Articles published in March 2011
2011/03/01
A new boutique development has been launched in Cape Town, Vredehoek with 12 apartments priced from R2.2 million.
2011/03/01
False alarms account for most signals received by security monitoring centres. Find out what the main causes are and how to avoid them.
2011/03/01
The CEO of the Estate Agency Affairs Board credited with launching a clean-up of the industry has lost her job, the board said on Tuesday.
2011/03/01
The Income and Expenditure Survey 2010-11 being conducted by Statistics SA has reached the halfway stage, with 12,430 households visited.
2011/03/01
When buying property the bank will require that you take out a comprehensive insurance policy. Find out what this covers...
2011/03/01
The Department of Labour’s revised annual minimum wages represent a 4.5 percent salary increase for farm workers.
2011/03/01
Residential property prices grew only slightly for February with an expected decline of around one percent for the year, according to FNB.
2011/03/01
Few men understand a woman's need to decorate but the notion is rather simple - see it as a sport and you can do wonders with your décor...
2011/03/04
If you have dispelled the idea of growing unpredictable vines to cover a wall, think again. Espalier, the art of training plants, can control that.
2011/03/02
The Industrial Development Corporation is giving R750m to farmers affected by recent floods and drought with applications open until February 2012.
2011/03/01
In January, the value of mortgage loans slowed further in year-on-year growth, from 4% in the previous month to 3.8%, according to latest figures.
2011/03/02
A centre featuring a piazza-style food quarter is being built in Ballito, KwaZulu Natal, adjacent to a new 800-seater conference venue.
2011/03/02
Determining the true market value of your property or of one you may be interested in buying is not as difficult as it seems. Get some tips...
2011/03/02
The rand's strength, historically low international property prices and relaxed exchange controls make this a good time to invest overseas.
2011/03/03
The recently released Sector Code of Good Practice by the Property Sector Charter unveils bold new B-BBEE targets for the industry.
2011/03/03
Construction company Aveng will pay a fine of R128.9m relating to two cartels in the wire mesh and rebar business, the Competition Commission said.
2011/03/02
Getting into a neatly made bed is more pleasant than climbing into a rumpled one. Learn how to make a bed correctly to ensure sweet dreams.
2011/03/02
The property market is expected to continue to reflect developments on macroeconomic, household sector and interest rate fronts, said Absa.
2011/03/03
Buying a property may be the single biggest investment you make. To reduce the risk be aware of what to look out for before you sign...
2011/03/03
The Estate Agency Affairs Board will no longer discuss the firing of its CEO as she is taking them to court, it said on Wednesday.
2011/03/03
A number of mounting problems at municipal level in the Free State need attention for proper economic development to take place, the DA said.
2011/03/03
Property in more affordable metro areas, particularly former black townships, performed best in price growth in 2010, said FNB.
2011/03/04
Cape Town International Airport has been named the best airport in Africa and OR Tambo the third best by the Airports Council International.
2011/03/03
When selling property make sure you inform the bank of your intention to cancel your home loan, otherwise you risk paying penalty charges.
2011/03/04
Before buying a property you would do well to check how secure the neighbourhood actually is. Get some helpful pointers and follow this advice...
2011/03/04
Handling a sectional title or homeowners’ association’s finances should always be as transparent as possible. Get an expert’s view...
2011/03/04
If you are planning to remodel your bathroom, tiles should be your first choice of floor and wall covering. Find out what's new and in style...
2011/03/04
Housing activity in suburbs priced above R3m remains in the doldrums, reports from more than one property industry player show.
2011/03/07
Trade and Industry Minister, Rob Davies, confirms that several top estate agencies are to be investigated for the possible misuse of trust funds.
2011/03/07
Amid promises of action against corrupt housing officials, the Hawks will arrest eThekwini officials in connection with housing fraud.
2011/03/08
Residents at the Jimbos informal settlement in Philippi will not be forced to move off land that they have occupied for more than 25 years.
2011/03/07
Legacy Hotels has denied reports that Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi had any shares in the group or the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton.
2011/03/07
An advisor to Cape property syndication company Realcor has quit while plans to merge two property development companies have collapsed.
2011/03/07
Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale has assigned new powers to several cities and district municipalities for building of human settlements.
2011/03/07
The year-on-year growth in average value of small, medium and large homes in the middle segment of the property market remained low...
2011/03/07
In line with global trends, SA is moving away from traditional water-heating methods such as geysers towards more energy-efficient alternatives.
2011/03/08
Local elections will be held on18 May and political parties are promising to improve service delivery levels. But do these promises hold water?
2011/03/08
Many landlords have to deal with tenants who default on rental payments, while worrying about how to pay their bond on the property...
2011/03/09
When buying property for the first time most people will require home loans. Find out what you need to know before you apply ...
2011/03/08
Financial brokers who advise people to participate in a property syndication scheme can be held liable for the losses incurred by these investors.
2011/03/08
The Brits council, operating under administration, is paying large consultancy fees to independent consultants for advice.
2011/03/09
Property bubbles are strange things - if everyone wants to buy and build better property, why should this cause the prices and investments to crash?
2011/03/08
When entertaining at home, be more concerned with the atmosphere created than the venue. Make entertaining guests a breeze with these tips...
2011/03/09
A home emergency may strike unexpectedly and your response, or lack thereof, could determine how things work out in the end. Get some tips...
2011/03/08
Tenant rental payment behaviour remained ‘stable’ throughout 2010 with the low interest rate, limited credit and flat rental increases as factors.
2011/03/09
Troubled investors in Sharemax could lose millions of rands unless a Scheme of Arrangement is implemented to protect them.
2011/03/09
Shopping centres have been a favourite target for criminal gangs but major protection measures at malls have seen crime levels fall sharply.
2011/03/09
The DTI has confirmed that it wants a detailed report on the circumstances that led to the sudden dismissal of the EAAB’s chief executive officer.
2011/03/10
The Public Protector’s report on the R500m lease of new headquarters for the South African Police has been branded as 'shallow and superficial'...
2011/03/09
More people are working from their homes but is this actually allowed in a townhouse, complex or flat? Get an expert's view on the matter.
2011/03/09
The Sectional Titles Act has been 'extensively amended' with some important points particularly for developers and managing agents.
2011/03/10
Décor trends are about rethinking, recycling and renewing. Shutters today reflect this and can be used in a mutitude of ways for different effects.
2011/03/10
As South Africa faces rolling blackouts over the winter season, Cape Town has called on its residents to cut consumption by at least 10% this year.
2011/03/10
The EAAB has conceded that it responded to an onslaught in the media against it by former CEO Nomonde Mapetla by immediately dismissing her.
2011/03/10
With municipal elections looming, the constitutional court will consider whether plans to incorporate Moutse in Mpumalanga were legal and necessary.
2011/03/10
Johannesburg residents with long-standing queries on their accounts are to receive substantial discounts, if they meet certain requirements.
2011/03/10
The new laws applicable to auction property will come into effect through the Consumer Protection Act on 1 April and are set to change the industry.
2011/03/10
For 2010 RE/MAX reported a 37% growth on registered sales compared to its 2009 figures, sold 18 new franchises and saw 558 new agents joining...
2011/03/10
At various events held during February RE/MAX agents were recognised for their passion, leadership and sales results.
2011/03/11
Confidence in the building industry has fallen sharply and even material supplies have dropped because of a shortage of building work in SA.
2011/03/11
The South Gauteng High Court’s Judge Lotter Wepener will rule this morning on whether the court has the jurisdiction to hear the Mapetla matter.
2011/03/11
Buy-to-let property investors finally have something to cheer about, with latest data pointing to an improved outlook for residential rental growth.
2011/03/11
The government's national greening programme has in the past three years reached and exceeded its million-trees-a-year target.
2011/03/11
Paddy says that while talking of a ‘clean-up’ the industry should be setting up apprenticeship programmes to attract and nurture new talent.
2011/03/11
Many landlords stipulate their rental property is not suitable for pets as the perceived risk of damage seems too high. But there are remedies...
2011/03/11
There are a number of things to consider before deciding to renovate your home, not least of all whether or not it will prove a wise investment.
2011/03/14
A new hotel, offices, loft apartments, retail space and fitness centre will be part of two mixed-use developments in Newtown, Johannesburg.
2011/03/14
In a ruling on Friday the Judge refused to grant axed EAAB chief executive Nomonde Mapetla urgent access to the South Gauteng High Court.
2011/03/14
SA has only only one land claims commissioner left after the others resigned in a dispute over pay levels that reduced salaries to R840k a year.
2011/03/14
Illegal agents, few black agencies and a surge in the number of complaints from consumers are just are some of the problems facing the EAAB.
2011/03/14
While the Voetstoots clause and new Consumer Protection Act may offer some protection when buying property, rather spot the dangers before signing.
2011/03/15
In a consent order published by the Competition Tribunal, Liberty Group agreed to pay an administrative penalty of just more than R18m.
2011/03/14
A boutique wine farm with a magnificent modern Cape Dutch manor house has come on to the market in Franschhoek, Western Cape at R28,5m.
2011/03/14
Personal wall murals are easy to create, providing the perfect opportunity for using leftover paint. Dramatise your space with this DIY mural guide.
2011/03/15
Landlords and property managers can get caught by a delinquent tenant and often blacklisting is seen as the only way forward. Get an expert's view!
2011/03/15
March is Consumer Rights Month and the NCR is running a campaign to inform consumers of their rights and obligations when using credit.
2011/03/15
Many people regard Hillbrow as a no-go area but there are monthly walking tours through the suburb that show another side of life in the city.
2011/03/15
Property syndication schemes flout some laws but the Financial Services Ombud has warned other professionals to be wary when promoting syndications.
2011/03/16
While millions can’t afford to run a bank account, the FSB insists that banks must change the way they deal with all customers, rich and poor.
2011/03/16
After much public comment, the Army Barracks at Natal Command will be demolished so that a new road can be completed before the end of June.
2011/03/15
Reading the fine print and ensuring every eventuality is covered in the agreement is one of the most crucial aspects of buying or selling property.
2011/03/16
As SA’s land reform policies get bogged down in red tape, another option is now open to sharing farming profits between workers and farm owners.
2011/03/16
The Soweto housing market is growing as more people sell their expensive northern suburbs homes and buy themselves a bargain in Soweto instead.
2011/03/16
Material suppliers have been hard-pressed to make profits in a market where the renovations business in urban areas seems to have slowed markedly.
2011/03/16
Parts of the Tshwane CBD continue to experience power blackouts due to cable theft, as technical teams are now working non-stop to restore power.
2011/03/16
As South African municipalities battle to provide services, a Madibeng employee is facing a court hearing in connection with a R100-million fraud.
2011/03/18
Dubbed Resysta, the new wooden material retains the integral look and feel of natural wood, but without requiring the felling of a single tree.
2011/03/17
Pests can make your skin crawl but it’s important to identify the culprit and follow protective measures to reduce further creepy crawly sightings.
2011/03/17
While the scope for new shopping malls may be limited there is still plenty of room for smaller, convenience shopping centres in SA’s suburbs.
2011/03/17
Having been raided 52 times by police the High Court forced a couple to forfeit their house so that their shebeen could be permanently closed.
2011/03/17
The Competition Commission referred a case of collusion in the retail property market in Bedfordview to the Competition Tribunal for adjudication.
2011/03/17
A huge public outcry over a development in Durbanville appears to have led to Cape Town’s decision to ask the province to rule on the new project.
2011/03/18
The JHC borrowed R300m for new rental stock in Johannesburg inner city, while more than R24m has been spent on fixing up the Premier’s home.
2011/03/17
A rise in demand for residential property appears to be matched by a rise in supply of homes, a survey of estate agents showed.
2011/03/18
Investors are no longer coining it from listed property stocks, with share prices in the JSE’s R120bn real estate sector coming under pressure.
2011/03/18
With widespread reports of fraud and maladministration, the MEC for Co-operative Governance is determined to get to the bottom of these allegations.
2011/03/18
The community in Makhaza admits that illegal electricity connections have injured children but insists the city or Eskom must give them electricity.
2011/03/18
It will take some time for the new housing market to improve, but higher-density residential developments look to be the future of housing in SA.
2011/03/18
The real value of recorded building plans passed by larger municipalities increased by 36% year on year in January, according to latest figures.
2011/03/18
Rubber carpet tiles are the new DIY-friendly and durable floor application, available in various colours to suit your style and sense of fun.
2011/03/18
Property group Fine & Country South Africa recently hosted an industry awards ceremony in recognition of its top performers.
2011/03/22
Instead of earning R1m a year land claims commissioners will now be earning just R840k. Paddy questions how they have performed on the job?
2011/03/22
Water is a scarce commodity in South Africa and with a collapsing infrastructure it means that wastage makes water even more expensive.
2011/03/22
Having treated dignitaries and international politicians from a caravan since 2006, Bryntirion Estate is due to get a new hospital inside its walls.
2011/03/22
Joburg residents can complain until they’re blue in the face but service delivery won’t improve until officials start to take their jobs seriously.
2011/03/22
Although the property market remains tough, there are signs of improvement with more home loans approved and more people buying for the first time.
2011/03/23
Ever dreamed of living in a castle? This stone castle with views of the bay in the West Coast town of Saldanha is on the market for R7,6m.
2011/03/23
Not only are clay bricks a versatile, durable and cost-effective building material, they are also noise-retardant and aesthetically pleasing...
2011/03/23
The least costly way to redecorate is to rearrange what you already have. 'A change is as good as a holiday' so liven up your interiors...
2011/03/23
Dodgy lease agreements worth R500m, a new guest house costing R92m and R192m for fixing another home – the PWD has a lot to answer for.
2011/03/24
While residents complain about the state of Joburg’s roads, the reality is that the council has just not spent the money allocated to improve them.
2011/03/23
Indicators from the Reserve Bank, and three of the major banks show that while the property market is stable, the good times are still a way off.
2011/03/23
Poor planning, busy roads and parking lots hamper Table View’s potential but this may soon change if council accepts new guidelines for the suburb.
2011/03/23
The January leading indicator resumed its declining trend, suggesting the increase in residential mortgages in December may have been short-lived.
2011/03/24
Wood is the new 'it' word for décor. Valued for its natural tones and markings, it is being used everywhere in the home and for good reason too...
2011/03/24
On 26 March Earth Hour organiser, the World Wildlife Fund, is hoping to break a record - but they need your help by signing up and switching off...
2011/03/24
Sole mandates are an essential part of selling homes, but sellers must be told they have five working days to cancel a sole mandate.
2011/03/24
For many people Clarens is an ideal retreat offering a healthy, slow-paced lifestyle with a range of sandstone homes at affordable prices.
2011/03/25
The estate outside Somerset West is now fully developed and Erinvale property is selling at R3m for entry-level homes up to more that R40m.
2011/03/24
For those buying property lending requirements may have relaxed over the past 18 months but don’t expect home loans to be more competitively priced.
2011/03/24
The City of Johannesburg is getting tough on illegal dumpers, as it goes all out in its campaign to clean up the Joburg's streets.
2011/03/24
The Western Cape was the only province to have more people buying property than selling property in 2010, according to FNB.
2011/03/25
Paddy says people want land and they don’t seem to care how they get it, they just want it. So what can be done to solve the problem?
2011/03/24
In a depressed market, many people ask themselves whether it is more financially prudent to buy their own home or to rent one instead.
2011/03/24
The decision to keep the interest rate unchanged at 9% comes as no surprise and offers a continued respite for homeowners.
2011/03/25
Government and municipal plans see the Jozi city centre being transformed and happy residents moving into new homes in Brooklyn, Cape Town.
2011/03/25
You have a choice of the luxury or the mundane as batch of properties –go on auction during the next couple of weeks. It’s worth having a look.
2011/03/25
Gauteng wants to reduce the number of municipalities in the province and, at the same time, clean up the old towns and cities with a lick of paint.
2011/03/25
Heavily indebted South Africans will be delighted to know that the instalment sales and bonds rates will remain unchanged for the next few months.
2011/03/28
Joburg resident Linus Muller must prove other people have not had a response from the council so his legal case against Amos Masondo can continue.
2011/03/28
With the recent brouhaha over Wendy Machanik Properties, legal experts advise that deposits be paid to conveyancing attorneys and not estate agents.
2011/03/28
If you buy a kettle and it breaks after six months, you will have the right to demand your money back. But there are certain implications…
2011/03/28
The infamous Cape Town baboon ‘Fred’ known for burgling cars and mugging tourists at scenic look-outs has been captured by conservation officials.
2011/03/31
A new hospital in Germiston, Gauteng is still not ready to be opened, despite promises that it would be completed by October last year.
2011/03/28
A group of protesters and homeless people are squatting opposite Westminster Abbey and refuse to move for the Royal Wedding in April.
2011/03/28
Upper income properties with an average price of R2 million were taking much longer to sell in the first quarter of 2011.
2011/03/28
Confidence levels in the Western Cape over the past 2.5 years have remained highest relative to other provinces, according to FNB’s monitor.
2011/03/29
The still high level of household indebtedness leaves home owners vulnerable to expected mild interest rate hiking later this year.
2011/03/28
Decisions by the Monetary Policy Committee to keep the repo rate unchanged was welcomed against a backdrop of price hikes says Dr Andrew Golding.
2011/03/29
With average house prices now more than R800k, the option of buying a property in partnership with someone else is becoming a reality.
2011/03/29
South African consumers are now benefiting from increased levels of protection against suppliers, CPF has now made March ‘Consumer Rights Month’.
2011/03/29
A forensic investigator claims that a compromise is trying to legalise an illegal act and won’t resolve problems facing investors in the scheme.
2011/03/30
Don’t be a victim of DIY - plan your home improvements properly and ensure a finished project without the blood and tears. Here’s where to start…
2011/03/29
Strong environmental legislation has been used to force a property owner at Die Punt to demolish a house that was built inside the high-water mark.
2011/03/29
Recycling tyres can be dangerous, but the new method not only preserves a clean and safe environment, but also creates employment in SA.
2011/03/30
For the first time in eight years South Africa’s investment returns were not the highest in 23 markets measured around the world.
2011/03/30
A Western Cape court has ruled that sellers need only pay arrear rates for the previous two years even if the council is owed more than that.
2011/03/30
Economic growth is likely to be hampered in South Africa unless a people start saving more and spending less according to a Momentum economist.
2011/03/30
Is Umhlanga Ridge likely to become a new Sandton as more and more businesses leave Durban for the sedate village life of this growing borough?
2011/03/30
A group of elderly people are furious that eThekwini municipality allowed a block of student flats to be built in an area where older people live
2011/03/31
Banks are sticking to their tough lending criteria and this is reflected in the fact that mortgage advances actually declined in February this year.
2011/03/31
A new affordable housing development will offer a range of housing packages to buyers who can spend between R375k and R600k on a home.
2011/03/31
Contemporary blue bathrooms are reminiscent of exotic places and will inspire the traveller in you. Get some great ideas for a bathroom makeover!
2011/03/31
Amid threats that its grant would be withdrawn, the Western Cape has managed to spend its entire housing allocation within the financial year.
2011/03/31
Despite higher levels of retail spending, regional shopping centres are under pressure from rising capitalisation rates and falling market values.
2011/03/31
A last minute deal has prevented the auction of Lonehill and Bel Air shopping centres from going ahead. The centres were valued at R700m.
2011/03/31
Housing projects, the police, Public Works and even Arts and Culture stand accused of widespread corruption that has robbed taxpayers of billions.
2011/03/31
In view of the convenience they bring, dishwashers are one of the most desirable appliances to own. Get tips on how to select the right model...