With VAT increases and generally soaring prices taking their toll on South African pockets, it’s no wonder most people have been buckling up for tough financial times ahead. The cost of living is certainly climbing, but as it turns out, it’s not all doom and gloom on the horizon. According to Mark Hendricks, Regional Manager for Rawson Finance, the home financing sector is actually looking up. “For the last year or so, there’s been a definite trend towards a more relaxed approach to property … [Read more...] about Bond approval statistics on the rise
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Don’t let drought leave you unprepared for winter rains
After weathering many months of extreme drought in the Western Cape, it may seem like wishful thinking to start prepping your home for heavy winter rains. Climatologists, however, are predicting a likely transition from the currently weak La Niña conditions (bringing rainfall to the central parts of SA) to an ENSO-neutral state. This could bring heavier winter rainfall to the Western Cape than has been seen in several years. “Climate change means weather extremes, which is certainly what … [Read more...] about Don’t let drought leave you unprepared for winter rains
Property market’s slow start could be misleading
Despite the renewal in consumer confidence and national sentiment after leadership changes in the ruling party late last year, the South African property market saw little in the way of significant recovery during the first quarter of 2018. Some fear this slow start may indicate a continuation of the downward trends experienced across much of the country since 2014, but property experts remain optimistic for a market turnaround. “Property is very much affected by the local and global economic … [Read more...] about Property market’s slow start could be misleading
Can we trust real estate predictions?
Knowing what’s on the horizon is the key to a successful investment, but accurately predicting the future in any industry is a complicated affair. According to Schalk van der Merwe, franchisee for the Rawson Properties Helderberg Group, this is particularly true in real estate – predictions are far from certain and should always be taken in context with their source. “As real estate agents, we often get asked questions like ‘How is the market doing?’, ‘Is now a good time to buy or sell?’ and … [Read more...] about Can we trust real estate predictions?
Long-lasting homeware that won’t break the bank
Ever feel like you’re on a never-ending merry-go-round of buy, break, replace in your home? You’re not alone. It’s a sad fact that affordability and long-lasting quality don’t often come together these days. led If you’re tired of throwing money away on cheap but trendy items that don’t survive daily use, why not try a new approach? Debbie Reabow of the Rawson Property Group shares her top buys for the home that are designed to last for the long haul and often pay for themselves in the long … [Read more...] about Long-lasting homeware that won’t break the bank
How rocky has the 2018 budget left the country?
Those hoping for good news for the South African property market in the 2018 budget speech were likely disappointed by the lack of change to the sector’s key influencing factors. Transfer Duty and Capital Gains Tax, as well as their respective thresholds, remain at 2017 levels, offering no apparent respite to investors or homeowners. While little has changed for the property sector directly, that doesn’t mean the market will be completely unaffected in the months to come, … [Read more...] about How rocky has the 2018 budget left the country?
Prime Lending and Repo Rates explained
If you don’t have a background in finance, concepts like the repo rate and prime lending rate might seem a little mysterious at first. Most of us know that they have something to do with how much interest you pay on a loan in South Africa, but how these rates are set and how they affect things isn’t always so clear. “With the annual budget speech approaching, it’s not unlikely that interest rates will see some future fluctuation,” says Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group. “It’s a … [Read more...] about Prime Lending and Repo Rates explained
New home décor trends revealed
Nurture and restoration are set to take centre stage on the residential design front, with architecture, furniture and décor trends all focusing on home as a sanctuary instead of a display. Glamour is definitely in, but hard lines and overly-vivid colours are moving over to make way for a gentler ambience and more liveable feel. At the Rawson Property Group, we love seeing how South Africans embrace these design trends in their homes. Here’s what we’re expecting from trendsetters through out … [Read more...] about New home décor trends revealed
Are ready to buy a home with your partner?
These days, you don’t need to put a ring on it to say “I do” to buying a home with your partner. In fact, many couples are delaying a trip down the aisle to invest that money in their first property. Of course, making a joint commitment like a property purchase without the protection of marriage can be risky, so how do you tell if it’s a good idea for you, or if you’re letting yourself in for a world of trouble? Rawson Property Group MD, Tony Clarke, recommends using this checklist to help … [Read more...] about Are ready to buy a home with your partner?
How digital media is changing business
The world isn’t going digital – it’s already there. Businesses without an online presence are fast fading into anonymity, and those who know how to work their digital platforms are reaping the rewards. While the property industry may be rooted in tradition, it’s far from exempt from this technological revolution. In fact, according to Debbie Reabow, the Rawson Property Group’s Brand and Communications Manager, the digital world is responsible for some of the biggest changes in the industry to … [Read more...] about How digital media is changing business
Insider’s guide to inspecting show houses
Professional home inspections are a vital part of buying a home, Tony Clarke, Managing Director of the Rawson Property Group, shares his tips on spotting potential problems. These DIY checks are just the first step of the process, and should always be followed by a professional inspection – even if you don’t find any red flags. Leaks, dampness and water-damage Ceilings According to Clarke, ceilings give great clues to the condition of a property. Stains or sagging suggest past or … [Read more...] about Insider’s guide to inspecting show houses
Beware of these common rental scams
Today’s rental market is a competitive place, so when you find the perfect spot it can be tempting to just sign on the dotted line and hope for the best. Sadly, there are more and more scammers who are taking advantage of this opportunity to dupe unsuspecting applicants out of their hard-earned cash. David Jacobs, Gauteng Regional Manager for the Rawson Property Group, shares some of the more common rental scams and explains how best to protect yourself against them. The Branded … [Read more...] about Beware of these common rental scams
Top Seven security tips for homeowners over the festive season
The latest South African crime statistics had good news for homeowners, with housebreaking and home robbery both down by a significant margin. While that’s certainly cause for celebration, Tony Clarke, Managing Director of the Rawson Property Group, urges homeowners not to become complacent when it comes to home security – particularly with the holiday season on the way. “Crime tends to come in waves, and the festive season is often a high point,” he says. “Criminals go ‘Christmas shopping’ … [Read more...] about Top Seven security tips for homeowners over the festive season
How to change R1000 into R6000
As the holiday season approaches, most of us are counting the days until that year-end bonus hits our account. There’s nothing quite like a little bank balance booster to get us in the holiday spirit! Of course, splurging all that extra cash on impulse buys is probably not the smartest move with costs rising. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to make our year-end bonuses work as hard for us as we did for them? Tony Clarke, Managing Director of the Rawson Property Group, says this … [Read more...] about How to change R1000 into R6000
Let’s look at shared working space
As economies make way for a plethora of small to medium business entrepreneurs, and big businesses realise the need for flexibility, the recent trend is increasingly towards shared working space. Economic downturns have encouraged the rise of many smaller enterprises which are being run from coffee shops or homes, but they do, on occasion need a more professional appearance. This is one possible function of a shared working space. Another is for larger companies to rent extra space on a short … [Read more...] about Let’s look at shared working space
