Property Advice Articles in South Africa

How pet ownership impacts household budgets

While pets bring immense joy and companionship, they also come with many financial commitments. Responsible pet ownership requires budgeting for initial and ongoing costs to ensure a pet’s well-being without straining household finances,

Should I sell my home before or after I find a new one?

South Africa’s property market is currently subdued, with the average time on market (the length of time a listing takes to sell) hovering anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on property type and area.

How to build equity in your property faster

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home or improve its resale value, there are several effective strategies to boost your equity quickly.

Smart ways to invest your bonus in your home and future

Your year-end bonus is more than just an excuse for a short-term treat – it’s an opportunity to build a stronger financial future.

Considering home equity to pay off debt? Here’s what you need to know

The key to making a smart decision lies in understanding when and how to use home equity effectively.

Tips on how to start your emergency savings

One of the most important aspects of achieving greater financial freedom is having emergency savings in place – especially if you own your own home.

Property experts are optimistic about a future interest rate cut

There are still plenty of opportunities on the property market for those willing to put in the effort, stay focused, remain positive, and work the strategic angle.

Repairing a bad credit store

There are ways to repair your credit score and to improve your chances of being approved for home finance.

How much house can I truly afford ?

When deciding on a price bracket, most buyers will find out how large of a home loan a bank will offer and use that as their house hunting budget. But is this the most effective way of setting a budget, and if not, what should we be doing instead?

Navigating the cybersecurity risks in property transactions and avoiding property scams

While the convenience of this online migration offers numerous advantages, it also introduces cybersecurity risks that can have devastating consequences for its victims.

Smart financial moves for prospective homeowners amidst changing interest rates

If the inflation rate continues to decline, opens up new opportunities for aspiring homeowners, but they need to make sure they are well-positioned to take advantage of these favourable conditions

How to reduce your home loan interest rate to relieve some financial pressure

Find out how best to reduce your home loan interest rate and explore the benefits of downscaling your home.

How to best deal with a distressed property

Distressed is the term used to refer to a property where the homeowner can no longer afford the bond repayment and has consistently missed payments - the property is then “distressed”.

Tax Returns | What homeowners need to know before filing

Tax season is upon us and individual taxpayers have until 23 October 2023 to submit their returns. For landlords and for those who work from home, this presents an opportunity to claim back for certain expenses.

Stay safe | 8 essential tips to avoid falling victim to property scams

Prospective buyers and renters, and home sellers should be aware of the various tactics employed by scammers, as these scams can result in financial losses, legal disputes, and identity theft.

The value of owning a rental property; tax requirements to consider when investing

With rental income a viable investment option in the current economic climate and all facts pointing toward a rental boom, building wealth through property investment is an achievable goal.

Overcome interest rate challenges: Boost your deposit

Follow these ten changes to help you start saving for a larger deposit for your dream home.

Refrain from these 3 spending habits to secure future bond approval

The latest interest rate hike is likely to lead to some tough financial situations for many individuals. Now more so than ever before, first-time buyers should pay careful attention to their spending habits, as this could impact their ability to...

Tips on how to calculate the interest on your home loan

After the steady streak of interest rate hikes, many South Africans might have had a crash course on just how severely interest charges can affect their monthly budgets.

Landlords | How to price your rental property

The increased cost of living has impacted how much money consumers have available to spend on rent. Pricing a rental unit fairly will be crucial to avoid long vacancy rates within the current market.