Monday, April 6, 2009

Boland/Overberg Rentals Market Growing

The information in this article is courtesy of Property24 (Rental market growing in Overberg – 6 April 2009).

The Western Cape’s Boland and Overberg regions are currently experiencing a high demand for rental property, while most other markets are struggling due to tough economical conditions.

According to Nic Campher, Pam Golding Properties B&O Rentals Manager, the busiest and most expensive area within this region is the Franschhoek/Paarl area, with very few lets under R5K a month and a majority of lets over R8K per month with some lets going up to R35K per month.

The Helderberg area, in particular Somerset West and Strand attract high rentals and are popular amongst young couples and single parents seeking security.

Hermanus, Gansbaai and Onrus are popular seasonal and holiday rental areas with many holiday homeowners opting to rent out their homes to help pay off their bonds.

Average prices for rentals in:
Franschhoek/Paarl Area – R5K- R35K
Somerset West – R3,500 – R30K
Strand/ Gordon’s Bay – R2,000 – R10K
Hermanus – around R6K
Gansbaai – R1,500 – R3,500

Buy vacant land in Bredasdorp

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

FINANCIAL SERVICES GIANT PARTNERS WITH REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Financial services giant Sanlam and real estate investment holding company Jigsaw have joined forces to help consumers gain entry into an increasingly tough property market.

The newly formed business unit, Sanlam Home Solutions, will serve as a mortgage originator for amongst others Sanlam clients as well as clients of Jigsaw real estate networks.

Jigsaw CEO Neville McIntyre says Sanlam Home Solutions will offer comprehensive bond origination services to buyers, sellers or those wanting to rent that will ultimately pave the way to home ownership.

“As an approachable, responsible and resourceful company, Sanlam Home Solutions will significantly increase the consumer's confidence of entering the property market,” he says.

Anton Gildenhuys, CE: Sanlam Personal Finance Strategic Business Development, says against the backdrop of tighter lending criteria, the global credit crisis and non bank lenders exiting the home loan market, Sanlam saw an opportunity for a financial institution with a long-term view to form a partnership to assist consumers realising their dreams of home ownership.

“Clients will not only be serviced by a knowledgeable,professional Sanlam Home Solutions consultant, but Sanlam Home Solutions will also provide the client access to a professional financial planner who can conduct a comprehensive financial needs analysis and address the clients financial needs around home ownership at the time and into the future. This gives Sanlam the opportunity to assist clients making one of their most critical financial decisions” says Anton.

Sanlam Home Solutions bond origination services include:
- Providing pre-assessments for home loans for potential home buyers;
- Sourcing the best bonds from banks and financial institutions; and
- Offering long-term support for home buyers.

Buy property for sale in Cape Agulhas

Friday, March 13, 2009

RE/MAX Encourages “Lights Out”

The information in this article is courtesy of News24 (RE/MAX light out for Earth Day – 13 March 2009)

RE/MAX is joining the fight against climate change by encouraging 1 million South African households to switch off lights in their homes on March 28 at 20:30 in support of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) global Earth Hour 2009 campaign.

According to Adrian Goslett, RE/Max assistant regional director, they will use their national database of home owners, buyers and sellers to encourage South African families to sign up at the Earch Hour section of the RE/Max corporate website, and to then show support by switching lights off in their homes during Earth Hour.

RE/MAX will also commit its marketing and communications infrastructures during March to raise awareness for Earth Hour 2009. The real-estate group has been part of this initiative for the last 2 years.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when more than 2.2 million families and businesses turned off their lights. One year later, Earth Hour reached 370 cities and towns in more than 35 countries across 18 time zones.

Buy Property in Bredasdorp

Monday, March 2, 2009

AGULHAS OFFERS SEASIDE LIVING FOR 10% LESS THAN 2007

For those who dream of replacing city living with a coastal lifestyle, Cape Agulhas, the little town at the southern-most tip of Africa, has a range of homes on offer for up to 10 percent less than they would have cost a year ago.

According to Strepies van Wyk, principal of Realty 1 International Property Group in Cape Agulhas, there are currently a number of excellent seaside (and nearby) buys in the area, which comprises Struisbaai, L’Agulhas, Arniston, Bredasdorp and Napier. These range from an affordable R325 000 to R11 000 000.

“They would all have sold for more in 2007 than their current asking price and will experience a renewed capital growth surge when the market regains its momentum, which we’re anticipating happening from April 2009,” she says.

Good vacant land buys include an elevated plot in a popular, established area, for R385 000. Similar pieces of land have sold for up to R550 000, she tells. For the well-heeled, there’s a rare 16.8ha small holding with 450 metres of seafrontage that extends up to the high water mark for R11million.

In the apartment sector, best buys include a four bedroom, two bathroom flat for R1, 25 million and a furnished first floor unit for R2, 45 million, both of which boast ocean views.

Bargains at entry level in the housing sector include a 153 m² three bedroom home with separate outside guest suite. While it doesn’t look out over the waves, it is affordably priced at R855 000. Also competitively priced at R995 000 is a three bedroom house in the centre of the town yet close to the beach.

According to Van Wyk, excellent value for money and a fair amount of choice of homes with sea views is currently to be had in the R1 million to R2 million price range. With rental demand for both permanent and holiday accommodation rising steadily in the area, these are also potentially good investment properties, she adds.

For those with more spending power and want to get into the lucrative guest house sector, one of the area’s most successful B & B establishments, now celebrating its tenth year in business, is on the market. At R3, 5 million, the six bedroom, six bathroom American sugar plantation-style house is very well priced, she says, particularly since it overlooks the quaint Struisbaai harbour.

Upwards of R4 million will buy “one of the best positioned properties in Struisbaai. “What makes this home so attractive is that there is no road between it and the sea,” she says. In all, it consists of four bedrooms, three bathrooms and well-planned living area.

There’s also a “competitively” priced 120 hectare property with 2km of river frontage and its own private slipway. Comprising main house, guest cottage, labourer’s house, garages and an office building, permission has been granted for the building of a further three houses, which she says leaves the door wide open to numerous possibilities for the future owner.
Says Van Wyk: “Property in the Overberg area is without a doubt some of the most ideally situated in terms of beautiful natural surroundings, safety and healthy climate. The area lies on the southernmost tip of the African continent, surrounded by mountains, oceans, and endless stretches of fragrant fynbos, which makes it totally unique. This will ensure excellent long-term growth for its real estate as well as an idyllic lifestyle.”

Buy Bredasdorp property

Sunday, February 1, 2009

South Africa’s Most Expensive Properties

Last year a list of the 12 most expensive properties sold in South Africa was released by iAfrica. We all know that South Africa is a very sought after destination and the rich has no problem paying for properties here. These pricey properties all offer glorious views along with luxury amenities like butlers, spas and fully equipped gyms.

Number 12:
Simbithi Eco Estate near Ballito in KwaZulu Natal comes in at number twelve with a price tag of R30.15 million. Among the many luxuries here you will find an 18-hole Matkovitch designed golf course, an equestrian centre and an adventure playground.

Number 11:
This property can be found in Hyde Park Johannesburg and costs R32 million. The area is known for being tranquil and offers quick access to some of the most prestigious shops and boutiques in the southern hemisphere.

Number 10
Located in Douglasdale, Johannesburg and priced at R33-million, this property is a nature lover’s paradise with excellent bird watching, hiking and horse riding facilities.

Number 9:
Located in the Sandhurst – known as the wealthiest suburbs in South Africa – this home in Sandton costs 33.5 million. Its prime location means it is close to the Sandton CBD, Sandton City and an array of distinguished private schools.

Number 8:
This property is located in Bishopscourt in Cape Town and costs a staggering R34.25 million. It is located close to several top private schools and right next to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Number 7:
Costing R45 million, this Morningside home is located close to the Sandton area.

Number 6:
You know that you’ve made the Big Time when you own a house in Clifton. The number 6 most expensive property in South Africa is located in this suburb of Cape Town. It offers you access to one of the top beaches in the world and is set against the backdrop of the majestic Table Mountain.

Number 5:
This property is located in Newlands – and upmarket suburb of Cape Town – and costs R52.5 million. It is located close to top private schools.

Number 4 and 3:
Both of these properties are located in Johannesburg in Morningside and Sandhurst and cost R57 million and R59 million.

Number 2:
Located just below Chapman’s Peak, this stunning R106 million historic estate called De Goede Hoop is owned by Scottish billionaire, Irvine Laidlaw.

Number 1:
Property magnate, Sol Kerzner cashed in on the most expensive property in South Africa worth R110 million. This one of three penthouses located in the V&A Waterfront has dramatic views of the surrounding Table Mountain, harbour and Robben Island and comes with top of the range amenities.

Buy property in Napier

Monday, December 29, 2008

Pros and Cons of Selling Privately

In tough economic times many sellers are trying to cut costs by selling privately. This might be an easy way to save money or to bring your asking price down but one should consider the pros and cons carefully before you DIY:

The advantages of selling privately are:
* You do not have to pay an agent any commission meaning you can offer a better price. In doing so you have a better chance of selling your property.
* As the homeowner you know your house better than anyone else. This means you can point out all the positives in and around your property.
* Because some new light was shed on agent's doing shady business deals, sellers has become more cynical. When selling privately you can rest assured that this won't happen.
* The internet has made advertising easy and affordable. It has also made it easy to find out the exact value of your house and its great for comparing prices to other properties.
* Some homeowners are good at driving a hard bargain. They take pride in their sales skills which results in them selling their property in no time.

If you are interested in selling privately you might want to consider these disadvantages:
* Sometimes homeowners can pay a lot for ads in newspapers. This means that they have to dig into there savings before they are guaranteed that their property will be sold.
* Buyers have the tendency to point out drawbacks while haggling for a better price. This wears you out emotionally because your home gets criticized by almost every potential buyer.
* Most DIY sellers lack the legal and negotiating skills necessary to sell a property.

Buy property in Cape Agulhas