An informed choice will save you money monthly and over your bond repayment period. It will also ensure that you find your dream home.

An increasing number of people in their 50s and 60s are downsizing from big family homes to smaller, lower maintenance properties.

Proximity, price and security have become such big factors in the choice of home that it is easy to miss some warning signs.

It takes between 3 and 4 months to sell most homes, and an average of 3 months to register the transfer of a new home, so parents should count on a 6 month process to secure a new address.

Better health, higher educational achievement and higher net wealth are among the many socio-economic benefits of home ownership, according to the latest studies by Habitat for Humanity*, and they are certainly strong incentives for the thousands of South Africans who buy new homes, whether they’re first time home buyers or not, each year to accommodate…

Homebuyers are starting to place lifestyle way ahead of investment when looking for homes. If the living is good, there’s a good chance of a sale.

You’re pre-approved for a bond, you’ve spent weeks visiting showhouses, read a ton of advice on where, when and how to purchase, and you still can’t bring yourself to sign an offer to purchase. Sounds familiar? You may have what agents call…

Shopping for a new home before you shop for a home loan is a bit like eating pudding before your main meal – it’s sublimely sweet for a moment, but it’s likely to leave you with a lasting belly ache.

There’s a growing trend in South Africa towards home loan pre‑approval, with both buyers and sellers placing far more prominence on financial preparedness. ‘Pre-what?’ you ask? Let’s unpack that for you.

Buying Sectional Title property is a great way to set foot on the property ladder, especially for first-time homebuyers because it can be more affordable to purchase and easier to maintain than a large freestanding house.

There is no shortage of online checklists and advice to help homebuyers make good decisions. Even so, there is no full-proof formula for finding the perfect place, and nothing beats good old gut-feel – that moment when you see a place that you just know you are going to love.

Things I wish I knew before buying

Fixer-upper or move-in ready

How to buy an energy-efficient home

How to navigate rising inflation and interest rates While the latest repo rate hike will hit consumers hard, it is also a sign that the South African Reserve Bank is doing what it can to help fight inflation. “The housing sector is the most inflation sensitive sector of the economy, so an aggressive move to…

What to look out for when buying a property When buying that first home, find one that’s a fit for your lifestyle and that gives you loads of room to grow. Should you look for a tiny townhouse with a lock-up-and-go lifestyle that’s just big enough for one (or two at a pinch)? Or should you…

Home, sweet (brand-new) home! Buying property off-plan is a great way for first-time homebuyers to get a foot on the property ladder. It comes without transfer duty as there is no prior owner, and the VAT is included in the purchase price. For these same reasons, it is also an appealing option for someone looking to…