grahamstown Festival has entered its second week. By Ingrid Smit

Developers face longer delays

05 Jul 2007

Developers could face longer authorisation delays following a court judgement that emphasises socio-economic factors and gives ammunition to objectors.

Older homes may be better buys

05 Jul 2007

Established homes in older residential areas often have the upper hand over homes in new developments in terms of location.

Historic CT CBD building sold

06 Jul 2007

With frantic bidding and huge interest, "50 on Long", the seven-storey building in the heart of Cape Town, was sold on auction recently at the Arabella Sheraton Hotel in Cape Town.

Buy entire Umhlanga complex

06 Jul 2007

An entire newly completed residential development situated opposite KZN Umhlanga's main beach, comprising six upmarket sectional title homes, is available for sale.

Bloem boosted by R500m retail dev.

06 Jul 2007

The Georgiou Group's R500-million retail development has helped elevate Bloemfontein's status to that of a sought-after tourist, investment and residential destination.

Commercial rental vacancies down

06 Jul 2007

In each of the three commercial property sectors – office, industrial and retail – vacancy rates have fallen considerably and are currently at historically low levels. And this doesn't look like it will change any time soon. By Kara Michaels

Cape homes go for higher security

06 Jul 2007

Over 80% of the new multi-unit estates being developed at the Cape are equipped with efficient, protective systems to counter thieves and intruders - and buyers today are prepared to pay a premium of at least 30% for the all-round safety that...

Divorce complicates house sales

06 Jul 2007

Divorce proceedings can cause some of the most difficult problems confronting estate agents, and sellers who are married in community of property are often the most at risk.

Rental boosted on industrial leases

09 Jul 2007

SA Corporate (SAC) CEO Craig Ewin said on Friday that industrial leases concluded in Gauteng and KZN saw rental increases of up to 47%.

Freehold outperforms sect. title

09 Jul 2007

Latest Lightstone house price index shows that owners of freehold houses have earned much higher returns on their properties over the past three years than investors who bought sectional title townhouses, apartments and flats. - Joan Muller

R100m for two Knysna properties

09 Jul 2007

Two of the most unusual properties in the world, with a total sale price of more than R100 million, are on the market in Knysna on the Garden Route. By Elma Kloppers

Huge demand for Milnerton offices

09 Jul 2007

Cape Town's Century City is becoming an investment hot spot for buyers interested in the commercial units market. As investors clamour for commercial property greater demand for these properties is generating immense development in this area.

Krugersdorp casino to boost sales

09 Jul 2007

The new R730m Silverstar Casino resort in Krugersdorp (Mogale City), scheduled for completion in November this year, is expected to be a catalyst for the local property market.

SA's cement sales up in June

09 Jul 2007

South African cement sales growth eased to a 3.1% year-on-year y/y) increase in June to 1.229 million tons after rising by 10.6% y/y in May to a record 1.337 million tons, data supplied by the Cement and Concreter Institute showed today. I-Net...

Constantia not only for the rich

10 Jul 2007

Three Constantia properties that recently came onto the market confirm that the area still offers exceptionally good value.

New land use policy for CT

10 Jul 2007

The City of Cape Town has adopted a new land use policy for the Kenilworth area.

Vaal properties show sound returns

10 Jul 2007

With the Vaal Dam becoming the area of choice for upmarket waterfront lifestyle properties, the scarcity of large waterfront stands has seen prices soar in recent years.

Home inspections highlight defects

10 Jul 2007

Homebuyers are continuously getting caught off-guard when buying homes with hidden defects, when a thorough inspection could have highlighted the problems ahead of the purchase. By Herman Zolty

How to avoid a nightmare tenant 1

10 Jul 2007

This is the first of a four-part series provided by the Property Investor Network to help property owners.

Social housing for Melkbos Village

11 Jul 2007

Asrin Property Developers have signed an agreement with the Cape Town City Council which will result in their developing 451 residential units on a 13,5ha site less than a kilometre from the beach at Melkbosstrand.

Mixed-use exploding in Sandton

11 Jul 2007

Central Sandton city slickers are fast adapting to the global lifestyle of compact city centre homes where living extends to the restaurants, clubs and pubs of the nearby precinct.

Values up in Bassonia Estate

11 Jul 2007

Early investors in Bassonia Estate, the prestigious high-security development high up on the hills to the south of Johannesburg, have been amply rewarded for their foresight.

Operator appointed for CT venue

11 Jul 2007

Hotel operator Three Cities has recently been appointed to manage the Mandela Rhodes Place Apartment Hotel and Conference Centre.

Building materials giant expands

11 Jul 2007

Building materials supplier Iliad Africa (ILA) has bought two businesses in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo as part of its strategy to enhance its geographical footprint in the building materials market, it said on Tuesday. The financial details of...

Avis Maitland bldg on auction 19/07

11 Jul 2007

The well known Avis building on the corner of Beach and Coronation Roads in Maitland is to be auctioned on site at 11 am on Thursday 19 July 2007.

Rondebosch benefits from Common

12 Jul 2007

Rondebosch Common in CT's southern suburbs is a draw card for the area to many aspirant buyers who might otherwise go elsewhere to find a home.

Gansbaai stabilizing after growth

12 Jul 2007

Demand for real estate in the unpretentious Western Cape village of Gansbaai is rising again in the wake of tangible signs that its market is stabilising after two years of "runaway" price growth.

Jhb rents outstrip Cape Town

12 Jul 2007

Contrary to popular belief, it is more expensive to rent flats and apartments in Johannesburg than in Cape Town. Latest figures confirm that Johannesburg tenants are paying more on average for rental accommodation than their Cape Town...

Limpopo mall due for Oct completion

12 Jul 2007

Development of the new Moritawa Crossing shopping centre being built in the Jane Furse district of Limpopo is progressing well and the centre should open for business towards the end of October this year as scheduled. I-Net Bridge

Steel frames a new building option

12 Jul 2007

A Johannesburg-based company that supplies steel frames for houses is offering a new technique in home construction that can reduce building costs for all income levels in South Africa. By James Monteiro

Build a useful cube

12 Jul 2007

Home décor and DIY expert Janice Anderssen shows how to make a versatile modular cube that can be used for a number of different purposes.

Centurion predicts 12% growth

13 Jul 2007

Unrelenting demand for so-called "3-2-2" sectional title units in Pretoria's southern suburbs is likely to ensure property value growth of at least 12 percent for the area for the remainder of 2007.

Birch Acres' housing booming

13 Jul 2007

Despite rising building costs, limited land and higher land prices presenting the affordable housing segment with challenges, developers are surging ahead in Kempton Park's Birch Acres, with no decrease in demand in sight. By Ntokozo Maseko

Mogale City enjoys renovation trend

13 Jul 2007

Older properties in Krugersdorp North in Mogale City are getting a new lease on life as buyers opt to renovate rather than choose a unit in one of the many proliferating new residential developments.

Commercial building costs slowing

13 Jul 2007

Commercial building cost inflation slowed to 16% year-on-year by the first quarter of the year, from a peak of 37% in the third quarter of 2005, the FNB Commercial Property Finance Residential Building Cost Index showed on Thursday.

No poop in my porridge

13 Jul 2007

Unstoppable quad Chris Boyle, who is renovating his house to suit his special needs, tells us why every day is a good one.

Centurion becomes budget-friendly

16 Jul 2007

With property price growth slowing, Centurion is seeing an increase in sales in the lower price ranges.

CT Council offers rates relief

16 Jul 2007

The City of Cape Town has urged pensioners, people with disabilities and other property owners battling to afford their monthly rates, water and electricity bills to register for additional indigent and rates rebate support.

Rms to expand shopping centres

16 Jul 2007

In a bid to provide for the changing demands of the retail consumer, property companies are spending millions to expand and improve their assets. By Elma Kloppers

London property still a good buy

16 Jul 2007

South Africa's asset managers and estate agents are again starting to punt London residential property. By Joan Muller

40% of Eden Island sold out

16 Jul 2007

At the US$320 million Eden Island marina development in the Seychelles, 190 out of a total of 460 homes have been sold at a total value to date of US$180 million.

Stats show healthy supply decline

16 Jul 2007

A slowdown in the construction of new housing and an increase in alterations and additions to existing homes are two clear trends to emerge from the latest numbers released by Statistics South Africa.

CT CBD values are still rising

16 Jul 2007

Cape Town CBD expert Richard Boxford looks at why the inner city property market is bucking the slowdown trend and rising in value.

Somerset West attracting investors

17 Jul 2007

A luxury residential development within Somerset West has encouraged increased investment by moneyed buyers looking for an outdoor lifestyle combining the best of the country and city.

Cape resort guidelines reviewed

17 Jul 2007

The Western Cape government has taken a step towards fine-tuning guidelines for resort developments in the province by inviting public comment on its existing guidelines, with the aim of making possible revisions. By Brenda Nkuna

R1.5bn new town for KZN's Toti

17 Jul 2007

The old AECI site at Amanzimtoti on the KZN south coast has been sold and a new town is being built on it. By Ingrid Smit

SA property funds good buys for US

17 Jul 2007

South African property funds currently offer the North American investor good forward yields. In addition, there is a very good chance that SA listed property stocks will come into the global index (EPRA/NAREIT) later this year.

Strong market for top end homes

17 Jul 2007

Despite the reported slowdown in the property market in general, Pam Golding Properties' Western Cape metro region reports healthy activity in its top end sales. I-Net Bridge

Fears over new OR Tambo runway

18 Jul 2007

Communities affected by the building of another runway at OR Tambo airport outside Johannesburg are to be kept fully informed about progress, according to Transport Minister Jeff Radebe. By Michael Hamlyn, I-Net Bridge

New retirement village for CT

18 Jul 2007

The Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged has formed a partnership with Stag property and retirement village developers to develop a new 69 unit retirement facility in Diep River.

Rise in rental costs picking up

18 Jul 2007

The rise in South African residential rents is picking up steadily, driven particularly by Johannesburg and East London that are powering ahead, according to the latest Trafalgar property index.

CT's Obs still highly sought-after

18 Jul 2007

Crime may well have increased in Observatory, but it is still a suburb sought after by literally hundreds of would-be homeowners, tenants, medics and students.

Africa's role in SA listed property

18 Jul 2007

At Sapoa's recent annual convention, the question that came to the fore was how Africa fits into the equation when it comes to selling South African listed property internationally, taking into account that local listed property companies are...

Soweto to get top quality theatre

18 Jul 2007

A multimillion rand theatre is planned for Soweto, with City officials researching performance spaces in England and Canada. By George Matlala

Industrial park for Somerset West

18 Jul 2007

Firgrove Industrial Estate is a new industrial park being developed in the Helderberg Basin. Firgrove is designed to be an upmarket estate with 24-hour access control, a manned gatehouse and electrified perimeter fencing.

Stilbaai market not so quiet

19 Jul 2007

Once known as a peaceful retirement haven and holiday spot, Stilbaai on the Southern Cape coast is burgeoning and has become a fully-fledged residential town.

Balance housing with green space

19 Jul 2007

With a rapid urbanisation of the cities, and an ever-growing need for accommodation, particularly in Johannesburg, it is important to couple this development with the provision of social facilities and open space. By Neil Fraser

Time to invest in Garden Route

19 Jul 2007

Investors planning to buy property along the popular Garden Route should not wait, as property prices in the region are only taking a breather now before the next expected spike.

Dbn Pavilion extensions on track

19 Jul 2007

Building contractor Grinaker-LTA, part of the JSE-listed Aveng Group, is on track to complete extensions at The Pavilion in October this year, well ahead of the Christmas rush at the popular Durban shopping mall.

Building plans value hits record

19 Jul 2007

Data on Wednesday showed that the real, seasonally adjusted value of building plans passed reached a new record of R4.29bn in May. By Evan Pickworth, I-Net Bridge

Developments to be approved faster

19 Jul 2007

The department of urban management aims to cut the time it takes to approve zoning and building plans to 24 hours for most applications. By Ndaba Dlamini

Underfloor heating saves on costs

19 Jul 2007

There's nothing nicer than coming home to a warm, cozy house after a chilly winter's day. Given the current state of Eskom's electrical grid though, a snug abode is increasingly becoming an expensive and unreliable luxury.

Investment 'rules' still in play

20 Jul 2007

Although the property market is currently on a plateau, many investors believe there will be another market surge starting in 2008 and are consequently hunting for good investments now that will put them ahead of the wave.

Conference on inclusionary housing

20 Jul 2007

The idea of inclusionary (or social) housing has generated much debate recently and homeowners and property players have offered varied reactions to the idea, in many cases basing their ideas on a vast amount of inaccurate information. Now...

More cross-border property deals

20 Jul 2007

Cross border property transactions have been identified as the next wave of opportunity for property companies, and internationally, organisations have been gearing themselves up to create shareholder value and diversification away from their...

Gautrain - R5,8bn spent so far

20 Jul 2007

While work is slightly behind schedule, construction of the Gautrain is racing on. Jobs are being created, shafts are being sunk and tunnels are being bored. By Lucille Davie

Kitchen Karma

20 Jul 2007

The main function of a kitchen has always been cooking, but today we want to cook, socialize and entertain in our kitchens. They have become the heart of the home and we want to bring a sense of relaxation and enjoyment to the kitchen and to the...

Weekend getaway in Wellington

20 Jul 2007

A plot and plan development in Wellington, situated at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass, is offering city slickers the opportunity to invest in a low maintenance Cape Winelands weekend getaway, or future retirement pad, for between R995 000 –...

R1.8bn housing project on track

23 Jul 2007

The first sod was turned on Sunday for the estimated 1.8 billion rand Chief Albert Luthuli Housing Project in the East Rand. I-Net Bridge

CT survey shows positive results

23 Jul 2007

Cape Town city centre residents are positive about the city's future, according to the results of recent sample survey conducted by city centre residential property specialists Life Residential.

Frankfort prices set to soar

23 Jul 2007

Property prices are set to soar in the north-eastern Free State town of Frankfort, located just 90 minutes from Johannesburg and situated on the banks of the Wilge River.

PE hits illegal demolishers hard

23 Jul 2007

Land-hungry developers and home owners in the Eastern Cape who demolish or alter listed properties without first obtaining permission from the Provincial Heritage Resource Authority (PHRA) could face criminal charges - instituted against them by...

New office park for Pta's Hazeldean

23 Jul 2007

More offices will soon be available for entrepreneurs and executives who want to work close to home in Hazeldean, the burgeoning Full Circle Living precinct now taking shape to the east of Pretoria.

Rustenburg's Platinum City a go

23 Jul 2007

Rustenburg Local Municipality and the National Treasury have given the go-ahead for a multi-million rand Platinum City Theme Park in Rustenburg, it was announced on Sunday.

NCA 'will make buying harder'

23 Jul 2007

KZN Property expert Pat Acutt says would-be homeowners should buy now, as the NCA is only going to make it harder in the long term.

How to avoid a nightmare tenant – Part II

23 Jul 2007

In part two of our four-part series provided by the Property Investor Network to help property owners select the right tenants, we look at the excuses some potential tenants make for not providing full information.

R17m sold at Eshowe Hills

24 Jul 2007

An increasing demand for homes in the attractive country town of Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal has seen 85 stands, representing approximately R17 million, already sold at the new Eshowe Hills Eco & Golf Estate - the first golf estate development to be...

Cyrildene gets a facelift

24 Jul 2007

The rejuvenation of older properties that has been a feature in popular Kensington, east of the Johannesburg CBD, is now evident in neighbouring Cyrildene, long regarded as the Cinderella of the area.

Call to speed housing delivery

24 Jul 2007

Boosting municipal and provincial planning department capacities would speed up delivery on Government's key strategy of producing low cost and economic housing.

Jhb city planners have 'tough job'

24 Jul 2007

The City's development planning and urban management department aims to come up with a city form that deals with the fragmented legacies of apartheid planning, while dealing with modern challenges like an increasing urban population. By Ndaba...

Dullstroom B&B demand drives market

24 Jul 2007

Dullstroom is finding new property market impetus from the demand for bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation.

Add retro style to your patio

24 Jul 2007

Getting ready for Spring? Home décor and DIY expert Janice Anderssen shows how to make a retro style braai for your patio.

New record price for Wynberg home

25 Jul 2007

A new record price has been achieved for residential property in Cape Town's Little Chelsea, situated in the heart of Wynberg - topping the previous best by more than R400 000.

Stanford draws country buyers

25 Jul 2007

Investment in the rural lifestyle is alive and well in the small village of Stanford in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.

Info for landlords and tenants

25 Jul 2007

What landlords and tenants should know about the provisions of the Rental Housing Act. By Nadisha Singh

Commercial boom in Jeffreys Bay

25 Jul 2007

Jeffreys Bay is in the throes of a commercial boom in which demand for offices, retail property and businesses has overtaken that of residential demand.

Huge housing scheme for Soweto

26 Jul 2007

Members of Parliament were told on Wednesday that a major housing development is being planned for an area west of Soweto which will consist of 25,000 housing units. By Michael Hamlyn, I-Net Bridge

Spat over Muizenberg revitalisation

26 Jul 2007

A multimillion rand seafront development in Muizenberg - seen as key to revitalising the False Bay holiday town - has resulted in tensions between concerned residents and businesses on one side and the developers on the other over changes to the...

New R65m office for Century City

26 Jul 2007

A new prime office block is being built on a high profile site in The Estuaries office park at Century City by the Rabie Property Group at a cost of R65m.

Shelly Beach final phase launched

26 Jul 2007

A development in Shelly Beach is offering seaside living from as little as R690 000, as well as a host of holiday and retirement amenities right on investors' door steps.

Cape Dutch beauty in Bredasdorp

26 Jul 2007

Bredasdorp, South Africa's first '-dorp', was established in 1838 by Michael van Breda, the first Mayor of Cape Town. Van Breda started the merino sheep industry, and sheep farming remains one of the major enterprises in the area, coupled with...

Wide choice in Pta's Waterkloof

26 Jul 2007

Upmarket Waterkloof, arguably Pretoria's most elite suburb, is still the address of choice for many of the city's well-to-do young professionals and businesspeople.

Industrial property hits new highs

27 Jul 2007

Prices of industrial land and property have been reaching record highs. Does this mean it is a good time to invest in this sector, and if so, what is the procedure? Kara Michaels takes a look.

Golf estate sales slowing

27 Jul 2007

Five years ago golf estates were setting new price records in South Africa. However, that seemingly insatiable appetite for big-ticket properties in luxury developments appears to have waned somewhat, with price growth in many of the more...

Make a handy magazine holder

27 Jul 2007

Running out of interesting ideas on how to manage your magazine collection? Try this creative storage option while adding style to your home.

2nd course for sect. title agents

27 Jul 2007

You can now choose to use a specialist Estate Agent to sell your sectional title property.

Investors converge on Graaff Reinet

27 Jul 2007

Even though property prices in the Karoo's flagship town, Graaff Reinet, have doubled and even tripled since 2004, there is no shortage of buyers, many of whom are relocating from Gauteng and the Garden Route. By Ingrid Smit

Developers keen on KZN north coast

27 Jul 2007

The storm damage done to the KwaZulu-Natal north coast earlier this year has done nothing to douse the enthusiasm of property developers.

Crinkle painting brings walls to life

28 Jul 2007

Adding a textural look and colour gradations to your walls is a snap using plastic sheeting and simple instructions. In fact, the hardest part of this technique is choosing from the nearly limitless number of colour combinations.

Crinkle painting brings walls to life

28 Jul 2007

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