Building Your Property Portfolio with Confidence
There seems to be a masterclass or online guru for pretty much everything these days: “Serve like Serena”, “Cook with confidence like Ramsey”, or even “Negotiate like an FBI agent”. And when it comes to property investment—the plethora of courses and experts promising to triple your net worth are endless. Not to mention your new best friend, ChatGPT. (We hope they don’t get sarcasm just yet).
The beauty of taking the first step.
With all these tacticians, tool and tips at your fingertips, you might still feel overwhelmed and possibly suffer from investor’s block. This ultimately leaves you back at square one. Great! Because the best possible place to start your property portfolio is, well, property. Unknowingly you’ve already taken the first step in building your property empire. You’ve chosen your preferred asset class over stocks, bonds, or even “booming” Bitcoin. With a few fundamentals in place, you could be just a few degrees off the perfect investment approach.
Put the fun back in fundamentals.
1. Location, location, location.
Ever wondered why they repeat this property proverb three times? It’s because you need to think beyond just the address of your investment property. Instead, ask:
- Which suburb am I buying in?
- Which estate or street within that suburb?
- Which house or apartment within that estate or street?
You see where this is going. The deeper you dig, the better your property investment decision. Check for future developments in your preferred area, the availability of schools, access to highways, and proximity to shops or work hubs. A neighbourhood with a strong demand for rentals or increasing property values is where you want to be. As a Gauteng-based developer, Craft Homes’ portfolio is built on this principle of thriving neighbourhoods such as Sandton, Fourways, Broadacres and the every-growing node of Waterfall and Midrand.
2. Value appreciation: Show me the honey!
Don’t just think about the money, think about unique property and lifestyle attributes. In other words, think of the next buyer—put yourself in their shoes. You might not have kids, dogs, or a live-in grandmother, but they might. This will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the property and get the investment juices (and income) flowing.
For example:
- Does the property have additional parking?
- Will installing solar or additional water tanks make it more attractive?
- Is there potential to renovate or add value in the future?
Property investment isn’t just about today—it’s about how your asset will grow over time and how it meets the needs of future buyers or tenants. For example, take a look at The Marksman in Midrand, one of Craft Homes’ latest developments which have taken the city’s power challenges to heart. It comes standard with a metered solar back-up power solution, which includes sufficient solar battery storage and solar panels to allow for energy independence.
Modern living in the heart of Midrand at The Marksman
3. Now or Now-Now? Short-term vs. long-term thinking.
Do you want quick returns or long-term stability? Short-term rentals (think Airbnb) can generate higher income in a shorter period, but they require active management, maintenance, and sometimes, the patience of a saint.
On the other hand, long-term rentals—especially those in developments where the developer already secures tenants—offer consistency. You get a predictable income without worrying about vacancies every other weekend. The choice depends on your risk appetite, lifestyle, and how involved you want to be in your investment.
The Terrace at Sandton Gate, an ideal choice for discerning buyers and investors
The Terrace is designed with a contemporary aesthetic, featuring clean lines, expansive windows, and elegant finishes. The development showcases a range of thoughtfully designed units, each offering breathtaking views of the skyline and natural landscape.
Craft Homes offers investors flexibility with both short- and long-term rental opportunities. Developments like The Terrace at Sandton Gate and Olea View in Fourways feature tenanted apartments, ensuring immediate returns. For those exploring Airbnb, Craft Homes also provides tailored furniture packages to simplify the setup.
Immediate Returns Await at Olea View in Fourways
*Additional note for first time investors: Beware the notion of “passive income” being something that does not require your focus and attention. The well-known Warren Buffet warns: “You have to see real estate ownership as a business, not just a passive investment. Ownership involves maintenance, rent collection, and problem-solving unless you hire a property manager”.
4. Trusting your investment wingman.
A trusted property partner can make all the difference in your investment journey. Whether buying a new build or an existing home, working with a reputable developer ensures peace of mind. Established in 1993, Craft Homes has built a legacy of delivering quality homes, from modern apartments to spacious family estates. With a commitment to lasting quality and thoughtful design, the right development partner helps secure a home that stands the test of time while making property investment seamless.
Start by keeping it simple
Like it or not, if you’re a first-time property buyer, you’re also a first-time investor. So, don’t wait for any guru or masterclass to give you the go-ahead. The trick is however to take the first step and keeping it simple. Only one property? That’s already a portfolio- even if it’s a small one.
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