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Articles published in August 2006

 
Icon set to transform CT 'skyscape'
01 Aug 2006
Construction on Icon, Cape Town's first 100% empowerment development is moving apace. The R390m residential, commercial and retail lifestyle centre, with 750 workers currently on site, already shows the potential to change Cape Town's skyline...

PE market takes a breather
01 Aug 2006
The PE market has quietened down and for those who want to invest in Port Elizabeth property at the moment, the best bet is a beachfront house or stand.

House prices now consolidating
01 Aug 2006
House prices are expected to consolidate at their current, elevated levels, which should still imply a reasonable average growth for the year, albeit sharply lower than before.

Newcomers boost Port Alfred market
01 Aug 2006
A relaxed coastal atmosphere and minimal crime have long ensured that the Eastern Cape town of Port Alfred remains a sought-after destination among South African and overseas holiday makers alike. Now these same attributes are influencing a new...

Expert Architect a worthwhile option
01 Aug 2006
Whether your plan is to construct a new building, expand your current one, or adapt an existing structure, it makes sense to consult a professional.

Property buys in India 'unbanned'
02 Aug 2006
The recent lifting of a government ban on foreign buyers means developers are queuing to restore India's elegant summer houses, and prices are rising fast.

Lake Michelle launches plot & plan
02 Aug 2006
Just a few hundred metres from Noordhoek's popular Long Beach, one of South Africa's largest and most responsible eco-estates is about to launch a new plot and plan offering in response to market demand.

Pinetown remains entry level haven
02 Aug 2006
Pinetown's traditional status as a haven for entry level buyers has been reaffirmed on the back of just-released figures by KZN property data supplier PropValues, which show that the area's average house price, at R620K, is 23% less than Absa's...

A wave of interest in Port Alfred
02 Aug 2006
Port Alfred has been experiencing great interest of late and, as reported yesterday, has attracted newcomers who are eager to invest in its property market thus boosting the town's property value. There is great potential for further growth in...

CT gets R470k skateboard rink
03 Aug 2006
The City of Cape Town, in partnership with the Urban Renewal Programme, recently launched a brand new skateboard facility in line with international standards in Westridge, Mitchells Plain.

CT penthouse sold for R4,5m
03 Aug 2006
All four of the luxury "standard" units in Aldo Canonne's San Aldino apartment development on Blaauwberg's Golden Mile have been sold in under four months by Rawson Properties' Blaauwberg franchise - at prices from R3 550 000 to R3 790 000.

New Jhb condo launched in Killarney
03 Aug 2006
A plush new condominium complex, the five-star Splice Riveira Hotel in Killarney, is bringing the best of two worlds to world-class Jozi: serviced by a concierge, the seven-storey block has apartments and penthouses for both permanent residents...

Property goes global
03 Aug 2006
International real estate firm Knight Frank predicts that in 2006 buyers from growing economies will increasingly look around the globe for real estate.

Re-zoning of Green Point common
04 Aug 2006
A process to re-zone one of the two proposed stadium sites on Green Point Common has started with advertisements appearing in news media.

Property gurus comment on rate hike
04 Aug 2006
The prime interest rate is to rise to 11.5 percent after the SA Reserve Bank opted on Thursday to hike the repo rate, at which it lends money to commercial banks, to eight percent (Sapa). Property leaders comment on the potential impact of the...

Municipal rates policy is 'outdated'
04 Aug 2006
SA municipalities using outdated blanket rate policies could increase revenue by basing collection strategy on disposable income as opposed to square meter rate calculations for each area.

Get your home ready to sell
04 Aug 2006
If you have been considering selling your home in the near future then it would be advisable to take a good long look at it...

Moorreesburg cracks the R1m mark
07 Aug 2006
A Cape Dutch style house recently sold in Moorreesburg for R1m – the first residential property ever to crack the R1m mark in the area.

Westville becomes more sought-after
07 Aug 2006
The Westville area, already popular with family buyers, is becoming even more sought-after as fuel prices rise and transport costs slice into household budgets.

W.Cape govt : build 'sustainably'
07 Aug 2006
The Western Cape government has released its recommendations for hotels and hospitality facilities on how to reduce their environmental impact and erect sustainable buildings. By Glenda Nevill

Know the facts when you invest in vacant land
07 Aug 2006
Buyers should make sure that they know all the facts before they consider investing in vacant land, writes real estate expert Linda Erasmus.

Private Island Club launched in sexy Seychelles
08 Aug 2006
It's now possible to own a piece of an island in the Seychelles through the recent launch of the Private Residence Club concept. By Glenda Nevill for Property24.

Langebaan environmentally compliant
08 Aug 2006
Langebaan Country Estate is striving to be the foremost development in South Africa when it comes to an environmentally friendly approach. So says Craig Scott, developer and nature lover.

Umhlanga's Auroras : 14 units left
08 Aug 2006
The 72-unit luxury residential development situated in the heart of the Umhlanga New Town Centre is now in the final stages of completion, with only 14 units left for selling.

Property remains a good investment
08 Aug 2006
The rising interest rate cycle may be the catalyst for property sales on to the market, posing the opportunity for savvy buyers to secure sound investments, Trafalgar Chairman Neville Schaefer said.

Club concept launches in Seychelles
10 Aug 2006
Owning an island has to be one of the top 10 fantasies of any property lover with a big chunk of disposable income to dispose of. Now its possible with the Private Residence Club concept. By Glenda Nevill

DBN's John Ross House gets a lift
10 Aug 2006
Refurbishment and repairs costing more than R15 million have begun at the giant John Ross House complex on Durban's Esplanade.

Revaluing could offset rate hikes
10 Aug 2006
Revaluation of your residential or commercial property could be a prudent way to offset the recent interest rate hike, says Barry Kaganson of Valuation Alliance.

WC no longer a sellers market
10 Aug 2006
The previously resilient sellers' market in the Western Cape is showing signs of strain as residential property buyers grow more bearish in their outlook and expectations.

'Lipo-tourism' boosts Mossel Bay
10 Aug 2006
The renowned Bay View Hospital in the Garden Route town of Mossel Bay is helping to lure many "tourists", seeking affordable yet quality cosmetic surgery, to the area thus boosting Mossel Bay's property market as a whole.

Building on water pipes is 'risky'
10 Aug 2006
Rand Water and the City of Johannesburg have joined forces to find a solution to stop communities building on or near water servitudes. By Emmanuel Mulaudzi

Sect. title - legal questions answered
10 Aug 2006
An article entitled 'Cartelism in Sectional Title' by guest expert Nushreen Coutts sparked interest from a reader, who sent in the following questions. The questions are answered by Hannes de Beer, General Manager of Wierda Property Services'...

Greek property growing by 25% pa
11 Aug 2006
Recent figures show that the Greek property market is a very attractive place in which to invest. Statistics released today by property website www.investalist.co.uk show that property on the Greek mainland is achieving capital growth rates of up...

Free State is best place to live
11 Aug 2006
The Free State appears to be the most enjoyable province to live in. The most sought after residential area in the country is Dan Pienaar in Bloemfontein. Kimberley in the Northern Cape is also known as one of the top towns in South Africa to...

Strong confidence in office market
11 Aug 2006
According to the SA Property Report 2006, investors are now seeking out opportunities in commercial and industrial property markets as opposed to the residential market.

Should pensions include property?
11 Aug 2006
With interest rates almost certain to rise and pension funds still not fully reinstated in the public's confidence, now might be a good time for the government to consider allowing taxpayers to make privately owned properties part of their...

Technology inspires hot new trend
11 Aug 2006
If you're planning to build a new home, you'll be pleasantly surprised by all the options available to you...

Polo comes to Dullstroom
12 Aug 2006
The first development of its kind in South Africa, the Polo Estate Dullstroom combines the polo influence and the outdoor flavour inherent in this picturesque and renowned fly-fishing region to give you one of South Africa's most prestigious...

Claremont offices and houses boom
14 Aug 2006
One of Cape Town's oldest suburbs is undergoing massive redevelopment, to the tune of over R1-billion, turning shoddy old buildings into new urban mixed use developments and refurbishing some of the upmarket modern properties to make them even...

Umhlanga sales slow to a simmer
14 Aug 2006
The market for beachfront property in KZN holiday hotspot Umhlanga Rocks has come off the boil for now as prospective buyers contemplate the likelihood of further interest rate increases this year.

Trends not always reliable markers
14 Aug 2006
The fact that many SA experts were caught by surprise by the recent upturn in the interest rate hike is a good reason not to try and time property purchases with economic trends, says property expert.

Do I need cash to buy on auction?
14 Aug 2006
One of the most frequently asked questions' regarding the sale of property via an auction is whether you need the cash...

Clifton bungalow sells for R31m
15 Aug 2006
A bungalow in the front row of The Ridge on Clifton's Fourth Beach has just sold for an unprecedented R31m.

Some ways to deal with rate hikes
15 Aug 2006
With the oil price heading upwards and inflation likely to hit 8% before the year end, the recent rise in interest rates has caused problems for those already struggling to make ends meet. Bill Rawson, Chairman of Rawson Properties has some...

Umhlanga Ridge property is thriving
15 Aug 2006
The Umhlanga Ridge experienced a shake up as a new development was launched recently.

Sect. title admin 'specialised'
15 Aug 2006
Sectional title administration is not a service that can be provided by someone who has basic bookkeeping skills, as commonly believed. It is a specialised task that should be left to specially trained professionals.

Govt : land reform to be lawful
16 Aug 2006
Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Lulu Xingwana has rejected as "malicious" recent media insinuations that the country's land reform will go the "Zimbabwe route" following her ministry's decision not to perpetuate prolonged farm selling price...

Guest lodge wins best luxury award
16 Aug 2006
The Knysna property was rated 'Best Luxury Lodge' in South Africa in both 2005 and 2006 by the AA Accommodation Awards. The guest lodge situated on a prime site on the water's edge of the Knysna Lagoon is being marketed on an exclusive mandate as...

Joint ownership a low-cost option
16 Aug 2006
There is a belief about investing in property; that the essence of it is to only invest in something which has intrinsic value. Simple advice and never more true than now, with South African prime properties now carrying higher price tags. ...

Neat home front appeals to buyers
16 Aug 2006
While prices remain strong, along with demand, buyers are now able to compare values between sellers' offerings. Thus sellers need to make a concerted effort to give their homes immediate appeal to buyers; a Neat front view makes a lasting...

Andrew Stefanczyk - Europe Property Expert
16 Aug 2006
Andrew Stefanczyk is a member of the board of Echo's Ltd in the UK, which purchases and manages investment property in the UK and other countries. The company also runs a website for property investors at www.investalist.co.uk.

Property prices in Eastern Europe rise
16 Aug 2006
Cheap property prices are rising faster in the healthy economies of eastern Europe than anywhere else in the world...

Brangelina's Nam hideaway on sale
17 Aug 2006
The Namibian hotel which recently housed Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and their children for 80 days is to be sold on auction in Cape Town at the end of this month.

Big builder problems in SA
17 Aug 2006
The Mpumalanga construction company which was ordered to stop building by the Pretoria High Court is one of nearly 1 000 builders who may not operate, said the National Home Builders' Registration Council (NHBRC) on Monday.

Dreamworld Film City launched in CT
18 Aug 2006
Dreamworld Film City was launched recently, on the Dreamworld site near Faure in Cape Town, at an event attended by dignitaries and the media.

Malvern market driven by sellers
18 Aug 2006
House price growth in Durban's Malvern has doubled in the last four years, pitting buyers in their search for bargains, against sellers holding out for over-the-top prices. By Ingrid Smit

Create a mini office
18 Aug 2006
If all you need is a corner to sort and store your mail, a spot near your front door is an ideal place to create a mini-office and get your paperwork in order.

Prime Knysna home on the market
18 Aug 2006
An exceptional home situated at Sparrebosch Estate in Knysna on the Garden Route is currently on the market.

Coastal hamlets draw more families
18 Aug 2006
An increasing number of Capetonians and other buyers from around South Africa are opting to move to the South Peninsula to raise their families in a quieter environment. A property group reports a consistently brisk market for both rentals and...

Piece of Paradise goes for R3.9m
21 Aug 2006
A prime piece of real estate comprising 3.3 hectares situated in the heart of green, unspoilt Paradise Valley - centrally located in Pinetown - has been sold to a developer R3.9 million.

Secunda benefits from new plant
21 Aug 2006
The bustling Mpumalanga town of Secunda is seeing its property market active, with most residential property transactions falling into the R800 000 to R900 000 bracket.

No let-up in Dbn's housing demands
21 Aug 2006
All units in a cluster housing development, near the Assagay Hotel, that is close to completion have been sold. The units merge the best of the countryside with the benefits of urban living.

Greyton restaurant auction on Sat
21 Aug 2006
A family restaurant situated in the village of Greyton, popular as a getaway destination among local, national and international tourists, is to be auctioned on site this weekend.

Record highs for Ekurhuleni estate
21 Aug 2006
Last month, Ebotse Golf and Country Estate successfully launched the final phase of its premiere residential estate. Levels of activity and interest are at an all time high as construction begins.

Does your holiday home fit the bill?
21 Aug 2006
Not all holiday homes are suitable for renting out to holidaymakers. Would your home fit the bill? Holiday home rentals expert answers...

Rental agreement offers protection
22 Aug 2006
Entering a property rental agreement means both the landlord and tenant have responsibilities that require clear guidelines before the lease is signed.

Make your stairs a décor feature
22 Aug 2006
Staircases are often prominently situated, which makes them one of the first features people see when they enter a home. This is why it is important to make your staircase as welcoming and attractive as possible.

Riverhorse industrial park sold out
22 Aug 2006
Grid Construction has done the lion's share of construction at the highly successful Riverhorse Industrial Park north of the city. With projects including the two petroports on either side of the N2 freeway and the showroom, offices and workshop...

Home rentals set to rise
23 Aug 2006
Letting agents are already reporting increased demand for rental accommodation on the back of the recent two half-percentage-point interest rate increases, which could see the market revert back to the traditional 10%/year rental escalations...

New way to end illegal occupations
23 Aug 2006
A local company has developed a new security and access control system that will make it doubly difficult for hijackers to gain access to buildings.

Property expert discusses off-plan
23 Aug 2006
Buying property off-plan can be rewarding for investors who do thorough research. UK and Europe property expert answers...

Residential property cooling off
24 Aug 2006
The latest FNB Residential Property Barometer indicates a continuing cooling off in the South African residential property market. I-Net Bridge

A REITs reality in South Africa?
24 Aug 2006
The Sandton Convention Centre hosted a two-day senior management conference on adopting the internationally recognised Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) structure in South Africa. By Kara Michaels

Business park plans for scarce land
24 Aug 2006
Stellenbosch has generally reached crisis levels in terms of a great shortage of industrial land to develop in the area. Development on the last few remaining industrial erven in the area has just been announced.

Timber offers handy upgrade option
24 Aug 2006
Making home improvements that need construction work is often time consuming and can be a great inconvenience. Timber frame construction provides a quicker and hassle-free alternative to conventional brick and mortar construction.

Review financial plan before buying
24 Aug 2006
Buying a home impacts on every aspect of financial planning and is the ideal time to reassess financial plans in their entirety.

KZN's Sheffield beach mushrooming
25 Aug 2006
Conveniently situated just 20 minutes from Umhlanga and only 30 minutes from Durban, the coastal village of Sheffield Beach is rapidly becoming a sought after residential area of the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.

Devil's Peak homes 'hard to get'
25 Aug 2006
The Devil's Peak area of Cape Town is characterized by views of the mountains. It is also an area where people tend to stay put, with relatively little movement in the property market. Area specialists provide an overview of Devil's Peak property...

R300k for ECape coastal stands
25 Aug 2006
With approximately 60 percent of the total of 80 stands now sold at a development in sought after Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape, stands in the fourth and final phase are now selling too.

Soweto stadium rebuilt as mixed-use
25 Aug 2006
After years of neglect, a vandalised Jabavu tennis stadium is to be transformed into a mixed-use precinct containing upgraded sports facilities and a refurbished library. By Tammy O'Reilly

CT's Century City expanding
25 Aug 2006
Construction has started on Liberty Life's new regional headquarters at Century City just north of Cape Town, as well as at The Estuaries, an office park containing 18 commercial sites, and the mixed-use Colosseum has sold out. By Glenda Nevill

Designers give outdoor décor tips
25 Aug 2006
Ask two individuals to add their touch on identical outdoor dining spaces using a mix of colour and pattern and the results are sure to be different. Two designers were asked to pep up identical outdoor dining rooms and the outcomes were equally...

Wine farm auctioned for R18,6m
26 Aug 2006
The award winning Sentinel Wine farm near Stellenbosch was successfully auctioned by Rael Levitt of Auction Alliance yesterday for R18,66m.

Fractional ownership hits SA
26 Aug 2006
First there was timeshare, and now there is fractional ownership. Like a tsunami, fractional interest in property started in the United States about a decade ago, is fast building up momentum there and is now breaking on the shores of South...

PE moving away from sect. title
28 Aug 2006
An interesting market trend emerging in Port Elizabeth is the renewed demand for suburban freehold homes among buyers resisting high levies in sectional title and estate developments - and the strict rules in many such complexes regarding...

Hilton property still flying high
28 Aug 2006
Demand for vacant land around Hilton just to the north of Pietermaritzburg is still running so high that even "less desirable" stands overlooking the highway are now selling for R375k, almost 35 percent more than a year ago.

Property going global
28 Aug 2006
We have seen increased globalisation of the property industry in recent times, with foreigners buying properties in South Africa...

Last property on PE's beachfront
29 Aug 2006
This property is the last opportunity for the development of a prestigious apartment block on Port Elizabeth's most sought after beachfront, and it goes on Auction on 13 September.

Atlantic seaboard retaining demand
29 Aug 2006
Sales in the Atlantic Seaboard/City Bowl area of Cape Town are performing well despite the traditional winter slow-down , although the market in this area typically cools off along with the mercury.

Timeless homes retain their value
29 Aug 2006
If you choose a home with a classic design your property will remain fashionable, regardless of trends in the property market. We share tips on how to make your own home stand the test of time. By Frieda le Roux

Will foreign restrictions happen?
29 Aug 2006
Although it's been a while since we heard anything about the foreign property ownership issue, we are sure it is by no means over.

CT's Strand goes small, exclusive
30 Aug 2006
Named after two beautiful landmark palms on the site, The Palms, a new development just off Strand's Golden Mile beachfront, is a rarity for the area today, in that it offers an intimate block of only 12 apartments in all, on four floors.

Dbn's Albert Park: mini-Manhattan?
30 Aug 2006
Situated on the edge of Durban's CBD, Albert Park means vastly different things to different people. To some, it's a slum area, high in crime. To others, it's a jewel waiting to be polished if you read the framework plan prepared by the City...

Ernie Els golf estate now selling
30 Aug 2006
The month of September heralds the launch of the first 18 hole championship Ernie Els golf estate in KZN. It has taken developers five years to be ready to launch the development to the public.

Shanghai boom leaves some cheated
30 Aug 2006
Shanghai's booming property market has made many wealthy, but some families say they were not properly compensated when property developers ripped down their homes in a prime location in Shanghai, near a historic waterfront area.

ASA warns against rental fraud
31 Aug 2006
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) sent a warning to the media after a woman offered a house in Weltevredenpark for rent, but after receiving a deposit from applicants failed to deliver on her offer for renting the house. By Philip de Bruin

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