| MARKET TRENDS | Bank ‘may cut rates’ on growth slowdown - Business Day, 09 May 2013
Heightened concerns over slowing global growth are raising expectations that the Reserve Bank could cut interest rates for the second time in less than a year later this month.
Business confidence rises in April on vehicle sales, rand - Business Day, 09 May 2013
Business confidence in South Africa rose 1.9 points to 92.3 points in April, from 90.4 in March, the business confidence index compiled by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) showed on Thursday.
IMF warns SA of ‘threat to stability’ if growth bid falters - Business Day, 09 May 2013
Failure to deliver more inclusive growth in South Africa would be a threat to social stability, and the country had to do more to tackle its domestic problems, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday.
Subtle changes to SA outlook - Moneyweb, 06 May 2013
Our inflation may hump less in coming months than feared recently, and the rand may be more resilient than expected, and this despite domestic labour unrest, a very large current account deficit and a degraded gold price. |
|
| GENERAL PROPERTY NEWS | Cape Town integrated zoning scheme - Property24, 09 May 2013
The City of Cape Town’s new integrated zoning scheme came into effect on 1 March 2013. From this date, a single and common zoning scheme for the entire metropolitan area will replace the 27 zoning schemes applicable in various parts of the metropole up until this date, says Cheri Hughes, senior consultant at Pam Golding Lodges & Guesthouses.
Conveyancers and property transfers - Property24, 09 May 2013
The recent judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in the case of Margalit v Standard Bank of SA Ltd (883/2011) [2012] ZASCA 208 is a welcomed one for consumers in the property industry as it permits a claim for damages against negligent conveyancers, says Yasmin Kadwa an associate at Norton Rose in South Africa.
Malema's home auctioned for R5.9m - Property24, 09 May 2013
The half-built mansion in Sandown, Johannesburg, belonging to expelled ANCYL president Julius Malema has been sold for R5.9 million on auction.The buyer, Norman Tloubatla, CEO of the company Magnified Designs, left shortly after clinching the purchase and he refused to speak to reporters.
Unpacking the Tax Administration Act - Property24, 09 May 2013
The Tax Administration Act (TAA) was signed into legislation by President Jacob Zuma in December 2012, and its introduction has precipitated the most significant shifts to the tax regime since democracy in South Africa.
No load-shedding scheduled this winter - Property24, 07 May 2013
Government says there are no plans for load-shedding this winter, but officials have urged South Africans to save as much electricity as possible.
North West to improve housing quality - Property24, 06 May 2013
North West Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison MEC, Nono Maloyi, has encouraged housing developers contracted by the department to work with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to ensure that they build quality houses. |
|
| RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS | Right pricing vital in buyer's market - Property24, 09 May 2013
The historically low interest rate combined with subdued demand has brought about the ideal buying market conditions. This is according to Tony Ketcher, managing director of Seeff Randburg, who says while there is an increased willingness to buy, buyers are aware of price and market value.
Being self-employed means you’re high risk - Moneyweb, 08 May 2013
Your chances of securing a home loan are much slimmer. If you’re a self-employed, a freelancer, contract worker, sole proprietor or small business owner, chances are you may have a tough time trying to secure a home loan.
Property finally recovers - Iafrica.com, 07 May 2013
The Standard Bank House Price Index (HPI) improved by 9.3 percent y/y in April‚ from 8.6 percent y/y in March. The nominal index growth for freehold properties recorded a 10.5 percent y/y improvement in April from 9.5 percent y/y in March‚ while the improvement in the nominal index pertaining to sectional title units matched its March print‚ recording 6.1 percent y/y in April.
Self-employed? Get a mortgage! - Iafrica.com, 07 May 2013
If you run your own business you may find it trickier, rather than easier, to buy a new home. Although your business savvy shows that you’re self-reliant, and responsible, the lack of a guaranteed income from a single source can make banks anxious about financing a home for you.
Check finances before buying into ST - Property24, 07 May 2013
Roughly 20 percent of South Africa’s sectional title schemes experience financial difficulties at some stage in their existence and a fairly high proportion of these actually end up in liquidation or having to arrange substantial loans.
Eleo Capital launches distressed property fund in Cape residential market - eProp, 07 May 2013
Cape Town-based investment company, Eleo Capital, has announced the inception of a new distressed property fund, which will be invested in the residential property market in the Western and Eastern Cape.
Preventing fires in sectional title schemes - Moneyweb, 06 May 2013
The Sectional Titles Act, 1986, includes under the functions of bodies corporate an obligation to insure the building or buildings in a scheme and to keep them insured to the replacement value against fire and such other risks as may be prescribed. |
|
| COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS | Commercial property finance funding - Property24, 08 May 2013
Financiers believe the current environment continues to provide opportunities to acquire commercial property investments offering reasonable returns.
Commercial property values reach new highs - eProp, 07 May 2013
The Green Street Commercial Property Price Index increased by 1% in April. Property values have fully recovered the ground that was lost during the last downturn and values are now one percentage point above their '07 highs.
Re-Grading results in changes to office vacancies in Cape Town CBD - eProp, 07 May 2013
Office vacancies in the various nodes included in the Q1 2013 SAPOA Office Vacancy Survey show little change to the previous quarter’s figures.
Commercial property fundamentals good - Property24, 06 May 2013
In a staunchly competitive commercial leasing market, helping businesses manage cash flow is a key factor in attracting and retaining tenants for a well-managed property portfolio.
SA Banks serious about Green Buildings - eProp, 06 May 2013
Standard Bank staff are getting ready to move into their new Rosebank offices, which have received a five-star rating for 'green' design from the Green Building Council of SA.
Massive new mall in Newtown - Iafrica.com, 06 May 2013
The big hole being dug in Newtown is the start of a R1.2-billion retail and office development incorporating some of Johannesburg's most historic buildings, it was reported on Monday.
'SA does not need more industrial parks' - Moneyweb, 03 May 2013
With no clear incentives and poor location choices, the ten Special Economic Zones (SEZs) identified by the Department of Trade and Industry last week could become nothing more than industrial parks. |
|
| LISTED PROPERTY NEWS | Property stocks gain from ‘strong bond market’ - eProp, 09 May 2013
The local listed-property sector has delivered returns above expectations so far this year, thanks to a strong bond market, solid company results and increased demand for listed property stocks, according to Keillen Ndlovu, the head of listed-property funds at Stanlib.
Listed Global Property looks set to a sterling year - eProp, 08 May 2013
South African investors looking for opportunities in the current world of low yield should consider global property funds as part of their portfolios.
Delta Property Fund: On target to reach R7bn fund-size - Moneyweb, 06 May 2013
CFO on managing government payment risks. Delta Property Fund is well on its way to achieve its targeted fund size of R7bn by 2017. |
|
| ESTATE AGENT NEWS | Positive Q1 growth for Just Property - Property24, 07 May 2013
For property specialists, Just Property, the first quarter of 2013 has been a mixed bag with conservative growth in residential sales and strong performance in residential letting.
PGP to market property in Maboneng - Property24, 06 May 2013
Propertuity and Pam Golding Properties (PGP) have entered into a strategic partnership. In the partnership, PGP will market residential accommodation in one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant precincts, Maboneng, and provide strategic guidance and advice. |
|
| SPECIFIC AREAS | Umhlanga seaside rental properties - Property24, 09 May 2013
Umhlanga’s tropical climate and seaside attractions make it one of the top holiday destinations in the world, and its rental market remains buoyant.
Krugersdorp homes selling from R400k - Property24, 09 May 2013
Named after Paul Kruger, the mining town of Krugersdorp was founded in 1887 by Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, the first president of the South African Republic. Situated in the West Rand of the Gauteng province, the town arose due to discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, which was an integral part in the growth of the town.
Rondebosch Oval townhouse development - Property24, 08 May 2013
After the longest public participation plan revisal and replanning periods experienced in the 20 year history of Rawson Developers, a total of six and a half years, the City of Cape Town have given the company the go ahead to develop their R140 million Rondebosch Oval residential development.
Brackenfell homes and apartments - Property24, 07 May 2013
There is strong demand for property of all types in the Cape Town suburb of Brackenfell and units in new developments are being taken up fast. |
|
| INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS | US markets barrel to fresh records - Moneyweb, 09 May 2013
The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 48.92 (0.32%). US stocks continued their upward climb Wednesday, riding positive economic data from Germany and China to new records.
Green Office Developments looks brighter in Paris Market - eProp, 07 May 2013
Some 79% of investment into new office stock in Ile-de-France (IDF) in 2012 was for High Quality Environment (HQE) certified stock, totalling €1.4bn of which, 54% were invested by domestic investors, nearly 24% by German funds and 13% by US investors. |
|
