One Property. Two Owners: Creating Clarity Around Shared Ownership Structures
For many South Africans, property ownership is no longer limited to a traditional arrangement where one person buys a home and holds the title alone. Rising property prices, changing family structures, and new investment approaches have made shared ownership increasingly common. Friends purchase joint investment properties, siblings inherit family homes together, couples contribute towards property […]
Where to Invest R1 Million in Today’s Property Market
Finding value in South Africa’s property market used to mean stretching beyond major metros or compromising on space. Today, with interest rates easing and demand patterns shifting, R1 million can still unlock meaningful investment opportunities. When investing in this price bracket, you need to know where to look – and how to structure your purchase […]
Bonds Stood Out Again in 2025, But Will the Trend Hold in 2026?
South African fixed-income investors have enjoyed another exceptional year, with the local bond market extending the strong performance seen in 2024. For years, domestic bond returns came largely from income, but since last year, investors have also benefited from significant capital gains. Long-dated nominal bonds have led 2025’s rally, with 30-year yields over 1.8% lower […]
The Rental Housing Tribunal: The Unsung Hero of South Africa’s Rental Market
Renting or leasing a home should be simple, but when it turns into a headache, the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) steps in to help. Established under the Rental Housing Act No. 50 of 1999, the tribunal provides a free, fair, and accessible way for landlords and tenants to resolve disputes, without the stress or cost […]
SARS’ ‘Toll Fee’ on the Road to Home Ownership
Of all the costs involved in purchasing a home, transfer duty is one of the largest. Buying a property in South Africa involves more than just the purchase price. One of the additional costs that many buyers need to budget for is transfer duty, a tax levied by SARS. Understanding how this tax works is […]
Renting vs Buying: The Pros and Cons
In a lowering interest environment, tenants are reconsidering their priorities. Driven by reduced interest rates and more lenient loan criteria, tenants are starting to have their sights firmly set on owning a home. While many—particularly the ‘millennial generation’—chose to travel and live more ‘freely’ in the past, priorities have since changed. The pressing question right […]
REITs Regain Momentum: Top Five South African Property Funds Lead the Recovery
Despite several tumultuous years, South Africa’s Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have regained their strength, rebounding to four-year highs. Listed property companies have been some of the strongest contenders on the JSE in recent months, thanks to improved investor sentiment, a stronger rand, an interest rate cut, and softer yields. In sharp contrast to this […]
Are you obligated to pay arrear levies when purchasing a sectional title unit? Part 1
Recently, the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) was required to interpret Section 15B(3)(a)(i)(aa) of the Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986 in relation to a sale in execution in the case of the Body Corporate of Marsh Rose v Arno Steinmuller and others. The Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986 stipulates […]
Avoid the Long-Term Implications of Skipping a Bond Repayment
Are you feeling the financial pinch? You’re not alone. Many South Africans are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their credit obligations. The cost of living is on the rise, disposable incomes are shrinking, and servicing debt has become a significant challenge. Homeowners are feeling the strain too, with financial institutions noting a surge in […]
Reduce the pain of downscaling: Investing in a holiday home as a retiree
The decision to move out of a large residence in favour of a smaller or less expensive property, also known as down-scaling, is often viewed as a last resort in the face of mounting financial pressure. However, for many retirees, the decision to downscale is driven by the prospect of greater freedom. As one gets […]