Most Recent Buying Articles
PROS & CONS OF BUYING PROPERTY THROUGH A TRUST
If you’re thinking of buying property through a family trust it may prove helpful to know what this entails. A trust offers you an alternative to purchasing a property in your own name. While purchasing through a trust may offer more security than purchasing through a bank, other tax implications could cause this to be a less desirable option. Before making your decision, consider the pros a
Read moreWHERE ARE WOMEN IN BUSINESS TODAY?
It has been 65 years since the march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against passes for women took place on 9 August 1956. Today, we still have only one female CEO in the top 40 of the JSE, Anglo American Platinum's Natasha Viljoe. Although we have a long way to go before women have a more equal place at the boardroom table, we have made progress that
Read moreINTEREST RATES HOLD STEADY IN FACE OF ECONOMIC INSTABILITY
Following the recent wave of economic instability, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced that interest rates will remain stable at 3.5% (repo rate), with the prime lending rate then remaining at 7%. Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that this was a prudent decision, as many have entered the property market owing to record-low interest ra
Read moreCOLLECTING DONATIONS IN GAUTENG
In face of the recent protests and looting, We are South Africans, a civil society organization formed in 2007 from its Facebook page, has moved to help the people of South Africa. The #SPIRITOFSOUTHAFRICA campaign was then started in order to help bring food to the destitute rural towns of KZN and the cities affected by the looting. RE/MAX offices in Gauteng have joined forces with We are Sout
Read moreRE/MAX National Housing Report Q2 2021
HOUSING MARKET ACTIVITY RETURNS TO NORMAL After a full year of living under lockdown restrictions of varying levels, the property market seems to have reached an equilibrium. This is according to Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, who refers to the RE/MAX National Housing Report for Q2 2021. “The second quarter of 2020 saw the Deeds Office closure w
Read moreWHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROPERTY TRANSFER & REGISTRATION PROCESS
You've found your dream home but there’s one thing standing between you and the keys – the transfer of property ownership. This process can seem complicated, but it can be relatively straightforward if you have the help of a knowledgeable professional at your side to guide you through it. To help you understand the basics, below is an outline of what happens during this process:
Read moreTHE PROS & CONS OF MAKING A CASH OFFER
If you’re in the fortunate position of having enough liquid capital available to purchase a property without accessing home finance, you’ll find yourself in a position where you will have unique leverage when placing an offer on your dream home. When sellers are faced with a cash offer, they’re provided with the assurance that you already have the means to purchase the home. Howe
Read moreHOW TO NEGOTIATE A REASONABLE LEVY INCREASE
At the end of every financial year, Homeowners Associations (HOA) and Body Corporates may choose to discuss and implement an annual levy increase. If you’re feeling as though the proposed escalation is unreasonable, you may raise your objections at the next Annual General Meeting. For those hoping to negotiate a more reasonable levy increase, below are a few ways to ensure you have all th
Read moreSWINGING INTO A SELLER’S MARKET
Against all predictions, the property market continues to remain incredibly active. Lifestyle changes brought about by the pandemic combined with record-low interest rates have continued to drive up demand for homes, so much so that the market may well be shifting towards a seller’s market in some areas. After concluding back-to-back months of record-high sales volumes, Adrian Goslett, Re
Read moreHISTORIC INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
A unique investment opportunity has arisen in Knysna in the form of a stylish, recently restored commercial property that once belonged to the Mayor of Knysna in 1929. The property can be used for offices or can be easily converted into a guesthouse or used as a private residence, meaning that the opportunities for rental income are endless with this property. Boasting six bedrooms, two lounges
Read moreCONSIDER THIS BEFORE MOVING AWAY FROM THE CITY
The one thing COVID-19 has taught many businesses is that they can remain productive while being flexible about where employees are based. Many organisations have embraced that their employees are working remotely, which has allowed them more freedom to choose where they want to live. A recent blog posted by RE/MAX New Zealand reported that 65,000 more people chose to move to regional Australia
Read moreHOW SERVITUDES CAN AFFECT PROPERTY VALUES
When searching to purchase a property, most buyers are on high alert for any excuse to hackle down on price. Discovering that a property comes with a servitude often gives buyers exactly such an excuse. Before you decide to invest in a property with a registered servitude, it might be best to know exactly how these can affect property values. What is a servitude Simply put, a servitude allows
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