Articles published in June 2011
2011/06/01
At least 41 local councils are not viable and should be incorporated into other councils with additional funding and support by government.
2011/06/01
A senior property analyst suggests that South Africans are buying smaller homes and opting to live in flats to reduce monthly running costs.
2011/06/01
Bond balances increased by just 3,1% in April, the lowest figure since the mid-1960s reflecting the state of the property market in South Africa.
2011/06/01
A special investigating unit has been set up by the Department of Co-operative Governance to work with law enforcement agencies in combating crime.
2011/06/01
The FNB House Price Index remained in low positive growth territory, with the price growth rate rising to 2,1% in May from 1,7% in April.
2011/06/01
To increase your chances of a successful home loan application follow these tips and make sure your credit record is in good standing.
2011/06/02
A new student housing development in Rosebank, Cape Town was recently completed with flats already over 80 percent let.
2011/06/01
If your garage is cluttered it's time to take the day off and start sorting out the mess. Here are some tips on how to make the most of this space…
2011/06/02
Hundreds of homeless people protested over an interdict to prevent them from building shacks on vacant land but the interdict remains in force.
2011/06/02
An emerging building contractor says that cronyism and nepotism are rife, calling for greater transparency from the government departments.
2011/06/02
The Cotswold Fenns Equestrian Estate must repay more than R1,3m to an investor who had put money into the estate to buy land there.
2011/06/03
The government spent R94m on building over 8 000 toilets in rural areas but 30% of these were delivered after the end of the financial year.
2011/06/02
Work has begun on the first phase of the new Meadowlands Crossing shopping centre in Newcastle, located within a multi-billion rand estate.
2011/06/02
For every 50-basis-point increase, property buyers should factor in an extra payment of R417 per million rand of debt, warns an industry leader.
2011/06/02
South Africans are becoming more aware of incorporating green technology in their homes, especially with rising electricity costs...
2011/06/03
A newly-elected Joburg councillor has been inducted to a new position while keeping his job as a senior housing official in government.
2011/06/03
Potential bargains are being sold as four luxury homes and a luxurious lodge in a Waterberg safari park go under the hammer over the next few weeks.
2011/06/03
Make the most of your fireplace in winter. With proper cleaning and care you will be able to burn beautiful fires with complete peace of mind.
2011/06/06
Space has become a rare commodity; however there are many ways of creating an illusion of space without actually changing the size of a room.
2011/06/03
In a move to stamp out fraud and corruption, more than 120 companies have now been barred from doing any government work for up to 10 years.
2011/06/06
The development for a new mall at Princess Vlei might be approved by the Cape Town council and the provincial authorities in the Western Cape.
2011/06/06
The Lagoon Bay row continues as developer, Werner Roux applies to the Western Cape High Court for an order overturning the rezoning application.
2011/06/06
More than 900 homes have been illegally occupied by residents who managed to obtain fraudulent title deeds for the properties and move in.
2011/06/06
Landlords are advised to monitor service charges by having copies of bills sent to them and let the tenant pay the landlord for consumption.
2011/06/06
Prices for properties along Strand's Beach Road have fallen by between 40% and 50% and represent excellent bargains for investors.
2011/06/06
Paddy tells the story of how farmworkers at Magwa Tea outside Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape destroyed and looted the farm before abandoning it...
2011/06/07
The government plans to ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs and force consumers to replace these with the more energy efficient CFLs.
2011/06/07
Mzwandile Kibi refused to pay R7,9k a month to rent a house in Bryanston and ran up a services bill of R65k while living in a house for free.
2011/06/07
More than 140 new rental apartments in two different developments are set to come onto the market in Randburg in the coming months.
2011/06/07
Nedbank has agreed to fund the development of a new business park on the R21 heading towards Pretoria that is being developed by JT Ross.
2011/06/07
Property sales in Somerset West and in Constantia have remained steady this year with foreign and local buyers opting to buy homes in these suburbs.
2011/06/07
If you do the job properly to begin with, the paint will last a lot longer and gutters will add to the overall appeal of your home. Get some tips!
2011/06/08
Many thousands of property owners are locked into their homes because they owe more to the bank than the property is worth claims Auction Alliance.
2011/06/08
The headquarters of The Argus and The Cape Times is to be sold because the building is too big and is unsuitable for the two newspapers.
2011/06/08
A family that sold properties worth R6m to two different companies have been convicted and sentenced in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court.
2011/06/08
Do you really know how your home electricity supply works? Here is a simple guide on the basics of how your fusebox works...
2011/06/08
A new plan to limit land ownership by foreigners is to be presented to the Cabinet before the end of the year according to the Land Reform Minister.
2011/06/09
Winter is often the best time of the year to tackle outstanding maintenance projects in and around your home. Start with the basics first...
2011/06/10
Frequently maintaining your lawn mower will save you time and money in the long run. Here is a list of recommended checks you should do…
2011/06/08
Your first property probably won't be your dream home, but it's a good place to start. Buying small and paying less gives you a foot in the door!
2011/06/09
Property prices have remained depressed in May with prices of small, medium and large homes falling both in nominal and real terms last month.
2011/06/09
Newly built homes in Nyanga on the Cape Flats have been vandalised while residents in Noordgesig, Joburg protested over prolonged electricity cuts.
2011/06/09
A newly-appointed KZN deputy mayor Alpha Shelembe appeared in the Maritzburg High Court on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.
2011/06/09
A farmer in KZN has been accused of charging too much for his land after he sold a sugar cane farm to the Land Reform department for R24m.
2011/06/10
SA's retail property market remains strong even though several regional shopping centres are financially distressed and are battling to survive.
2011/06/10
The sale of the V&A Waterfront has been concluded and the full R9,7-billion purchase price has been paid by the new owners of this prestigious site.
2011/06/10
Confidence levels have improved among building contractors in the first 6 months of this year and activity levels have shown a slight increase too.
2011/06/10
SARS has been granted an order allowing it to sell three properties owned by businessman Dave King as settlement for his tax bill of R20,9-million.
2011/06/13
CSTM owner Quentin Brown is accused of squandering money supposed to be held in a trust whilst not paying bills on behalf of complex residents.
2011/06/13
At least 40% of the 10 000 estate agencies that have been operating illegally have applied for amnesty from the Estate Agency Affairs Board.
2011/06/15
The Property Sector Charter Council has asked the National Empowerment Fund to assist in providing money for emerging entrepreneurs.
2011/06/13
Wraypex has been denied leave to appeal against a punitive costs order granted against it making it liable for legal costs worth millions of rands.
2011/06/13
The Property Sector Charter Council aims to facilitate transformation in the property sector and promote a vibrant property indusrty in SA.
2011/06/13
At a recent event local estate agency in Alberton won the Franchise of the Year award for the ERA South Africa real estate group.
2011/06/13
Before you spend a fortune renovating your property, find out where you can recoup costs and what adds the most value to the price of your property.
2011/06/15
Franchising has proven to be the best system for ongoing growth in residential property marketing, according to the chairman of Rawson Properties.
2011/06/15
LED strip lights are hot accessories on the décor scene, providing a fun source of light whilst saving the environment and your pocket.
2011/06/14
A multi-million rand commercial dispute between Devland, Dubai World and Growthpoint may be resolved through arbitration rather than court action.
2011/06/14
Energy producers will need a farmer’s permission to build a new energy plant if the new Western Cape legislation is approved.
2011/06/14
The debt-to-income ratio for South African households has reached 78,5% according to new figures released by the National Credit Regulator.
2011/06/15
Paddy says land reform is a tricky issue and the big question of how to effect positive change while ensuring sustainability remains top of mind...
2011/06/14
Municipalities are failing to spend infrastructure budgets of R41bn and their inefficiencies allow debts to mount up to a staggering R64bn.
2011/06/15
Looking for gift ideas for dad? Here is the ultimate gadget gift guide for Father's Day designed to delight any gadget-appreciating man...
2011/06/14
Work out your priorities as you decide on the type of carpet that would best suit your lifestyle. Not every carpet is equal, so choose wisely!
2011/06/16
Planning your outdoor area is the most important part of gardening. Focus on your desired outcome and create the perfect garden space...
2011/06/17
The Independent Complaints Directorate were forced by the Department of Public Works to lease premises in Pretoria for more than it had budgeted.
2011/06/15
Cape Town’s mayor Patricia De Lille has confirmed that at least 60 residents in the township will be given the houses they currently occupy.
2011/06/15
More homeowners are selling their properties to downscale due to tight finances with some even turning to property rental, according to a survey.
2011/06/17
Wind farms may soon dominate the landscapes of the Eastern and Western Cape as more than 80 applications for new wind farms have been received.
2011/06/15
While tenants are often accused of being shoddy in paying bills and not taking care of a property, landlords are often just as bad.
2011/06/17
A row over a dam which sold for R10,5m but was valued at almost R30m is brewing in Kempton Park and the ECA wants to overturn the sale.
2011/06/21
Making your own custom chalkboard is fun and easy and can be used in any room of the house. Here are some creative ideas you can copy...
2011/06/17
Whether you work with a kitchen designer or you opt for the do it yourself route, there are certain ingredients that go into a good kitchen…
2011/06/20
While financial pressures continue to hamper the property market, the rental sector improved this year with about 80% of tenants now paying on time.
2011/06/17
Property magnate Roug Shabangu says the lease agreement signed for the new headquarters for SAPS at Middestad building is legally binding and valid.
2011/06/20
Building activity in SA in the first four months of this year improved significantly according to statistics released by Absa.
2011/06/17
Forget about buying the cliché torch for Father’s Day, here are some truly innovative and affordable gadget lighting ideas…
2011/06/20
The government is not signing long leases with listed property companies because these don’t comply with black economic empowerment initiatives.
2011/06/20
The City of Cape Town may close parts of Old Marine Drive in the city centre and convert it into a precinct for public transport services.
2011/06/21
There are about 7 000 destitute people living in Cape Town’s central business district and the city wants to erect temporary facilities for them.
2011/06/20
A plan to rescue investors in the bankrupt Cotswold Downs Development Company’s project in Hillcrest will be presented on Wednesday.
2011/06/21
Paddy suggests that while Malema might be serious, he doesn’t think that too many other people in government will take him that seriously...
2011/06/20
Insulation makes a home more energy-efficient while offering an affordable way to keep warmer in winter – and it’s easy to install yourself...
2011/06/21
Does turning on the taps at home result in a loud banging noise? Find out the cause of the problem and how to put a stop to it for good...
2011/06/21
The ANC remains steadfast that the resolutions taken by the Youth League are not government policy and will not be implemented on a national level.
2011/06/21
Property prices in the Western Cape are significantly depressed with 85% of those selling homes being forced to reduce asking prices.
2011/06/21
The Minister of Public Works says that the courts will have to decide on the validity of a lease agreement for new police headquarters at Middestad.
2011/06/22
Winter is when colds and flu are most rampant, but avoid getting ill by keeping your house as germ-free as possible. Here are some tips...
2011/06/27
Cleaning your paint brushes thoroughly at the end of a painting session will ensure your brushes last longer. Here are some tips to guide you...
2011/06/22
Confidence levels in CBD areas of Johannesburg continue to rise prompting higher levels of investment in the area, says property company Broll.
2011/06/22
Networks overloading from illegal connections and cable thefts have contributed to recent widespread power failures across Joburg.
2011/06/22
The property sector may benefit from a rise in consumer confidence and an increase in the number of people employed in formal jobs in South Africa.
2011/06/22
Nedbank has agreed to fund the R280m Menlyn Corporate Office Park being developed close to Tshwane’s largest shopping centre in Menlyn.
2011/06/22
If on a home loan of R1m you paid R400 extra a month the savings in the long term would amount to around R147k, says a home loans expert.
2011/06/22
Across SA, investors are moving distressed homes through the system far faster than lenders, according to Auction Alliance CEO Rael Levitt.
2011/06/23
Colour choice is very important in the bedroom. Learn about colour inspiration and which combinations will work best in this space.
2011/06/23
Between R20m and R40m has been lost after Constantia Sectional Title Managers allegedly misappropriated funds from 450 bodies corporate.
2011/06/23
An over-supply of hotel accommodation in Cape Town and a drop in the number of foreign tourists coming to South Africa has hurt the tourist industry
2011/06/23
Consumer inflation levels rose to 4,6% in May but economists believe the figures will not prompt a rise in interest rates before next year.
2011/06/23
The Land Claims Court has rejected an appeal by landowners in Bishopscourt who demanded that the land be restored to them after it was taken away.
2011/06/23
Those buying property from a non-resident must be aware that the onus is on them to withhold capital gains tax, says a Cape attorney.
2011/06/23
Dark wooden floors create warmth and make a strong statement in your home. They can be used to set the style with a myriad of décor effects...
2011/06/24
At least seven tenants appear to have been ripped-off by a “doctor” who demanded an R6k security deposit for a home that he claimed to own.
2011/06/24
Johannesburg’s billing chaos has prevented developers from investing in the city according to the Property Owners’ and Managers’ Association.
2011/06/24
Conveyancing attorneys are getting more frustrated with the SARS e-filing system to pay the transfer duty on properties that have been sold.
2011/06/24
Remove mould and mildew without the toxic chemicals. Make your own killing solution from the secret yet deadly items found in your home...
2011/06/24
A R300m plan to rehabilitate a number of small towns in the Eastern Cape appears to have floundered two years after it was launched in the province.
2011/06/27
Paddy laments Joburg’s inefficiencies and says the city needs to clean up it’s act so investment can flow and its citizens can thrive...
2011/06/24
Well maintained homes generally sell faster and for higher prices, so embark on a regular home maintenance programme from the day you move in...
2011/06/24
Sofas receive a lot of wear and tear and should be treated with proper care. Extend the life of your sofa with these useful tips...
2011/06/24
Antique style décor offers a stylish, interesting, and warmer old-school charm. With little effort it’s relatively easy to create...
2011/06/27
The Bo-Kaap suburb in Cape Town is no longer alcohol-free as the Hilton Hotel is discreetly serving alcoholic beverages to its clients at the hotel.
2011/06/27
The portfolio committee of Human Settlements wants to cancel the second and third phase of a plan worth R550m to build toilets in 25 rural areas.
2011/06/27
Cape Town has no intention of completing the freeways that surround the city and will invest its money in upgrading the public transport network.
2011/06/27
The third phase of the Melrose Arch mixed-use development has been launched with two penthouse apartments sold for R25,5m each.
2011/06/28
A section of the Environmental Management Act is allegedly being used by companies to complete developments in environmentally sensitive areas.
2011/06/28
A Durban couple are trying to prevent their disabled daughter from selling their house and evicting them so she can buy a new home in Australia.
2011/06/28
Expropriated land used to develop the Atlantis Township is at the centre of a land claim by Abraham Wallach who wants the land returned to him.
2011/06/28
A prime piece of land in Constantia, Cape Town, bought originally for £1,600, is worth at least R134m and can be sub-divided into 26 plots.
2011/06/28
A lifestyle property and wine estate in Paarl with boutique hotel, winery, cellar tasting centre and outdoor concert area is up for auction.
2011/06/28
Before buying property be sure to take a good look around the neighbourhood and do your research properly. There's more to safety than crime...
2011/06/28
Aspirant property buyers struggling to get home loan approval might look at a co-ownership agreement with friends or family.
2011/06/29
The government will revise its 2014 land redistribution targets and will focus on creating productive working farms rather than handing over land.
2011/06/29
Durban’s water supplies could be threatened as contractors fight over the awarding of a contract for a new bulk water pipeline for the city.
2011/06/29
A woman who was supposed to investigate corruption at the NHBRC has allegedly colluded with the organisation, subverting the probe.
2011/06/29
The backlog in clearance certificates at the City of Joburg is estimated at 45,000 and conveyancers have now turned to the courts for resolution.
2011/06/29
Following a highly publicised legal battle, Wendy Machanik’s luxury Atholl home in Sandton will go under the hammer in an urgent sale on 15 July.
2011/06/30
Durable, hygienic and easy to clean, they are available in a wide variety of trendy colours, textures and profiles, and are also affordable...
2011/06/29
Glass is a most versatile material, which can be used almost anywhere in and around the home. But here’s what you should know...
2011/06/30
South Africans can brace themselves for a sharp increase in electricity prices as municipalities around the country increase municipal charges.
2011/06/30
A block of low-cost flats adjoining a complex of mine hostels in Dube has been seriously damaged by protestors claiming the flats are too expensive.
2011/06/30
Indications that the Reserve Bank might increase interest rates before the end of the year would curb the property market’s recovery.
2011/06/30
South Africans are still heavily reliant on credit but the National Credit Regulator says that applications for credit have dropped by 3% this year.
2011/06/30
Poor sanitation and excessive water pollution are posing health risks for millions of South Africans according to researchers at Cape universities.
2011/06/30
In support of Clicks for Bricks, Property24 and Jaci’s Lodges in Madikwe are rewarding fans for their dedication with this exciting competition...
2011/06/30
The Western Cape Institute of Estate Agents is hosting monthly talks for those interested in a career as an estate agent.