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Articles published in June 2011

 
41 councils not viable in SA
01 Jun 2011
At least 41 local councils are not viable and should be incorporated into other councils with additional funding and support by government.

Plan to halt municipal corruption
01 Jun 2011
A special investigating unit has been set up by the Department of Co-operative Governance to work with law enforcement agencies in combating crime.

Bond balances at record low
01 Jun 2011
Bond balances increased by just 3,1% in April, the lowest figure since the mid-1960s reflecting the state of the property market in South Africa.

FNB May house price index up 2.1%
01 Jun 2011
The FNB House Price Index remained in low positive growth territory, with the price growth rate rising to 2,1% in May from 1,7% in April.

Swing to smaller homes suggested
01 Jun 2011
A senior property analyst suggests that South Africans are buying smaller homes and opting to live in flats to reduce monthly running costs.

Tips for a healthy credit score
01 Jun 2011
To increase your chances of a successful home loan application follow these tips and make sure your credit record is in good standing.

How to organise your garage
01 Jun 2011
If your garage is cluttered it's time to take the day off and start sorting out the mess. Here are some tips on how to make the most of this space…

Homeless protest but interdict stands
02 Jun 2011
Hundreds of homeless people protested over an interdict to prevent them from building shacks on vacant land but the interdict remains in force.

Cape Town student flats to let
02 Jun 2011
A new student housing development in Rosebank, Cape Town was recently completed with flats already over 80 percent let.

Developer ordered to repay R1,3m
02 Jun 2011
The Cotswold Fenns Equestrian Estate must repay more than R1,3m to an investor who had put money into the estate to buy land there.

Nepotism, cronyism limits contractors
02 Jun 2011
An emerging building contractor says that cronyism and nepotism are rife, calling for greater transparency from the government departments.

Newcastle to get new shopping centre
02 Jun 2011
Work has begun on the first phase of the new Meadowlands Crossing shopping centre in Newcastle, located within a multi-billion rand estate.

Buying property: Factor in rate hikes
02 Jun 2011
For every 50-basis-point increase, property buyers should factor in an extra payment of R417 per million rand of debt, warns an industry leader.

Property 'going green' in SA?
02 Jun 2011
South Africans are becoming more aware of incorporating green technology in their homes, especially with rising electricity costs...

R94m spent building toilets
03 Jun 2011
The government spent R94m on building over 8 000 toilets in rural areas but 30% of these were delivered after the end of the financial year.

Councillor fails to meet requirements
03 Jun 2011
A newly-elected Joburg councillor has been inducted to a new position while keeping his job as a senior housing official in government.

Luxury properties go under the hammer
03 Jun 2011
Potential bargains are being sold as four luxury homes and a luxurious lodge in a Waterberg safari park go under the hammer over the next few weeks.

Fireplace maintenance
03 Jun 2011
Make the most of your fireplace in winter. With proper cleaning and care you will be able to burn beautiful fires with complete peace of mind.

120 firms blacklisted from tenders
03 Jun 2011
In a move to stamp out fraud and corruption, more than 120 companies have now been barred from doing any government work for up to 10 years.

Developer seeks court intervention
06 Jun 2011
The Lagoon Bay row continues as developer, Werner Roux applies to the Western Cape High Court for an order overturning the rezoning application.

900 homes illegally occupied
06 Jun 2011
More than 900 homes have been illegally occupied by residents who managed to obtain fraudulent title deeds for the properties and move in.

Will Princess Vlei mall get go-ahead?
06 Jun 2011
The development for a new mall at Princess Vlei might be approved by the Cape Town council and the provincial authorities in the Western Cape.

Strand Beach Road prices fall by 50%
06 Jun 2011
Prices for properties along Strand's Beach Road have fallen by between 40% and 50% and represent excellent bargains for investors.

Collect service charges from tenants
06 Jun 2011
Landlords are advised to monitor service charges by having copies of bills sent to them and let the tenant pay the landlord for consumption.

Striking tragedy of a tea farm
06 Jun 2011
Paddy tells the story of how farmworkers at Magwa Tea outside Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape destroyed and looted the farm before abandoning it...

Create an illusion of space
06 Jun 2011
Space has become a rare commodity; however there are many ways of creating an illusion of space without actually changing the size of a room.

Incandescent bulbs to be banned
07 Jun 2011
The government plans to ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs and force consumers to replace these with the more energy efficient CFLs.

Rich official paid no rent
07 Jun 2011
Mzwandile Kibi refused to pay R7,9k a month to rent a house in Bryanston and ran up a services bill of R65k while living in a house for free.

140 new rental apartments for Randburg
07 Jun 2011
More than 140 new rental apartments in two different developments are set to come onto the market in Randburg in the coming months.

Nedbank to fund R21 business park
07 Jun 2011
Nedbank has agreed to fund the development of a new business park on the R21 heading towards Pretoria that is being developed by JT Ross.

Somerset West, Constantia still alive
07 Jun 2011
Property sales in Somerset West and in Constantia have remained steady this year with foreign and local buyers opting to buy homes in these suburbs.

Painting and maintaining gutters
07 Jun 2011
If you do the job properly to begin with, the paint will last a lot longer and gutters will add to the overall appeal of your home. Get some tips!

Property owners trapped by bonds
08 Jun 2011
Many thousands of property owners are locked into their homes because they owe more to the bank than the property is worth claims Auction Alliance.

Family swindlers convicted, sentenced
08 Jun 2011
A family that sold properties worth R6m to two different companies have been convicted and sentenced in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court.

Newspaper House to be sold
08 Jun 2011
The headquarters of The Argus and The Cape Times is to be sold because the building is too big and is unsuitable for the two newspapers.

Understanding a fusebox
08 Jun 2011
Do you really know how your home electricity supply works? Here is a simple guide on the basics of how your fusebox works...

Plan to limit foreign land ownership
08 Jun 2011
A new plan to limit land ownership by foreigners is to be presented to the Cabinet before the end of the year according to the Land Reform Minister.

How to get onto the property ladder
08 Jun 2011
Your first property probably won't be your dream home, but it's a good place to start. Buying small and paying less gives you a foot in the door!

Property prices continue to fall
09 Jun 2011
Property prices have remained depressed in May with prices of small, medium and large homes falling both in nominal and real terms last month.

KZN deputy mayor on fraud charges
09 Jun 2011
A newly-appointed KZN deputy mayor Alpha Shelembe appeared in the Maritzburg High Court on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

Homes vandalised, residents protest
09 Jun 2011
Newly built homes in Nyanga on the Cape Flats have been vandalised while residents in Noordgesig, Joburg protested over prolonged electricity cuts.

KZN farmer gets R24m from government
09 Jun 2011
A farmer in KZN has been accused of charging too much for his land after he sold a sugar cane farm to the Land Reform department for R24m.

Winter home maintenance projects
09 Jun 2011
Winter is often the best time of the year to tackle outstanding maintenance projects in and around your home. Start with the basics first...

Retail property remains strong
10 Jun 2011
SA's retail property market remains strong even though several regional shopping centres are financially distressed and are battling to survive.

Confidence levels and activity up
10 Jun 2011
Confidence levels have improved among building contractors in the first 6 months of this year and activity levels have shown a slight increase too.

V&A Waterfront sale finalised
10 Jun 2011
The sale of the V&A Waterfront has been concluded and the full R9,7-billion purchase price has been paid by the new owners of this prestigious site.

Properties to be sold by SARS
10 Jun 2011
SARS has been granted an order allowing it to sell three properties owned by businessman Dave King as settlement for his tax bill of R20,9-million.

Lawn mower repair checklist
10 Jun 2011
Frequently maintaining your lawn mower will save you time and money in the long run. Here is a list of recommended checks you should do…

Illegal agencies seek amnesty
13 Jun 2011
At least 40% of the 10 000 estate agencies that have been operating illegally have applied for amnesty from the Estate Agency Affairs Board.

National honours for Alberton agency
13 Jun 2011
At a recent event local estate agency in Alberton won the Franchise of the Year award for the ERA South Africa real estate group.

Wraypex denied leave to appeal
13 Jun 2011
Wraypex has been denied leave to appeal against a punitive costs order granted against it making it liable for legal costs worth millions of rands.

Charter for property transformation
13 Jun 2011
The Property Sector Charter Council aims to facilitate transformation in the property sector and promote a vibrant property indusrty in SA.

CSTM accused of plundering
13 Jun 2011
CSTM owner Quentin Brown is accused of squandering money supposed to be held in a trust whilst not paying bills on behalf of complex residents.

Top 5 renovation tips that pay off
13 Jun 2011
Before you spend a fortune renovating your property, find out where you can recoup costs and what adds the most value to the price of your property.

Legislation changes for energy plants
14 Jun 2011
Energy producers will need a farmer’s permission to build a new energy plant if the new Western Cape legislation is approved.

Arbitration to resolve V&A dispute?
14 Jun 2011
A multi-million rand commercial dispute between Devland, Dubai World and Growthpoint may be resolved through arbitration rather than court action.

Debt-to-income ratio at 78,5%
14 Jun 2011
The debt-to-income ratio for South African households has reached 78,5% according to new figures released by the National Credit Regulator.

Municipalities not spending money
14 Jun 2011
Municipalities are failing to spend infrastructure budgets of R41bn and their inefficiencies allow debts to mount up to a staggering R64bn.

Choose the right carpet for your home
14 Jun 2011
Work out your priorities as you decide on the type of carpet that would best suit your lifestyle. Not every carpet is equal, so choose wisely!

NEF asked to fund property council
15 Jun 2011
The Property Sector Charter Council has asked the National Empowerment Fund to assist in providing money for emerging entrepreneurs.

Franchising improves results
15 Jun 2011
Franchising has proven to be the best system for ongoing growth in residential property marketing, according to the chairman of Rawson Properties.

Hangberg families given houses
15 Jun 2011
Cape Town’s mayor Patricia De Lille has confirmed that at least 60 residents in the township will be given the houses they currently occupy.

Living the land reform dream
15 Jun 2011
Paddy says land reform is a tricky issue and the big question of how to effect positive change while ensuring sustainability remains top of mind...

LED strip lights are all the rage
15 Jun 2011
LED strip lights are hot accessories on the décor scene, providing a fun source of light whilst saving the environment and your pocket.

SA has hundreds of bad landlords
15 Jun 2011
While tenants are often accused of being shoddy in paying bills and not taking care of a property, landlords are often just as bad.

Property owners selling to downscale
15 Jun 2011
More homeowners are selling their properties to downscale due to tight finances with some even turning to property rental, according to a survey.

Top toys for Dad
15 Jun 2011
Looking for gift ideas for dad? Here is the ultimate gadget gift guide for Father's Day designed to delight any gadget-appreciating man...

How to plan your garden
16 Jun 2011
Planning your outdoor area is the most important part of gardening. Focus on your desired outcome and create the perfect garden space...

88 wind farms for the Cape
17 Jun 2011
Wind farms may soon dominate the landscapes of the Eastern and Western Cape as more than 80 applications for new wind farms have been received.

ICD forced rental woes
17 Jun 2011
The Independent Complaints Directorate were forced by the Department of Public Works to lease premises in Pretoria for more than it had budgeted.

Dam sales allegedly illegal
17 Jun 2011
A row over a dam which sold for R10,5m but was valued at almost R30m is brewing in Kempton Park and the ECA wants to overturn the sale.

What makes a good kitchen?
17 Jun 2011
Whether you work with a kitchen designer or you opt for the do it yourself route, there are certain ingredients that go into a good kitchen…

SAPS lease deal is valid
17 Jun 2011
Property magnate Roug Shabangu says the lease agreement signed for the new headquarters for SAPS at Middestad building is legally binding and valid.

Ingenious gadgets for Dad
17 Jun 2011
Forget about buying the cliché torch for Father’s Day, here are some truly innovative and affordable gadget lighting ideas…

Building activity up sharply
20 Jun 2011
Building activity in SA in the first four months of this year improved significantly according to statistics released by Absa.

Old Marine Drive to be closed in CT?
20 Jun 2011
The City of Cape Town may close parts of Old Marine Drive in the city centre and convert it into a precinct for public transport services.

Government won’t sign long leases
20 Jun 2011
The government is not signing long leases with listed property companies because these don’t comply with black economic empowerment initiatives.

Plan to rescue Cotswold Downs
20 Jun 2011
A plan to rescue investors in the bankrupt Cotswold Downs Development Company’s project in Hillcrest will be presented on Wednesday.

Financial pressure as rentals improve
20 Jun 2011
While financial pressures continue to hamper the property market, the rental sector improved this year with about 80% of tenants now paying on time.

Insulate your home in winter and save
20 Jun 2011
Insulation makes a home more energy-efficient while offering an affordable way to keep warmer in winter – and it’s easy to install yourself...

7 000 living on the streets of CT
21 Jun 2011
There are about 7 000 destitute people living in Cape Town’s central business district and the city wants to erect temporary facilities for them.

ANC reacts to land grab policies
21 Jun 2011
The ANC remains steadfast that the resolutions taken by the Youth League are not government policy and will not be implemented on a national level.

Lease agreement – let courts decide
21 Jun 2011
The Minister of Public Works says that the courts will have to decide on the validity of a lease agreement for new police headquarters at Middestad.

85% of sellers drop asking prices
21 Jun 2011
Property prices in the Western Cape are significantly depressed with 85% of those selling homes being forced to reduce asking prices.

Land grab pipe dream
21 Jun 2011
Paddy suggests that while Malema might be serious, he doesn’t think that too many other people in government will take him that seriously...

Innovative chalkboard ideas
21 Jun 2011
Making your own custom chalkboard is fun and easy and can be used in any room of the house. Here are some creative ideas you can copy...

The truth behind banging water pipes
21 Jun 2011
Does turning on the taps at home result in a loud banging noise? Find out the cause of the problem and how to put a stop to it for good...

Joburg inner city confidence rising?
22 Jun 2011
Confidence levels in CBD areas of Johannesburg continue to rise prompting higher levels of investment in the area, says property company Broll.

Nedbank finances Menlyn office park
22 Jun 2011
Nedbank has agreed to fund the R280m Menlyn Corporate Office Park being developed close to Tshwane’s largest shopping centre in Menlyn.

Illegal acts behind power failures
22 Jun 2011
Networks overloading from illegal connections and cable thefts have contributed to recent widespread power failures across Joburg.

Confidence in SA economy growing
22 Jun 2011
The property sector may benefit from a rise in consumer confidence and an increase in the number of people employed in formal jobs in South Africa.

How to keep your home germ-free
22 Jun 2011
Winter is when colds and flu are most rampant, but avoid getting ill by keeping your house as germ-free as possible. Here are some tips...

Distressed sales led by speculators
22 Jun 2011
Across SA, investors are moving distressed homes through the system far faster than lenders, according to Auction Alliance CEO Rael Levitt.

Your bond is the best place to save
22 Jun 2011
If on a home loan of R1m you paid R400 extra a month the savings in the long term would amount to around R147k, says a home loans expert.

Biggest fraud ever for EAAB?
23 Jun 2011
Between R20m and R40m has been lost after Constantia Sectional Title Managers allegedly misappropriated funds from 450 bodies corporate.

Inflation up but interest rates steady
23 Jun 2011
Consumer inflation levels rose to 4,6% in May but economists believe the figures will not prompt a rise in interest rates before next year.

Cape Town’s tourism industry hurting
23 Jun 2011
An over-supply of hotel accommodation in Cape Town and a drop in the number of foreign tourists coming to South Africa has hurt the tourist industry

Bishopscourt land restoration rejected
23 Jun 2011
The Land Claims Court has rejected an appeal by landowners in Bishopscourt who demanded that the land be restored to them after it was taken away.

CGT: Buying property from non-resident
23 Jun 2011
Those buying property from a non-resident must be aware that the onus is on them to withhold capital gains tax, says a Cape attorney.

Bedroom colour that works
23 Jun 2011
Colour choice is very important in the bedroom. Learn about colour inspiration and which combinations will work best in this space.

Dark wooden flooring
23 Jun 2011
Dark wooden floors create warmth and make a strong statement in your home. They can be used to set the style with a myriad of décor effects...

Prospective tenants lose deposits
24 Jun 2011
At least seven tenants appear to have been ripped-off by a “doctor” who demanded an R6k security deposit for a home that he claimed to own.

Development hurt by council chaos
24 Jun 2011
Johannesburg’s billing chaos has prevented developers from investing in the city according to the Property Owners’ and Managers’ Association.

Attorneys battle with e-filing system
24 Jun 2011
Conveyancing attorneys are getting more frustrated with the SARS e-filing system to pay the transfer duty on properties that have been sold.

3 ways to kill mould naturally
24 Jun 2011
Remove mould and mildew without the toxic chemicals. Make your own killing solution from the secret yet deadly items found in your home...

Revitalisation plans achieve nothing
24 Jun 2011
A R300m plan to rehabilitate a number of small towns in the Eastern Cape appears to have floundered two years after it was launched in the province.

Home maintenance pays when you sell
24 Jun 2011
Well maintained homes generally sell faster and for higher prices, so embark on a regular home maintenance programme from the day you move in...

Keep your sofa looking like new
24 Jun 2011
Sofas receive a lot of wear and tear and should be treated with proper care. Extend the life of your sofa with these useful tips...

Antique style décor
24 Jun 2011
Antique style décor offers a stylish, interesting, and warmer old-school charm. With little effort it’s relatively easy to create...

Joburg needs to clean up its act
27 Jun 2011
Paddy laments Joburg’s inefficiencies and says the city needs to clean up it’s act so investment can flow and its citizens can thrive...

R550m toilet contract canned?
27 Jun 2011
The portfolio committee of Human Settlements wants to cancel the second and third phase of a plan worth R550m to build toilets in 25 rural areas.

CT’s highways won’t be finished
27 Jun 2011
Cape Town has no intention of completing the freeways that surround the city and will invest its money in upgrading the public transport network.

Bo-Kaap not quite alcohol-free now
27 Jun 2011
The Bo-Kaap suburb in Cape Town is no longer alcohol-free as the Hilton Hotel is discreetly serving alcoholic beverages to its clients at the hotel.

Caring for and cleaning paintbrushes
27 Jun 2011
Cleaning your paint brushes thoroughly at the end of a painting session will ensure your brushes last longer. Here are some tips to guide you...

Luxury Melrose Arch apartments launch
27 Jun 2011
The third phase of the Melrose Arch mixed-use development has been launched with two penthouse apartments sold for R25,5m each.

EMA being abused for development
28 Jun 2011
A section of the Environmental Management Act is allegedly being used by companies to complete developments in environmentally sensitive areas.

Parents fight daughter for house
28 Jun 2011
A Durban couple are trying to prevent their disabled daughter from selling their house and evicting them so she can buy a new home in Australia.

White man wants his land back
28 Jun 2011
Expropriated land used to develop the Atlantis Township is at the centre of a land claim by Abraham Wallach who wants the land returned to him.

Paarl wine estate goes on auction 7/7
28 Jun 2011
A lifestyle property and wine estate in Paarl with boutique hotel, winery, cellar tasting centre and outdoor concert area is up for auction.

Prime profits for land claimants?
28 Jun 2011
A prime piece of land in Constantia, Cape Town, bought originally for £1,600, is worth at least R134m and can be sub-divided into 26 plots.

Buying property: How safe is the area?
28 Jun 2011
Before buying property be sure to take a good look around the neighbourhood and do your research properly. There's more to safety than crime...

Buying and ‘bonding’ together
28 Jun 2011
Aspirant property buyers struggling to get home loan approval might look at a co-ownership agreement with friends or family.

Land reforms goals revised
29 Jun 2011
The government will revise its 2014 land redistribution targets and will focus on creating productive working farms rather than handing over land.

Western Aqueduct project halted
29 Jun 2011
Durban’s water supplies could be threatened as contractors fight over the awarding of a contract for a new bulk water pipeline for the city.

NHBRC corruption probe undermined
29 Jun 2011
A woman who was supposed to investigate corruption at the NHBRC has allegedly colluded with the organisation, subverting the probe.

Machanik’s luxury home on auction
29 Jun 2011
Following a highly publicised legal battle, Wendy Machanik’s luxury Atholl home in Sandton will go under the hammer in an urgent sale on 15 July.

Court solution to conveyancing backlog
29 Jun 2011
The backlog in clearance certificates at the City of Joburg is estimated at 45,000 and conveyancers have now turned to the courts for resolution.

Adding class with glass
29 Jun 2011
Glass is a most versatile material, which can be used almost anywhere in and around the home. But here’s what you should know...

Steep electricity hikes from tomorrow
30 Jun 2011
South Africans can brace themselves for a sharp increase in electricity prices as municipalities around the country increase municipal charges.

Protestors damage low-cost flats
30 Jun 2011
A block of low-cost flats adjoining a complex of mine hostels in Dube has been seriously damaged by protestors claiming the flats are too expensive.

South Africans still rely on credit
30 Jun 2011
South Africans are still heavily reliant on credit but the National Credit Regulator says that applications for credit have dropped by 3% this year.

‘My Dream Home’ competition
30 Jun 2011
In support of Clicks for Bricks, Property24 and Jaci’s Lodges in Madikwe are rewarding fans for their dedication with this exciting competition...

Monthly talks for prospective agents
30 Jun 2011
The Western Cape Institute of Estate Agents is hosting monthly talks for those interested in a career as an estate agent.

Water pollution levels rising
30 Jun 2011
Poor sanitation and excessive water pollution are posing health risks for millions of South Africans according to researchers at Cape universities.

Rate hikes will dent property recovery
30 Jun 2011
Indications that the Reserve Bank might increase interest rates before the end of the year would curb the property market’s recovery.

Lovely laminate countertops
30 Jun 2011
Durable, hygienic and easy to clean, they are available in a wide variety of trendy colours, textures and profiles, and are also affordable...

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