The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “hue-geh”) has been taking the world by storm of late. Founded on the principle of recognising – and encouraging – moments of extraordinary contentment, cosiness, or social fulfilment, it has been billed by many as the next ‘big thing’ in design and décor trends. With that in mind, it’s a little ironic that hygge is not actually about material possessions (even if it has been used to sell many a fluffy blanket and scented candle in its time). If … [Read more...] about Give Your Home a Bit of Hygge
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4 things you didn’t know were adding value to your home
Most of us are well aware of the basic elements that define a home’s value, but kitchens, bathrooms and school catchment areas aren’t the only things that have buyers digging deep at offer time. According to Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, there are a huge number of less obvious factors that influence the desirability of a property. Here are four of his favourites that catch a lot of sellers by surprise: Landscaping “It’s amazing how many homeowners underestimate the value … [Read more...] about 4 things you didn’t know were adding value to your home
5 Commercial property market Disruptors to consider
The past year, has seen a plethora of disruptors which are influencing the world of commerce, the property market included. These trends are bringing about major changes to the way business was carried out in the past. Many of these trends are technology-based, and particularly affect communications and finance. “The green revolution is exercising a sizeable impact on the property market, as is the need for the office environment to provide a more favourable work experience for employees,” says … [Read more...] about 5 Commercial property market Disruptors to consider
2019’s Office décor trends
Décor trends evolve continually, and it is not financially viable to redecorate your office space with every new trend. However, “more millennials hold senior positions, Generation Z is also entering the workplace and technology is developing exponentially; the stereotypical office of yesteryear is becoming a memory as office décor needs to keep pace with the modern world.” says Leon Breytenbach, National Manager of the Rawson Property Group’s commercial division. By choosing well-designed … [Read more...] about 2019’s Office décor trends
How the 2019 Budget will impact the property market
Few property experts expected the 2019 National Budget Speech to herald dramatic changes for South African homeowners so close the general elections. As such, it came as little surprise that the most direct influences on the property market – Transfer Duty and Capital Gains Tax – received no mention whatsoever during Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s speech. Despite this, the Rawson Property Group’s Regional Manager for Gauteng, David Jacobs, says the new budget will still affect the … [Read more...] about How the 2019 Budget will impact the property market
Are you ready for Gen-Z?
Every generation has its own idiosyncrasies when it comes to property, and knowing what these are can be an ace in the sleeve for existing owners and investors. According to Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, the habits of Generation Y – otherwise known as Millennials – are fairly well known by now. Generation Z, on the other hand, has flown largely beneath the radar. “Gen-Z is one of the biggest generations to date,” says Clarke, “and is made up of people born between the … [Read more...] about Are you ready for Gen-Z?
4 Ways to get a head start on selling your home this year
If selling your home is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you’ll be pleased to know that the first few months of the year are traditionally an excellent time to hit the market. Not only are the early summer transfers starting to filter through into the deeds office (providing useful statistical information), properties are also showing their sunny sides and buyers are in a happy and motivated frame of mind. According to David Jacobs, Gauteng Regional Manager for the Rawson Property … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to get a head start on selling your home this year
Turn your granny flat into a money-spinner
Does your home have a teen pad, granny flat or garden cottage? If so, you could be sitting on a great source of extra income! According to Jacqui Savage, National Rentals Manager for the Rawson Property Group, garden flatlets in some areas can earn good monthly rental income. Here are her tips on how to get in on the action: Maximise accessibility & independence “One of the most common concerns we see from tenants looking at garden cottage-type rentals is how much privacy and … [Read more...] about Turn your granny flat into a money-spinner
What you need to know about buying property in 2019
If you’ve set your sights on buying the house of your dreams in 2019, you’ll be pleased to hear that current buyers’ market conditions look set to continue for at least another 6 months. That doesn’t mean you should just sit back and wait for the perfect opportunity to come to you, though! Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, says proactive purchasers are far more likely to make successful property investments. Here are his tips on putting your best foot forward! Plan for a deposit, … [Read more...] about What you need to know about buying property in 2019
Today’s Property Purchaser does not want a traditional sales experience
Technology, with its quick and constant progress, has had an immeasurable effect on the way consumers interact with service providers and sales teams. Armed with more information, more connectivity, and more autonomy than ever before, today’s customer neither needs nor wants a traditional sales experience. In real estate, this trend has become starkly apparent in the emergence of creative alternatives to the traditional estate agent model. According to Schalk van der Merwe, franchisee for … [Read more...] about Today’s Property Purchaser does not want a traditional sales experience
Spend Smarter
The festive season has officially arrived with all its glittering decorations and Christmas tunes. For many homeowners around the country, that means some serious spending is just around the corner. Those of us lucky enough to get end-of-year bonuses may have already earmarked them for gift-giving and seasonal festivities, but there could be an even more rewarding way to put our hard-earned money to work. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the holiday madness and wake up in January with a bank … [Read more...] about Spend Smarter
Let’s Review 2018’s Property Market
2018 started out looking positive for South Africa’s residential property market, but the year proved to be more challenging than many expected. According to Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, this disappointing performance can largely be attributed to the country’s ongoing political and economic challenges – a situation unlikely to see any real relief before elections in May 2019. “2018 opened on a high note with the induction of Ramaphosa as president,” says Clarke, “but the … [Read more...] about Let’s Review 2018’s Property Market
How to navigate a buyers’ market
Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, explains what a buyers’ market is, how it affects the average homeowner, and what buyers and sellers can do to reach their property goals in today’s market conditions. What is a buyers’ market? “A buyers’ market is when there are more properties for sale than there are buyers to buy them,” says Clarke, “so instead of buyers competing against each other for properties, sellers have to compete to attract buyers. As a result, price growth often … [Read more...] about How to navigate a buyers’ market
Rather Invest in a Top Security Estate
Few properties in South Africa can compete with the excellent price and rental growth experienced by top security estates. According to Schalk van der Merwe, franchisee of the Rawson Properties Helderberg Group, the techniques used to achieve this phenomenal growth are actually surprisingly simple. Here are four of the most common ones you’ll find in South Africa’s leading housing estates. 1. Picking a uniform colour palette Not everyone has the same style and taste when it comes to … [Read more...] about Rather Invest in a Top Security Estate
Is urban regeneration viable in South Africa today?
As cities age, buildings deteriorate and become overcrowded. Residential areas expand further from the CBD, causing commerce to follow, until the city centre is merely a ghost of its former self. Rentals drop, vacancies rise and criminal elements often move in, making an erstwhile vibrant CBD dangerous and unproductive for both commerce and residents. Investor portfolio values drop to a new low, and this is when it becomes clear that there is a need to regenerate the area, or accept a loss and … [Read more...] about Is urban regeneration viable in South Africa today?
