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Articles published in September 2006

 
Langebaan estate sells 55% off plan
01 Sep 2006
Langebaan has been seeing superb growth over the last two years, with great movement in the market and an upsurge in new developments. The sale of more than half of the villas available at one of its developments is a testament to this.

Govt cuts 2010 stadium cost by 40%
01 Sep 2006
The design of the new Green Point Stadium is being reviewed after the national treasury asked that the cost of the stadium be slashed by 40% from the estimated R3.3bn. By Theuns van der Westhuizen

Focus shifts to lower price ranges
01 Sep 2006
The level of activity and confidence in the residential property market had suffered somewhat from the Reserve Bank's two recent interest rate increases of 50 base points each. By Elma Kloppers

UK: factors driving property demand
01 Sep 2006
There are many reasons why investors should look to spend money on property within the UK. UK and Europe property expert answers.

Vaal waterfront a good alternative
02 Sep 2006
Weekend properties on the banks of the Vaal River are very popular, and Vanderbijlpark is becoming a destination for buyers who work in and around Johannesburg but who want a more rural lifestyle for their families.

Radiokop's Barossa 70% sold out
02 Sep 2006
The three-phase Barossa development in Radiokop offers astute West Rand buyers structured pricing options. Barossa is priced in the early R800k bracket for a market segment that according to Kauffman is still highly "buyer aggressive".

Realistic prices bring back buyers
02 Sep 2006
A survey taken by the Rawson Property Group has shown that the long-awaited realism in the pricing of houses for sale is now taking place – and buyers' interest is consequently picking up.

R4,85m for Hermanus guest house
03 Sep 2006
A newly renovated guest house that fronts onto the Hermanus golf course is on the market.

Gordon's Bay flats under R500k
03 Sep 2006
Gordon Sands in Gordon's Bay offers apartments for under R500k.

R200m hotel on cards for Harties
03 Sep 2006
After various unsuccessful attempts over the past decade to lure hotel developers and operators to the shores of Hartbeespoort Dam, a four-star luxury hotel is now a certainty for the popular leisure destination. By Joan Muller

Cape development 85% sold out
04 Sep 2006
Highgrove development in the heart of Tokai, opposite the Blue Route Mall, is now 85% sold out.

Be a tenant as well as a landlord
04 Sep 2006
Living in a rented home instead of one you own is making more sense around the world, says the chairman of the national property managers.

NCape sub-division : prices rocket
04 Sep 2006
Land prices around the Northern Cape hamlet of Nieuwoudtville have rocketed since an enterprising developer began sub-dividing smallholdings there just over a year ago.

Cert. of Compliance needed by law
04 Sep 2006
There is much confusion surrounding the issue of a Certificate of Compliance, Beetle and Electrical Inspections expert answers.

Muizenberg attracts Gauteng money
05 Sep 2006
Although the property market in Muizenberg, False Bay, Western Cape is already experiencing a bloom, it will soon reach new heights following a brand new residential development. By Elma Kloppers

St Francis remains a national hit
05 Sep 2006
St Francis is popular among holidaymakers and investors because of its position on the Garden Route between Plettenberg Bay and Jeffrey's Bay. This has led a local agency to align itself with a well known SA estate group to increase its market...

PE geared for 2010 redevelopment
05 Sep 2006
Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape will be one of the host cities of the Soccer World Cup in 2010. The city recently shifted into a higher gear with regard to development in preparation for this important event. By Elma Kloppers

Rental bargains beginning to appear
05 Sep 2006
There are real opportunities emerging now for investors prepared to back their belief in the medium to long term merits of rental property ownership and who are able to carry the portion of home loan costs that will not be covered by current...

Sect. title offices a new option
05 Sep 2006
The recent emergence of the mixed use model in SA has led to immense demand for sectional title office and industrial properties. SA property group has introduced a mixed use office block that gives investors flexibility to design their internal...

B&B ventures demand good planning
05 Sep 2006
With the preference for boutique and customised accommodation growing among tourists in South Africa and 2010 now looming large, there are many investors seeking properties they can convert into Bed & Breakfast (B&B) guesthouses. Investors need...

Property globalization increasing
05 Sep 2006
There has been increased globalization of the property industry in recent times, with foreigners buying properties in South Africa and local buyers venturing offshore. Samuel Seeff believes that we are only scratching the surface.

Declining price growth continues
06 Sep 2006
Growth in house prices has continued a declining trend in August, bringing the average price of a house in the middle segment of the market to about R816 000. I-Net Bridge

Clifton apartment fetches R28m
06 Sep 2006
Hot on the heels of the recent sale of a Clifton Ridge bungalow for an unprecedented R31m, follows the sale of an apartment in a Clifton block for a record R28m.

Listed property now better value
06 Sep 2006
The property market is jittery ahead of Thursday's speeches by Manuel and Mboweni, and the probability of a further rate hike by 100 basis points before the end of 2006. This could result in listed property having better investment value than...

Off-plan buyers: tread with caution
06 Sep 2006
While off-plan buying activity remains high in and around Nelspruit, the provincial capital and commercial hub of Mpumalanga province, the rate of impulse buying is cooling down as buyers, some with burnt fingers, increasingly set their sights on...

Loft units offer ideal holiday home
06 Sep 2006
Situated between the town of Plettenberg Bay and the Tsitsikamma National Park, the Dunes@Keurbooms offers families the chance to own a holiday home in this sought-after area.

Win a diamond if you buy or sell
07 Sep 2006
Agents representing a national real estate agency are running a novel campaign whereby people buying or selling a property with them in two areas in the Cape, until 30 November this year, stand to win a diamond valued at R200k.

New look for Durban's old Ark
07 Sep 2006
Situated on a prime development site just off Point Road near the Durban harbour is a collection of now-derelict old buildings that were for many years known as The Ark - until recently a safe haven for homeless and desperate people. By Ingrid...

CT developer gets Asian Café tenant
07 Sep 2006
Eurocape have secured an authentic Asian fusion restaurant as one of the lead tenants in the nearly completed Mandela Rhodes lifestyle Place.

R2,5m options at Lake Michelle
07 Sep 2006
Lakeside living has been made easy with the launch of tailored plot and plan property packages at one of South Africa's largest eco-estates.

CT: Pinelands clusters selling fast
07 Sep 2006
The high prices of homes in gated communities in the Pinelands area near Cape Town are being sustained currently by very strong demand.

New golf course for Century Casinos
07 Sep 2006
Century Casinos Inc, through its South African subsidiary Blue Crane Signature Golf Estate, has entered into an agreement with South African golf professional Trevor Immelman to design an 18-hole signature golf course at Century Casinos' Caledon...

Suburb loyalty driven by its value
08 Sep 2006
The findings of a survey revealed that commitment to a suburb is linked to a large extent to the investment performance of its properties, suggesting that homeowners are likely to be more loyal and committed to their suburbs if their house has...

Average SA house needs R29k pm
08 Sep 2006
The fact that SA families now need to earn a monthly household income of R29 021 to be able to afford the average priced, mid-sized home clearly illustrates how much less affordable South Africa's residential property market has become over the...

Same finishes used in Dubai and CT
08 Sep 2006
Impossible architectural designs and futuristic city planning have become synonymous with Dubai, one of the world's leading business and travel destinations. The Burj al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel have become global symbols of humankind's...

Property now much longer term
08 Sep 2006
If you're hoping to make your fortune through residential property investment in a consolidating market, be willing to wait it out for at least five years before you even think of selling for a profit says Barak Geffen, Executive Director of...

New look for Durban's old Ark
08 Sep 2006
Situated on a prime development site just off Point Road near the Durban harbour is a collection of now-derelict old buildings that were for many years known as The Ark - until recently a safe haven for homeless and desperate people. By Ingrid...

'Ok' to invest solely in property
08 Sep 2006
A property industry leader believes the property market is a reliable investment avenue offering steady returns and security to investors.

Owner-building: very stressful
08 Sep 2006
With housing prices still at an all time high and interest rates set to climb 1% to 2% in the next few months, certain people are beginning to re-examine the possibility of building for themselves in the hope of making significant savings.

Exploring cheaper building options
08 Sep 2006
A new housing innovation hub project will use materials other than brick and mortar to test cheaper building options to bridge the gap in the housing market. By Ndaba Dlamini

Assemble a practical outdoor chair
08 Sep 2006
This durable and sturdy outdoor chair is an easy DIY project that can be done in a weekend. Home décor and DIY expert answers.

Clifton continues to break records
11 Sep 2006
Clifton continues to achieve the highest property prices in the country as moneyed buyers remain smitten with the suburb's spectacular sea views and relatively inaccessible homes - for which they are willing to pay almost anything.

Vast investment options in Jozi
11 Sep 2006
City officials used the second day of the infrastructure conference outlining investment opportunities in the property market, city buses, inner city regeneration, sporting facilities, tourism ventures and the upgrading of water infrastructure in...

Franschhoek : R40m in 'slow' market
11 Sep 2006
At a time when most people are finding a slowing in the property market, and certainly at traditionally the slowest moving time of the year for sales, Franschhoek has provided SA real estate group record sales of just under R40m for July.

FNB project building homes in Soweto
11 Sep 2006
Demand for residential property in the townships has seen First National Bank's home loan sales soar by more than 20% in the bank's multi-million rand housing project in Glen Ridge, Soweto, over the past three months.

US slump could affect SA
11 Sep 2006
There is a potential indirect impact to come in the local housing market from the US property slowdown says FNB's property economist John Loos. By Evan Pickworth

Property cooling is global
11 Sep 2006
It's not only in South Africa that a cooling down in residential property is being experienced. It's an international phenomenon and confirms that one of the largest synchronised property booms yet experienced is coming to an end. That's shown by...

Listed property: timing not easy
11 Sep 2006
Timing any investment in listed shares presents some difficulties, not least of which is the lack of a predicative model to assess troughs and peaks of the cycle, and is generally regarded by investment analysts and asset managers as too risky to...

Global property markets changing
11 Sep 2006
Times in the real estate industry are occurring on both a local and international scale, and realtors need to be prepared and change tactics.

British prices increase quickest
12 Sep 2006
London. - In August, house prices in Britain enjoyed the fastest annual growth rate in two years. A poll released yesterday indicates that the Bank of England's unexpected interest rate increase earlier this month is yet to make an impression on...

Historical CT cottage renovated
12 Sep 2006
One of the oldest homes in Fresnaye is currently being renovated for sale - and the architect has aimed for a modern twist.

Margate prices
12 Sep 2006
As far as the local property market is concerned, Mastenbroek says prices are bottoming out after the frenetic growth of the past two years. "This means that there are now excellent opportunities for investors. Sellers are more willing to...

Residents need to stay involved
12 Sep 2006
One of the conclusions drawn from the data gathered by a recent Ask Afrika survey was that homeowners needed to play a more active role in SA.

Shelly Beach still key growth point
12 Sep 2006
Over the past few years the coastal town of Shelly Beach has experienced steady growth across all spheres of the property spectrum whether commercial or residential, including beachfront holiday apartments.

REIT still a long way off
12 Sep 2006
Property analysts say it could take between three and six years before South Africa's listed property stocks are likely to convert from property loan stocks (PLSs) and property unit trusts (PUTs) to the much talked about real estate investment...

Capital gains tax issues clarified
12 Sep 2006
The introduction of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on property has focused attention on two difficult issues; whether to claim from the taxman for the use of a home office and what to do about the profits realised from the sub-division of land.

Investing in leisure and lifestyle
12 Sep 2006
Trend studies indicate that fractional home ownership is becoming increasingly popular, particularly at the luxury-end of the market.

Kyalami homes : still strong demand
13 Sep 2006
There is still strong demand in many areas for well-conceived and implemented property developments, judging by the success being enjoyed by the cluster village recently launched by Sable Homes in its Kyalami Glen estate.

Stilbaai's entire point for sale
13 Sep 2006
Leven Point is a pristine, wild and beautiful rocky point 3,5 hours drive from Cape Town, just at the start of the world famous Garden Route. It comprises about 22 ha of Cape fynbos tumbling down to meet the Indian Ocean - a fisherman's dream...

Sabi eco estate launches in Hazyview
13 Sep 2006
Sabi River Eco Estate, just beyond Hazyview in the Sabi River Valley Mpumalanga, offers true eco-estate living with only a certain portion being developed for residential purposes while the rest is dedicated to nature preservation.

'Big five' reserve stands limited
13 Sep 2006
With the installation of services now commencing and the introduction of wildlife also well under way at the Gondwana Game Reserve, a Big Five private reserve situated near Mossel Bay on the Garden Route, more than half of the total of 96...

Luxury property sector still active
13 Sep 2006
While others start to steer clear of the luxury property sector, SA real estate group is demonstrating its confidence in the Atlantic Seaboard market with the opening of a new office in Camps Bay.

Tzaneen lifestyle in demand
13 Sep 2006
The second largest town in Limpopo Province, Tzaneen is the economic and trading hub of the area, providing accommodation, jobs and commodities to the more than 700 000 people who live in and around it. It's also currently one of the province's...

What to look out for when dealing with 'international' agents
13 Sep 2006
Linda Erasmus, chief executive officer of Fine & Country South Africa, explains what investors should look out for when dealing with "International" real estate groups in South Africa and abroad.

A glimpse into future décor trends
14 Sep 2006
Once a year design and décor fundis flock to Milan, the world's furniture capital, to learn about the latest trends, ideas and innovation in furniture design. Here are some of the most interesting trends that were showcased at the 2006 Milan...

Kirstenbosch evictees get 12,35ha
14 Sep 2006
In May 2002 a total amount of R805 000,00 was handed to 46 former tenants who opted for the Standard Settlement Offer for tenancy rights lost at the time of dispossession. Since this handover ceremony, negotiations with the City of Cape Town, the...

20 townships get housing options
14 Sep 2006
A new programme to be unveiled on 13 September aims to provide alternative housing to backyard shacks that have become an eyesore in 20 townships around Gauteng. By Tammy O'Reilly

London expo: R10m SA property sold
14 Sep 2006
More than R10m worth of SA residential properties were sold during the Homes Overseas exhibition at Earls Court in London earlier this month.

The SA-Latvia link
14 Sep 2006
Property prices are currently rising faster in the former "Eastern Europe" bloc than anywhere worldwide. However, there's no general indication of an excessively inflated "bubble". Rather, the situation is in some ways analogous to conditions in...

Grand complex set in East London
14 Sep 2006
East London, the Nahoon Mouth area, is set to be the site of a chic upmarket apartment complex,The Furstenburg Grand. The residential development will be built in an outstanding location, which lends itself to the best in ultra-modern living.

Superb studio living in Rondebosch
14 Sep 2006
A newly-completed apartment building launched to market in Rondebosch, Cape Town, is offering a handful of buyers the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds; a trendy and luxurious modern urban lifestyle, set within a genteel suburban...

Get pre-qualified for a mortgage
14 Sep 2006
In the property game there are two ideal scenarios; a serious seller who is happy to price their property competitively or a serious buyer with a clear idea of what they want. In these scenarios the chances of matching buyer and seller are...

Building imports from China 'cheaper'
14 Sep 2006
"Made in China" is a label associated with virtually every kind of consumer product now available in South Africa, and the building industry is no exception. Depending on whether you are a consumer or a local manufacturer of building industry...

Amateur landlords could hit a snag
14 Sep 2006
With interest rates likely to rise before the year-end, a new era is being entered into in the South African residential property letting market. The rise in yuppies investing in housing has led to an increased number of inexperienced landlords...

Homeowners shun fixed rates
15 Sep 2006
Despite banks aggressively punting fixed rate options on mortgages, with some even expanding their offering from the standard 12-, 18- and 24-months to five-year periods, the R600bn South African mortgage market has yet to see any meaningful...

WCape subsidy misdeeds total R4,9m
15 Sep 2006
The Auditor-General's performance audit on the approval and allocation of housing subsidies by the Western Cape Department of Housing has highlighted irregularities of almost R4,9m in subsidy allocation.

New innovations in home loans
15 Sep 2006
South African homeowners will soon have access to a range of new generation home loan products as increased competition in the massive R612 bn mortgage lending industry prompts major banks and other lenders to offer clients more choice and...

Last Dbnville development land goes
15 Sep 2006
The upmarket suburb of Eversdal Heights in Durbanville is set to get a small new gated village comprising only 10 plots. Called Wild Fig Estate, this is the last development of vacant plots that will be developed in this sought after area of...

SMEs struggle to secure finance
15 Sep 2006
Statistically South Africa has a very low number of entrepreneurs, with the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report showing that only 1.3% of adults are running their own businesses; these are businesses that employ more than one...

Price still drives choice of suburb
15 Sep 2006
When it comes to choosing a suburb in which to live, there are a few basic criteria that regularly influence property buying decisions. These include proximity to good schools and place of work, lifestyle choices, and last but not least,...

Pinelands market remains attractive
15 Sep 2006
The property market in Pinelands is still extremely active, despite the recent interest rate hikes. This can be attributed to the fact that the suburb is central and close to the CBD and airport.

Office sect. title investors warned
15 Sep 2006
With house prices at an all time high in real estate terms, investors are looking for rewards in commercial and industrial properties. More interest is being shown in sectional-title office and industrial schemes because they allow entry into...

Residential building activity slower
15 Sep 2006
There are signs of residential construction activity slowing for larger houses, but booming factory and office activity are evidence of growth on the productive side of the economy. By Evan Pickworth

KZN's South Coast still building
18 Sep 2006
Kuta Beach, La Mer, Rockaway and Monterey residential developments, comprising a total of 89 units, are nearing completion on the KwaZulu-Natal lower south coast.

'Death bonds' not necessarily evil
18 Sep 2006
Nedbank's latest home loan offering has sparked quite some debate in the local media. Although old hat in the UK, US and Australian markets, the equity release mortgage also elicited some criticism internationally.

New lifestyle option for WCape
18 Sep 2006
Phase one of Somerset Links near Strand and Somerset Mall has been completed and interest is running high, reports Monté Jordaan of development marketers Multi Projects.

Hotel in Portugal for sale: 1.3m €
18 Sep 2006
The partners of Hotel Solar dos Marcos, located in Portugal, are interested in finding an investing partner...

Bargains to be found in Brakpan
18 Sep 2006
The Brakpan property market has leveled off this year to a steady tempo compared with the headlong growth at the peak of the recent boom.

Rm's for PE beachfront property
18 Sep 2006
The last beachfront redevelopment opportunity in the up market Port Elizabeth suburb of Summerstrand, came under the gavel at a well-attended auction held at the Beach Hotel in the city on Wednesday, September 13.

Soweto : 200 hotel rooms by 2008
18 Sep 2006
The rapid transformation of Soweto is set to gain further momentum when the township's first luxury four-star hotel opens later this year as part of the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, a mixed-use precinct initiated by the...

Value of building plans up
18 Sep 2006
The value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities (at current prices) during the first seven months of 2006 increased by 13.7% (+R4.930,6 million) compared with the first seven months of 2005, Statistics South Africa said on...

The fixing conundrum
18 Sep 2006
With the recent interest rate hikes we have seen a huge increase in the number of enquiries from clients asking whether they should fix their rates.

Get a foothold in UK property
19 Sep 2006
As a result of the acute housing shortage in the South East of England, there is a real danger that many young people will never be able to own a home in their lifetime. Prices have escalated beyond the average "first time buyers" ability to buy...

Sect. Title situation fast improving
19 Sep 2006
A reader writes in to shed some light on changes that are resulting in improvements in sectional title problems.

Plett units offer solid investment
19 Sep 2006
The Plettenberg Bay area is considered as the pearl of the Garden Route. The area offers immeasurable value both in terms of lifestyle attractions and the capital return on investment properties. With its Mediterranean climate and internationally...

Low-end suburbs set to grow further
19 Sep 2006
Most housing analysts agree that the days of 20% to 30% growth in house prices/year are over with average growth likely to slow to less than 10% next year. Most also agree that cheaper suburbs offer far better growth potential than the luxury...

Umhlanga Ridge yields high interest
19 Sep 2006
Interest in the Umhlanga New Town Centre is reaching frenetic proportion as investors realise the potential for increased growth in the area.

Township deeds registration lacking
19 Sep 2006
One-fifth of South Africa's population today lives in townships of one kind or another and this is where the bulk of property transactions and the most spectacular value increases will be experienced within the next five to ten years.

Private island: your #1 investment
19 Sep 2006
For centuries the rich and famous have owned private islands, but while the picture of palm trees, white beaches and turquoise waters is alluring, profit is an even greater allure. During the past 20 years the demand for private islands has grown...

Overcapitalization risks rising
19 Sep 2006
In today's property market, with its high prices and rising interest rates, an increasing number of individuals are opting to upgrade their current premises rather than buy a new property.

Taming the renovation tiger
19 Sep 2006
If you long to renovate your home but have nightmares about the time, money and inconvenience involved, you are not alone. The MD of an SA property group discusses how to tackle the biggest renovation fears; crooks, money, disappointment and...

KZN's new enviro-living option
20 Sep 2006
Work has begun on a new eco-sensitive development project located in a pristine Kwazulu-Natal wildlife habitat just North of Howick in the Nottingham Road/Balgowan area.

Melrose Arch 'unstoppable'
20 Sep 2006
The vision for Johannesburg's Melrose Arch to accommodate offices, retail and leisure opportunities together with the adjacent residential areas to form a genuinely integrated urban experience in a single precinct has proved unstoppable. By Kara...

No decision on George forest yet
20 Sep 2006
The Water Affairs and Forestry Ministry has not yet taken a decision to reverse a five-year old decision by cabinet to decommission about 45,000 hectares of forested land near George in the Western Cape, Water Affairs and Forestry Minister...

Baltic states have much to offer
20 Sep 2006
Emerging investment markets in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have some of the best places to invest in property overseas.

Zoning limits preserve the Midlands
20 Sep 2006
For as long as the Midlands Meander is zoned for agriculture and tourism, and not for residential development, the uMngeni Municipality is restricting occupation of multiple residences built in the country area to normal agricultural use. ...

More luxury apartments for Umhlanga
20 Sep 2006
Despite increasing interest rates, luxury apartments are still in demand in areas such as upmarket Umhlanga, where a building contractor is close to completing a new development comprising 72 units.

Foreign consortium wins V&A bid
21 Sep 2006
The L&R Consortium, which has British, South African and Dubai elements, has been named by Transnet as the successful bidder for the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. By Donwald Pressly, I-Net Bridge

Melrose Arch 'unstoppable'
21 Sep 2006
Development in Jozi's Melrose Arch is unstoppable, with its newest addition due late in 2007 and valued at R165m. By Kara Michaels

Market conditions favouring tenants
21 Sep 2006
With the markets for commercial and industrial property looking decidedly under-supplied and rentals set to rise strongly as a result, now would be a good time for many tenants to lock into new leases.

New airport to boost Dbn North value
21 Sep 2006
With the building of the La Mercy airport starting next year and with prices still rising at a healthy rate, the Durban North region has much to look forward to in terms of growth prospects.

Foreigners: problem or opportunity?
21 Sep 2006
Foreign Africans are overtaking locals, in number, as the biggest population groups in South Africa's inner cities and there is a danger of violence against them taking off. It is said that foreign Africans present our cities with opportunity and...

Listed apartment funds viable
21 Sep 2006
South Africa has an opportunity to address its housing shortage by forming listed apartment funds similar to those in the United States. By Joan Muller

Residential prices continue to slow
22 Sep 2006
The increases in residential real estate prices continued to slow during the course of 2006, the South African Reserve Bank said on Thursday. I-Net Bridge

Strong interest in Gordons Bay
22 Sep 2006
Interest in realistically priced property is on the rise, especially in view of interest hikes and first-time buyers' awareness of getting a foot in the door during a relatively quiet time in the property market.

$75m for island next to Mel Gibson
22 Sep 2006
The most expensive island in the world is for sale, giving the buyer a chance to be Mel Gibson's neighbour, as he owns Mago Island, just 30km away.

Auctioneering draws focused buyers
22 Sep 2006
Auctioneering is one of a plethora of marketing methods available to estate agents in selling a property, but only makes up a small percentage of the market. The auction approach is particularly attractive to determined buyers interested in a...

JHI and Gensec in R150m merger
22 Sep 2006
JHI Real Estate and Gensec last week announced a R150m merger deal that will result in the creation of one of the largest property services groups in the country, with assets under management worth about R20bn. By Nick Wilson

Foreign interest in property rising
22 Sep 2006
It seems that there's renewed appetite for SA residential property from overseas buyers following a dip earlier this year after Government announced that it may introduce restrictions on foreign property ownership. By Joan Muller

Const. Court building wins award
24 Sep 2006
The building housing the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein has won the highest accolade in architecture - an Award for Excellence conferred by the SA Institute of Architects' (SAIA) - for its African architecture and people-friendly...

Mining stimulates Witbank market
24 Sep 2006
The Witbank property market is currently experiencing fast growth thanks to increased activity at the local coalmines and re-commissioned power stations.

House price growth to reduce in '07
26 Sep 2006
FNB property economist John Loos feels that average house price inflation will recede to single digit figures in 2007 and new residential stock will taper off but that as the interest rate cycle turns in 2008 a recovery could be on the cards in...

CT : Exec rental suite on sale
26 Sep 2006
The Chairman's Suite, a stunning executive rental flat in Cape Town's fashionable inner city Mutual Heights, has come on to the market as a result of lack of demand for short-term rentals. By Glenda Nevill

CT: Commercial bldg 'could be flats'
26 Sep 2006
There is currently much interest in renovating old commercial buildings, and converting them to trendy lofts or upmarket apartments. A building presently on the market looks as if it might be going full circle, from residential to commercial and...

Cutting commission 'not always good'
26 Sep 2006
Ronald Ennik, chief operating officer of Pam Golding Properties and head of its Gauteng operations, has cautioned home sellers to be circumspect about cut rate commissions.

The future of SA's property industry
26 Sep 2006
South Africa's economy, not withstanding recent upward changes in the interest rate, is sound and on track for ongoing growth...

Foreigners flocking to New Zealand
27 Sep 2006
Although parallels are often drawn between the lifestyle offerings of New Zealand and South Africa, this Pacific island is successfully attracting a host of skilled professionals who are investing in property and assisting in rapidly transforming...

US sales drop 'worst in years'
27 Sep 2006
Washington - Sales of existing homes fell for the fifth consecutive month in August as the once-booming US housing market slowed further. Sapa

Smallholdings take off in WCape area
27 Sep 2006
The revival of interest in smallholdings in the Helderberg Basin is reaching new heights according to the Licensee of an SA real estate group; Kobus Lubbe.

Nelspruit: demand exceeds supply
27 Sep 2006
There is a great demand for all types of properties in the Lowveld areas of Nelspruit and White River. The greatest need is for properties in the entry-level category and at the moment there are not enough properties to satisfy this need.

New security estate for Dbnville
27 Sep 2006
A new estate in Durbanville is being positioned as a security development. The estate has electrified perimeter fencing, 24-hour guarded access control, CCTV camera system monitoring access to the estate, as well as an alarm network with a...

Overseas investors eyeing Durban
27 Sep 2006
Up to 30 percent of property buyers looking at Durban at present are overseas investors, and the bulk of enquiries are coming via the internet, indicating a sophisticated level of buyer.

Upgrading still a viable move
27 Sep 2006
Even in the current market, with interest rates and bond repayments set to rise again before the end of the year, there are still homeowners seeking to upgrade to bigger and more expensive properties.

Old Lion Match factory: big plans
27 Sep 2006
Plans for the Old Lion Match Factory development in Observatory, Cape Town, have been unveiled. Built in the 1920s in the grand style of the times, the historic buildings will remain while the later additions will make way for a contemporary...

London prices rising
27 Sep 2006
There are some big bonus payments floating around the city of London at the moment. Property investors are jumping on to the band wagon.

Dbn's Point waterfront sold out
28 Sep 2006
Anyone looking to buy and develop land in the Durban Point area will have to wait for the anticipated release of additional land during the first quarter of 2007, since all stands made available for purchase during the first phase of the...

DBN Point rentals 'slow'
28 Sep 2006
Cranes may dot the skyline and the once-derelict area emerging phoenix-like into a multi-billion-rand property showcase, but rentals in the Durban Point waterfront are not yet reflecting the long-term potential.

Dbn Point 'active'
28 Sep 2006
While investors snap up options on Durban's new Point waterfront, owners are struggling to let them. By Ingrid Smit for Property24.com

CT's Icon to hold open day: 1 Oct
28 Sep 2006
Cape Town's Icon has an Open Day for interested viewers on Sunday 1 October 2006. The distinctive architecture of the Icon(left) is set to have a massive impact on Cape Town's 'skyscape'.

London prices rising
28 Sep 2006
There are some big bonus payments floating around the city of London at the moment. Property investors are jumping on to the band wagon.

World cup offers rental promise
28 Sep 2006
With all the excitement around the build-up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, speculators may be hoping to make a quick buck by renting accommodation to visiting soccer fans. However, the real spin-offs could really be seen before the tournament...

Pretoria flats for R5k deposit
28 Sep 2006
At the recent launch of the new Leandre Village complex in Pretoria North, there was much interest from buyers in the initial four units, with one selling at the launch.

R115m for new Coega head office
28 Sep 2006
The R115-million contract for the new head office of the Coega Development Corporation has been awarded to Grinaker-LTA. The building is located at the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) near Port Elizabeth. This six-storey office building...

Lots of foreign enquiries coming in
28 Sep 2006
The beneficial impact of foreign investment in SA property should not be under-estimated, especially in the face of early indications that such investment will increase this summer.

Coega fuelling Bluewater Bay market
29 Sep 2006
Bluewater Bay, a small and picturesque enclave in Port Elizabeth, is set to become one of the fastest growing residential nodes in the city.

Stellenbosch clusters: 5% deposit
29 Sep 2006
An upmarket, secure cluster village with both a residential and commercial element on Welgevonden Estate in Stellenbosch offers upmarket finishes and convenience for the owner or investor.

Oversupply hampers CT rentals
29 Sep 2006
The growing number of conversions and developments, compounded by an excess supply of properties, throughout Cape Town was putting pressure on rentals.

Accurate pricing 'vital' for sales
29 Sep 2006
The percentage of sales taking place below asking price in the greater Durban area is nearly 80 percent. Accurate comparative market analyses (CMAs) are thus essential for setting realistic prices.

Celebrity décor event for child welfare
29 Sep 2006
The Heart of The Home Channels' 2nd Charity Décor event in aid of the Johannesburg Child Welfare Society is due to be held on 25th October. Book your seat now.

Fractional ownership 'not timeshare'
29 Sep 2006
Fractional ownership is one of the latest trends to come out of the property industry that's allowing foreigners and locals to buy a share in luxury properties that they might otherwise never have been able to afford.

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