First-Time Buyers

Buying a home is a complex process, and it’s wise to educate yourself as much as possible before making any decisions.

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What you can and can’t do in an Exclusive Use Area

What you can and can’t do in an Exclusive Use Area

3 min readUnderstand the Exclusive Use Area and your rights within it. Know the rules before making changes to your property.

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Should your HOA have a rental policy?

Should your HOA have a rental policy?

3 min readUnderstand the importance of an HOA rental policy for maintaining property values and community standards in your estate.

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City of Ekurhuleni Property Rates are increasing — Here's how to check if you're paying too much

City of Ekurhuleni Property Rates are increasing — Here’s how to check if you’re paying too much

2 min readUnderstand how property rates are determined and learn how to object to overvalued municipal valuations for your home.

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Are you a first-time buyer? Discover essential tips to qualify for your dream home and navigate the housing market effectively.

First-time buyers: Here’s how to actually DO what your bank expects

4 min readAre you a first-time buyer? Discover essential tips to qualify for your dream home and navigate the housing market effectively.

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The right way to deal with levy defaulters

The right way to deal with levy defaulters

4 min readLearn about the consequences faced by levy defaulters and how trustees can navigate the recovery process effectively.

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New Airbnb rules set to benefit many Sectional Title schemes

New Airbnb rules set to benefit many Sectional Title schemes

3 min readFind out how the new Airbnb rules will affect buy-to-let investment and property letting in major cities. Understand the compliance and tax requirements that Airbnb hosts will face.

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Top reasons to buy Sectional Title properties

Top reasons to buy Sectional Title properties

2 min readExplore how to buy Sectional Title properties and benefit from the rising market trends and increased value in South Africa.

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Interest Rate Cuts

Interest Rate Cuts

2 min readDiscover the impact of interest rate cuts on the property market in South Africa. Lower rates make home loans more affordable, stimulating demand.

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Would you like to buy a property within a secure residential gated estate?

Would you like to buy a property within a secure residential gated estate?

2 min readSecure residential gated estate. Renting within a community can help you make an informed decision about homeownership.

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Finding the right property is hard enough but negotiating the right price and related fees can be harder, especially if one party is unwilling. Sometimes you may need to walk away from the deal.

Negotiation is key when purchasing a property

2 min readFinding the right property is hard enough but negotiating the right price and related fees can be harder, especially if one party is unwilling. Sometimes you may need to walk away from the deal.

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Everything Estate Life & Private Property

Everything Estate Life & Private Property

< 1 min readLooking for detailed information on community schemes? Curious about the rules, lifestyle amenities, and whether a development is right for your family or investment portfolio?

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Is your lease agreement legal?

Is your lease agreement legal? 

4 min readThe proposed new legislation not only provides for all residential leases to be in writing but also states that the tenant’s deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account.

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Ready, set, host! Easy tips to make your home guest-ready

Ready, set, host! Easy tips to make your home guest-ready

2 min readPreparing your home for guests can be both exciting and a bit stressful. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or having overnight visitors, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment is key.

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The single woman’s guide to buying their first home

The single woman’s guide to buying their first home

4 min readAlmost 60% of South African homes are owned or co-owned by women, and women are increasingly buying property without a spouse or partner.

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14 interior design secrets which make a big impact with minimal fuss

14 interior design secrets which make a big impact with minimal fuss

4 min readThere comes a time when everyone’s home could do with a décor makeover but not everyone has the confidence to do it themselves – nor the perceived budget necessary to do so.

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Short vs Long term rental

Short vs Long term rental

5 min readProperty remains one of the most stable long-term investments, especially during challenging economic times when most other options like stocks and bonds can wildly fluctuate, which is why most HNW individuals have a strong property portfolio.

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16 Steps to Understanding Community Schemes and Estate Living in South Africa

16 Steps to Understanding Community Schemes and Estate Living in South Africa

5 min readLouise Martin, CEO of Estate Living, aptly states: ‘Living in a community scheme can foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, enhancing the quality of life for all residents.’

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Before purchasing a home in any community housing scheme that is governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), prospective buyers must make sure they understand all the rules and regulations as well as the financial implications of their decision.

Essential questions to ask before buying into an estate

2 min readBefore purchasing a home in any community housing scheme that is governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), prospective buyers must make sure they understand all the rules and regulations as well as the financial implications of their decision.

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Tips for buying a first home or a new home for the self-employed

Tips for buying a first home or a new home for the self-employed

3 min readAt Estate Living one of us is in the process of finding our first home, and the other, a new home – all within an estate, naturally!

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The Digital Crusaders: Generation Z property investment trends

The Digital Crusaders: Generation Z property investment trends

2 min readGeneration Z, born into the digital age, is revolutionizing the way property investments are made.

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Smart towns combat load shedding by becoming Eskom-proof

Smart towns combat load shedding by becoming Eskom-proof

3 min readIn the face of South Africa’s persistent load shedding crisis, small towns across the country are pioneering solutions to liberate themselves from dependence on Eskom, our only national power supplier.

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Community Scheme living has become first choice for SA home buyers

Community Scheme living has become first choice for SA home buyers

3 min readCommunity Scheme sales now comprise more than half of all property sales in South Africa, with price growth for this type of asset exceeding that of freehold properties for the first time in two decades.

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First buyers take ownership at KZN South Coast’s exciting new eco-estate development

First buyers take ownership at KZN South Coast’s exciting new eco-estate development

3 min readReal estate on the KZN South Coast holds major potential for keen investors looking for a quality coastal property at unbeatable value for money. This is fast being realised as local and international buyers are investing in a number of catalytic property developments in the region.

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3 Property Management Trends for 2024 Scheme Executives must know about

3 Property Management Trends for 2024 Scheme Executives must know about 

3 min readAs a Scheme Executive, you carry the weighty responsibility of overseeing your sectional title community’s management and upkeep. The decisions you make shape everything from property values and growth potential to residents’ quality of life.

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Collective property buying

Collective property buying

3 min readTraditionally, mortgage applicants consisted of two people (whether married or otherwise), but now banks are launching lending solutions that enable groups of people to buy a house together.

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The secrets to first-time buyer success

The secrets to first-time buyer success

3 min readGreater Pretoria, Johannesburg, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have the most new buyers applying for home loans, accounting for 80% of BetterBond first-time home loan applications in the past year, says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond Head of Sales.

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There is nothing more exciting – or daunting – than buying your first home. It’s a rite of passage, and also a passport to financial, emotional, social and family security. There are so many advantages to home ownership, but it’s a big step, so it’s worth planning carefully.

Buying your first home

3 min readThere is nothing more exciting – or daunting – than buying your first home. It’s a rite of passage, and also a passport to financial, emotional, social and family security. There are so many advantages to home ownership, but it’s a big step, so it’s worth planning carefully.

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The Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) offers an amazing opportunity for qualifying individuals to own their first property. It’s unfortunate that the details and implications of FLISP are not commonly known, and that there are some misconceptions about its process and value.

FLISP – Making homeownership a reality for lower income households

3 min readThe Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) offers an amazing opportunity for qualifying individuals to own their first property. It’s unfortunate that the details and implications of FLISP are not commonly known, and that there are some misconceptions about its process and value.

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New developments - station house sea point

What options do buyers have when it comes to new developments?

3 min readAmid house prices falling, interest rates rising, increased financial pressure on the average SA consumer and lack of electricity supply causing national havoc, developers remain optimistic about the property market as many beautiful developments are currently underway or nearing completion across the country.

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Top five things to check when moving into a residential estate

Top five things to check when moving into a residential estate

3 min readSouth Africa is home to an ever-increasing number of beautiful residential estates, each offering an unparalleled quality of life. If you’re considering buying a property in one, there are several things you should check before making your final decision.

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Five property trends for 2023

Five property trends for 2023

2 min readKey economic drivers from last year such as the war in Europe, gradual interest rate hikes and mounting inflation are expected to linger well into 2023. According to Carl Coetzee, CEO of BetterBond, this will significantly impact affordability and give a rise to prudent consumer budgeting.

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Downsizing your home

Downsizing your home? How to make your living space look larger with colour.

2 min readIf your kids have flown the nest or you’re looking for a safer place to live, you’re probably considering downsizing. With all the appeals of downsizing — like saving money, reducing clutter and less maintenance —you may still be worried about your living spaces looking and feeling small. Luckily, there are tricks of the design trade that can make smaller rooms bigger.

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Developers guide for First-time home buyers

First-time home buyers’ guide

3 min readWhich provinces or towns are popular among first-time home buyers, and what can developers do to mine and appease this lucrative market?

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Buying a home with a partner

What should you do when buying a home for the first time with a partner?

3 min readIf you’re buying a home with your partner – congratulations! It’s a big commitment and an exciting journey. But there are several things you should prepare to have a good and honest experience.

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first time buyer questions

How to put first-time buyers at ease

3 min readBuying a property on a residential estate for the can be a minefield for the first-time buyer. They’re bound to ask a lot of questions of estate managers and other experts to put their mind at ease.

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female property buyer

How to attract the female property buyer

3 min readResearch released by Lightstone Property during the pandemic shows that, over a five-year period (between 2015 and 2020), single female first-time property buyers have outnumbered male buyers, as well as married couples.

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South African Housing Market

South African housing market 2022

3 min readRecord low interest rates have given people the confidence to invest in property. According to data from BetterBond, 70% of its homebuyer applications consisted of first-time buyers over the last 18 months.

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5 Ways to sell your home quickly

Closing the deal

3 min readIt’s a good time to sell because people are feeling bullish about taking on a home loan. ‘The favourable lending conditions have encouraged more first-home buyers to enter the market, accounting for 60% of BetterBond applications for the 12 months ending September 2021.

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A mortgage – in particular an access bond - is no longer just a facility that lets you buy a home. It can be used as an effective tool to save money and can also help you out when you get into trouble financially.

Unlocking cheap credit from your home

3 min readA mortgage – in particular an access bond – is no longer just a facility that lets you buy a home. It can be used as an effective tool to save money and can also help you out when you get into trouble financially.

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Buying a property is most likely the largest investment you will ever make. So, to avoid the stress of waiting for loan approval after you have signed for your dream home, get a formal indication of the home loan you can qualify for before you even start looking at houses. There is that a free web-based service that is easily available, paperless and quick.

Home loan pre-qualification makes sense

2 min readBuying a property is most likely the largest investment you will ever make. So, to avoid the stress of waiting for loan approval after you have signed for your dream home, get a formal indication of the home loan you can qualify for before you even start looking at houses. There is that a free web-based service that is easily available, paperless and quick.

Read More
The Attorney Realtor Hub (ARH) is a countrywide network of property attorneys who are collaborating to provide professional property services to their clients. They are able to do this more efficiently and at better costs for both sellers and purchasers.

Attorney realtor hub

5 min readThe Attorney Realtor Hub (ARH) is a countrywide network of property attorneys who are collaborating to provide professional property services to their clients. They are able to do this more efficiently and at better costs for both sellers and purchasers.

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Purchasing a home will most likely be the biggest investment decision you make, and one that comes with specific financial obligations – but also enormous advantages. When you appreciate the benefits of home ownership, you will no longer see obligations such as repaying your loan or maintaining your home as a burden, but as a route to investing in your and your family’s future.

Advantages of home ownership

3 min readPurchasing a home will most likely be the biggest investment decision you make, and one that comes with specific financial obligations – but also enormous advantages. When you appreciate the benefits of home ownership, you will no longer see obligations such as repaying your loan or maintaining your home as a burden, but as a route to investing in your and your family’s future.

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Single moms have become a force to be reckoned with in the property market. Developers who want their estates to appeal to this growing demographic will need to keep in mind factors such as security, open spaces, schools and modern living units.

Single mothers constitute a growing demographic of home buyers in South Africa

3 min readSingle moms have become a force to be reckoned with in the property market. Developers who want their estates to appeal to this growing demographic will need to keep in mind factors such as security, open spaces, schools and modern living units.

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On 16 January 2020, the South African Reserve Bank’s monetary policy community announced its decision to cut the repo rate by 0.25% (from 6.5% to 6.25%). This decision came despite all but three of 24 economists surveyed by Reuters predicting that the repo rate would remain unchanged.

How the repo rate drop can make your life easier

3 min readOn 16 January 2020, the South African Reserve Bank’s monetary policy community announced its decision to cut the repo rate by 0.25% (from 6.5% to 6.25%). This decision came despite all but three of 24 economists surveyed by Reuters predicting that the repo rate would remain unchanged.

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In an effort to further showcase their purpose of improving lives and fulfilling aspirations through home ownership for all South Africans, Standard Bank has once again aligned themselves with the Property Buyer Show.

Standard Bank empowers first-time home buyers

2 min readIn an effort to further showcase their purpose of improving lives and fulfilling aspirations through home ownership for all South Africans, Standard Bank has once again aligned themselves with the Property Buyer Show.

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The real estate industry has been operating in the shadow of technology, compared to other industries. However, as consumers become more aware of the apps and platforms available to them online, they will become more comfortable with beginning and concluding their real estate purchases online, over time.

You can now Apply for Home Loan Prequalification Online

3 min readThe real estate industry has been operating in the shadow of technology, compared to other industries. However, as consumers become more aware of the apps and platforms available to them online, they will become more comfortable with beginning and concluding their real estate purchases online, over time.

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Buying your own home can be a daunting prospect. Many of us have spent our lives renting, so when we decide to take the step up to owning property we often aren’t quite as prepared as we should be. With this in mind we sat down with Meyer de Waal, owner of My Bond Fitness and a conveyancing lawyer for over 28 years, to figure out exactly what a first time home buyer should know before signing on the dotted line.

Things a First Time Home Buyer Should do Before House Hunting

3 min readBuying your own home can be a daunting prospect. Many of us have spent our lives renting, so when we decide to take the step up to owning property we often aren’t quite as prepared as we should be. With this in mind we sat down with Meyer de Waal, owner of My Bond Fitness and a conveyancing lawyer for over 28 years, to figure out exactly what a first time home buyer should know before signing on the dotted line.

Read More
You may be well aware of the strict lending criteria applied by the banks since the introduction of the National Credit Act and the potentially intimidating process that you have to go through for home loan approval. As such, you may be only too pleased when the bank finally grants you a home loan – and in fact so thankful for the ”approval” from the bank that you do not challenge the interest rate “proposed” by the bank.

Avoid Paying 30% More for Your Home

7 min readYou may be well aware of the strict lending criteria applied by the banks since the introduction of the National Credit Act and the potentially intimidating process that you have to go through for home loan approval. As such, you may be only too pleased when the bank finally grants you a home loan – and in fact so thankful for the ”approval” from the bank that you do not challenge the interest rate “proposed” by the bank.

Read More
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