Most Recent Buying Articles
FUN IDEAS FOR AT-HOME DATE NIGHT ON A BUDGET
While sticking to your household routines may be convenient and simple, it might be slowly killing the spark between you and your partner. But, with the cost of living being as high as it is, it can be difficult to find new experiences to share that will fit your budget. Luckily, just because your budget doesn’t allow for leaving the house, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t s
Read moreFOREIGN INVESTORS GUIDE TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN PROPERTY MARKET
Real estate investment for foreigners is relatively uncomplicated in South Africa. Provided you are in the country legally, there are no restrictions for buying and selling property as a non-resident. If non-residents are planning on staying in the country for longer periods of time, they will need to apply for a residence permit and comply with the requirements as set out in the SA Immigration Ac
Read moreWHAT IS A USUFRUCT AND HOW CAN IT HELP?
The definition of a usufruct is a legal right given by an owner to someone who is not the owner, to use the owner’s property for a certain period, usually for the remainder of that person’s life. The person who holds the usufruct, also known as the usufructuary, has the right to make use of the property and enjoy its profits and benefits provided the property is not damaged or alt
Read moreADVICE FOR SHARING A MULTI-GENERATIONAL HOME
Multi-generational house-sharing is the norm within most South African households. It is said that approximately one in two 18-34-year-olds live at home with parents. Most seniors also do not have enough saved in their pension to afford living on their own. As cost-effective as it may be, sharing a space with various generations can disrupt the feng shui in your home. But, house-sharing isn&rsq
Read moreCONSIDER YOUR NEIGHBOURS WHEN RENOVATING YOUR HOME
We all want to live in peace, which is why it’s in your best interests as a homeowner to acknowledge your neighbours and contribute towards a happy and peaceful suburb that encourages current and potential homeowners to set roots in the area. While purchasing a property gives you the rights to do what you like to the place (within the limits of HOA or Body Corporate and municipal regulati
Read moreDEVELOPMENTS LEAD TO A BOOM IN THE STELLENBOSCH HOUSING MARKET
The RE/MAX National Housing Report for Q4 2019 revealed that the Western Cape remains the province with the highest national median asking price according to Private Property data. However, this amount reflects a 3% drop on the figure for Q4 2018, which could suggest that not all suburbs will perform as well as others. Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, therefo
Read moreMORNINGSIDE: THE TOP SEARCHED SUBURB FOR Q4 2019
The RE/MAX National Housing Report for Q4 2019 revealed that Morningside was the most searched suburb on the RE/MAX of Southern Africa website for the second quarter in a row. Considering the area’s vast popularity, it is not difficult to understand why. “I am not surprised that Morningside topped the list of the most searched suburbs. It is definitely the most well-known and sought
Read moreTAKE CARE OF YOUR STREET TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUES
Many believe that it is the responsibility of the local municipality to keep the streets clean. While this belief is not entirely incorrect, homeowners should not negate all responsibility for keeping their suburb in order. “It is in the best interest of the homeowner to help keep their suburbs in top shape. Property values of a suburb increases if the common areas, such as the street and
Read moreRE/MAX CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The world’s largest real estate franchise, RE/MAX, celebrates a milestone in its history today as the brand enters its twenty-fifth year of operations within the Southern Africa region. On this day, over 125,000 agents in over 110 countries across the globe celebrate Founders Day, the annual celebration of the start of the RE/MAX brand, which occurred on January 30, 1973. Since then, the
Read moreMPC TO STIMULATE HOUSING MARKET BY ANNOUNCING LOWER INTEREST RATES
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced some positive news for our country today by lowering the interest rate by 25 basis points. The repo rate drops to 6.25% and the prime lending rate changes to 9.75%. “We commend the MPC for making the decision to lower interest rates at this meeting. The MPC has acted prudently by seizing this opportunity to further stimulate our economy by ann
Read moreHOW ESTATE AGENTS MAKE BUYING EASIER
Considering how easy technology has made it for us to search for a home ourselves, many feel that it is simply not worth involving an estate agent to help with the buying process. But, having an estate agent help you look will save you time and, quite possibly, spare you some money as well. Below are a few of the ways real estate agents add value during the home-buying process: 1. TIME SAVER
Read moreWHAT IS PRE-APPROVAL AND WHY IT MATTERS
Have you ever left the house without first checking the weather forecast? Confident that you know how the day will turn out, you pop on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and head out. Soon, the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse and you’re sat shivering in the corner with nothing but a serviette to cower under. Beginning your house hunting without first acquiring pre-approval on
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