Top trends for over-50s home buyers in SA
The concept of “ageing in place” has been around for many years now, and with affordable retirement accommodation being in short supply, it continues to gain ground in SA.
So says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group, who explains that extensive research has also shown that there are many potential health and social benefits in deciding to remain in your existing home and community as you grow older – as long as the property is easy to live in and easy to maintain.
“And, as in other parts of the world, this is driving a trend in SA towards home alterations and improvements that not only facilitate ‘ease of living’ in the present but will also assist owners to age in place safely, comfortably and independently.”
More
Growthpoint the first to issue a Green Bond on the JSE
Growthpoint Properties is the first South African company to issue a Green Bond on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The Growthpoint Green Bonds, for terms of five, seven and ten years, were issued and listed on the JSE on Friday, 9 March 2018.
Green Bonds raise money that is specially allocated for funding projects that result in positive environmental and climate benefits. The R1.1 billion (USD94 million) Green Bonds issued by Growthpoint will be used to fund the green buildings and green initiatives of South Africa's leading REIT.
Norbert Sasse, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties, says Growthpoint’s inaugural Green Bonds link their sustainable developments and green buildings with capital markets. “This gives investors a unique opportunity to participate in supporting greater environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation and enables them to evaluate the environmental impact of their investment.”
More
Safeguarding your money through the property transfer process
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people make, but they have little say in the process. Once the offer to purchase is signed, and all financial requirements are met, buyers and sellers step back as the legal and financial professionals conclude each step.
Despite all checks and balances, there are vulnerabilities in the process, including delays in transfer, errors, and even fraudulent transactions, which can result in financial losses for the buyer and seller.
Property transfer process
To understand the risk, buyers and sellers should understand the complexity of the property transfer process.
According to CEO of the Payment Exchange of South Africa (PEXSA), Willie Stoman, there are a number of steps in the property payment system where PEXSA verifies the relevant account before making payment (AVS).
More
Should you sell or hold your investment property?
A decision to sell a long-term asset such as a property can sometimes be challenging for an investor, and more so for a novice investor.
“Every property investor will be confronted with this question at some point in their investment journey. Therefore, knowing when to sell or hold your investment property is essential when building a portfolio,” says Praven Subbramoney, CEO of Private Bank Lending at FNB.
“Due to the long-term nature of the property investment journey, the general rule is that property should at least be held for five to ten years to allow the investor enough time to study market conditions and further assess the viability of their portfolio,” he adds.
More
Three tips for landlords in dealing with sub-letting
Sub-letting, be it with permission or illegally, is a trend that residential landlords can’t quite escape, especially as belts get tighter and we feel economic pressure.
“We are seeing more and more illegal sub-letting, particularly in the emerging market space. People who might not have the affordability are seemingly going through a middle man to secure a home to rent,” says Natalie Muller, Head of Rentals at Jawitz Properties in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
“The sub-letting game can be dangerous, but there are three S’s you can follow as a landlord to keep yourself safe.”
More
Leave a comment: