Any equilibrium achieved within the Property Market, after more than a year of lockdown restrictions, is now in flux as South Africa grapples with the impact of violent protests.
READ: SA unrest will now 'force buyers to think twice'
South Africa's property market has been the shiny star in a dark period of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, midway through 2021, the number of transactions are decreasing quarter on quarter.
According to Lightstone Property data, a total of 40 696 bond registrations were recorded at the Deeds Office over the period of April to June 2021. The RE/MAX National Housing Reports reveal that this figure is 26% down from last quarter and, understandably, 603% up on Q2 2020’s figures.
“The second quarter of 2020 saw the Deeds Office closure which meant that hardly any transactions were processed for three whole months. This was followed by a period of unprecedented activity as low interest rates and pent-up demand drove the number of sales through the roof. This period of hyperactivity lasted longer than expected. However, looking at this quarter’s figures, it seems as though things might just be returning to usual, " says Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett.
He believes that while the Deeds Office has finally caught up with the backlog of registrations that resulted from its closure in the earlier stages of lockdown, there is now a healthy level of caution from buyers.
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"Another reason might be that activity is simply returning to pre-lockdown levels as is to be expected within the natural ebb and flow of demand,” Goslett suggests.
The number of transfers (both bonded and unbonded) recorded at the Deeds Office between April to June amounted to 58,846*. This amount is 22% down on the figures recorded in Q1 2021. However, compared to the mere 5,941 recorded in Q2 2020, the figure grew by 891%.
Of the 58,846 transfers, a total of 29,644* freehold properties and 14,692* sectional title units were sold countrywide (these figures exclude estates, farms, and land only transfers). The number of freehold properties registered increased by 666% YoY and shrunk by 21% QoQ. Sectional titles increased by over 1000% YoY but shrunk by 26% QoQ.
House Prices Remain Steady
According to Lightstone Property data, the nationwide average price of sectional titles for Q2 2021 is R1,043,613 and the nationwide average price of freehold homes is R1,323,235.
When reviewing the figures from previous RE/MAX National Housing Reports, the price of sectional titles grew by 9% YoY and 2% QoQ. Freehold properties grew by 5% when compared to Q1 2021 and by 19% when compared to Q2 2020. According to Lightstone, year-to-date, the Average Price Changes per annum for sectional titles is 5% and 9% for freehold properties.
“With inflation sitting at 5,2% in May from 4,4% in April, property price appreciation (particularly among freehold title holders) is still holding steady against inflation despite the volatility of the economy as we battle through the pandemic,” Goslett remarks.
Lightstone Property data also reveals that the average bond amount granted during this period amounted to R1,247,000. The RE/MAX National Housing Reports reflect that this is an increase of 1% since last quarter and of 26% since Q2 2020.
Activity remains the same within price brackets
Sales priced between R800,000 and R1,5 million continue to account for the largest portion at 27.1%* of all transfers occurring in Q2 2021. Following this figure were transfers priced below R400,000 which now account for 24%* of all transfers in Q2. Transfers between R400,000-R800,000 follow close behind this at 23.1%* of the total transfers. Sales between R1,5 million to R3 million accounted for 19.4%* and those priced above R3 million accounted for 6.5%* of the total transfers this quarter.
"Conditions can change in a heartbeat and so it is impossible to predict with any certainty how the property market will perform going forward. That being said, real estate will always be a sound investment strategy when looking for long-term returns,” says Goslett.
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