Real+Estate+Investor+Magazine+July +Aug+2020+July+2020 PDF

AFFORDABLE GOLDEN
ACCOMMODATION INVESTMENT
Key to Real Estate Recovery OPPORTUNITY
JOHN
INVEST IN PORTUGAL
Neworld’s Lisbon
Development a Winner
VIRTUAL TRANSACTIONS
RABIE
PropTech Solutions to Covid
Restrictions
JULY/AUGUST 2020
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Brought to you:
CONTENTS
TRENDING
03 Editorial View
JULY/AUGUST 2020 #125
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief Neale Petersen
General Manager Nichola Loock

04 Ask the Experts
06 Master Investor Copywriter Sidima Mfeku
12 Affordable Accommodation AFFORDABLE

ACCOMMODATION
GOLDEN
INVESTMENT Events & Social Candace Petersen
Key to Real Estate Recovery OPPORTUNITY
JOHN
16 Tech Story INVEST IN PORTUGAL
Neworld’s Lisbon
Development a Winner
Operations Manager Marisa George
VIRTUAL TRANSACTIONS
RESIDENTIAL
RABIE
PropTech Solutions to Covid
Restrictions
JULY/AUGUST 2020
Contributors
Mark Schonrock, Kecia Rust,
20 Real Estate Recovery Wikus Lategan, Rob McGaffin,
Nicholas Shepherd, Roelof Botha,
22 Lease Agreements Mike Spence, Nicole Chamberlin,
Stephen Brian Szewach, Chantel
24 New Buyer Equation Erfort, Clint Marais, Sean Thomson &
27 Buying Off-Plan Cobus Bedeker
28 Mixed-Use Precincts ADVERTISING
COMMERCIAL
12 AFFORDABLE
HOUSING Sydwell Adonis
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34 Virtual Property Transactions sydwell@reimag.co.za
36 Unexpected Outlier
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38 Rebuilding Through Construction +27 21 761 3848
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20
REAL ESTATE
RECOVERY
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46 Regroup, Reflect & Restart
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EDITORIAL VIEW
Property winners &

losers during lockdown
T
he global economy has changed drastically in the last There has also been a spike in offshore investment with
four months as a result of lockdown and Cocid-19 with South Africa investors moving more heavily into offshore
unemployment up, companies closing down, and in assets and invest property in countries like the UK, Portugal,
property both residential and commercial sectors, landlords United States, Mauritius and other European destinations.
have implemented rent holidays or deferments with all Many high net worth investors have lost confidence in
types of adjustments to keep afloat. However, despite the the South African economy which has been struggling
incredible challenges many new businesses will thrive and with downgrades to junk status and mismanagement.
survive and even will come out on top out of this pandemic. Many investors want to protect themselves against the
volatile rand, political uncertainty and an economy that has
Rob Kane, property developer and CEO of Boxwood contracted more than 7% already.
Property Fund says, “we need to work together to find
ways to support one another as we can expect another It would be a mistake to look at the entire real estate
three to five years of tough times ahead,” notes Kane who is industry through a single lens as we are seeing pockets of
also chairman of the Cape Town central City Improvement success despite Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions. There
District. are clear winners to come out of Covid-19 in the digital
economy, e-commerce and related property digital services.
The first stage of lockdown level-5 has hit most of Also doing well are aligned businesses such as data centres,
property industry hard and we will continue to see the logistics assets for product delivery and supply chain,
knock-on effects long after lockdown ends and there will warehousing and storage in the industrial sector.
many losers but also winners. Real estate is still a great way
grow financial independence. Interestingly the latest Bloomberg Billionaires index
ranking of the world’s richest people shows that seven out
Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding of the top ten billionaires in the world are in technology,
Property group says, “Having been isolated in the confines with Warren Buffett moving from third wealthiest to eighth
of our homes for a substantial period of time is prompting wealthiest.
many homeowners to review the way they live – not only
from an economic perspective, given the recessionary Stay safe & successful investing.
environment, but also in terms of a realisation as to what
is really important in their lives. And this includes their NEALE PETERSEN
homes, whether owned or rented. However, with the right EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
guidance, planning and knowledge, it’s also an excellent
time to snap up amazing bargains and once-in-a-lifetime
properties that may be high-risk in the current market, but
have the potential to deliver incredible future returns.”
One of the big upsides for the entry-level residential

sector to come out of Covid-19 has been the 2% interest
rate reduction. South Africa has bucked global trends with MICHAEL DELL
a prime interest rate standing at 7.25% which representing
a 47-year low.
“Technology now allows people to connect
The question is, what impact will this have on the real anytime, anywhere, to anyone in the world,
estate market in South Africa? “For instance, we are already from almost any device. This is dramatically
seeing more cash buyers – including investors, returning to
the marketplace, capitalising on opportunities to acquire
changing the way people work, facilitating 24/7
value-for-money residential properties in the current buyers’ collaboration with colleagues who are dispersed
market, including those up to R1 million which require zero across time zones, countries, and continents.”
transfer duty.
EMAIL FaceBook REAL ESTATE RADIO

neale@reimag.co.za LIVE PodCasts

Direct your property questions to editorial@reimag.co.za or participate in our weekly
webinars to ask your questions live.
Social Housing
Q How do you integrate social housing with 1.5 million
worth apartment market units? Do you find resistance in
from property owners of these R1,5 million+ (plus) units
about staying next to subsidised rental units?
A
One of the major challenges that we’ve been facing in
the business is the perception of property (unit) owners
who pay so much money, but reside next-door to a grant
funded housing unit. To counter this, we have visited many
social housing developments around the country and they
are as up to standard and quality just as the R1,5 million
worth units. A perception change is needed in this regard,
because these are social housing owners are people like us,
the difference is that they own less than us.
MARK SCHONROCK
Development Manager, Concor
A
I think people can’t look past the subsidisation effect of
this integrated development. If it’s not how the project is
structured, that R1,5 million would have gone to the market
at about R2 million to make the feasibility work. So, people
should realise that they are buying R1,5 million product at a
big discount because it is an integrated development.
It is also very important that we look at the impact of

the Reserve bank’s reduced interest rates, the Reserve bank
have created for us a huge advantage in interest rates. We
have got 275 basis points in the last couple of months, that,
effectively on a half a million-rand house, touching on FLISP
housing. The difference you make in instalments is R1 200
p/m on R500 000, now if you take all in costs R500 000 house
costing you R600 000 - that’s instalment, rates and taxes
etc. That’s 20% saving comparison which is greater than the
WIKUS LATEGAN year-on-year increases. It’s greater than what the extra R100
CEO, Calgro M3 Holdings 000 bond would have cost you and that is a great discount
for consumers.
4 JULY/AUGUST 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

PROPERTY ADVICE
Developers in Affordable
Housing
Q Considering the difference in the markets and market
preferences, do you think developers are really listening to
the markets?
A
Fundamentally, developers have to listen to the markets
because that is the founding nature of their business and
if they don’t listen to the market then they will not be able
to sell their units. But the notion of market targeting is
something that we have not been mastering as a nation.
Financiers developers and property investors need to look

closely at the developers that exist especially in small scale
developers in townships and the lowest tier of property
developers that serves different parts of the market and
need different capitals going into them.
KECIA RUST
Founder, Centre for Affordable Housing
Finance (CAHF)
A
I’ve been tracking some of the smaller housing units since
2010/11 and what started out as ‘just a few popping up
from the landscape’ has become a norm. All these buildings
are fully occupied, which then means that developers are
really responding to the demand. And on the question of
race relevance, most of the tenants on these developments
are black - which means developers are most probably
responding to the black market.
ROB MCGAFFIN
Urban Real Estate Research Unit (URERU)

MASTER INVESTOR

JOHN RABIE
John Rabie
South Africa’s Development Maestro
Steps onto the Global Stage
NICHOLAS SHEPHERD
I
n 1978, after studying building science at the University
PERSONAL PROFILE of Cape Town, John Rabie started a house painting and
renovation company with partner Leon Cohen. This humble
start-up, funded with a R2000 parental loan, was soon to
Family: Married, with three children and evolve into the Rabie Property Group, now indisputably
five grandchildren – so far! one of South Africa’s most successful independent property
development companies. But it hasn’t been a smooth road to
What motivates you? The challenge to success.
see and to seize opportunities before my “Our very first job was to renovate a block of flats called
competitors. Beach Court in Sea Point. We didn’t get our pricing quite right
and ended up taking quite a knock. It was an expensive lesson,
Totem animal: The cheetah. Well, that’s but an incredibly valuable one. You pick yourself up, move on
what my friends called me, since my and don’t make the same mistake again!”
Western Province rugby days. Speed In the course of the following four decades, John has
and agility have certainly been crucial successfully navigated through two major recessions, a radical
elements in my success. change in political dispensation, a global financial crisis, and
is now moving into the uncharted waters of a worldwide
pandemic. “With the impact of the coronavirus epidemic,
Books you are reading: James Patterson
everyone’s talking about the new normal. But from a broader
- The Invisible, Jeffrey Archer - Heads You perspective, there really is no normal, and never has been.
Win & Wilbur Smith - War Cry
“Change in business, as in every area of life, is the only
Life Motto: Be genuine & stay humble. constant and success is all about dealing with the positive and
negative effects of that change. You have to understand, very
At the end of the day we are all just quickly, how those dynamics are affecting your industry and
molecules floating through God’s infinite your customers, and adapt your business model accordingly.”
universe, so we need to take the chance to
help others as we can. Proof of how successfully this charismatic property
entrepreneur has done exactly that is evident in the numerous
national and international awards he has garnered along the
What would you still like to achieve? way. These include the prestigious FIABCI René Frank Habitat
To cement the position of Neworld as Award, granted for social upliftment in the re-housing of a
a significant player in the European squatter community in Westlake Estate in 2004, and a cabinet
development market, and to know that full of SAPOA and International Property Awards.
each of the three companies I have But a much more obvious accolade to the success of John’s
founded will continue in good hands into visionary approach can be seen in his impact on the skyline
the next generation of leadership. of the Western Cape, including landmark developments like
Woodbridge Island, Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Fernkloof
Golf Estate and in particular a series of mega, mixed-use
developments, which include Marconi Beam, Westlake Estate,
Royal Ascot, Big Bay and Century City.
The phenomenal success of Century City, a 250-hectare,

privately managed New Urban Estate ten kilometres from
Cape Town’s CBD, has resulted in the conversion of more than
one million square metres of bulk to a range of commercial,
residential and retail real estate opportunities, and is currently
home to approximately 10 000 permanent residents.

MASTER INVESTOR
Neworld’s LX Living in
Lisbon, Portugal
In 2012 John embarked on a new chapter in his career by THE MAESTRO UNDER THE
founding South Africa’s first ‘private label’ property company,
Signatura, dedicated to re-energising Cape Town’s inner city MICROSCOPE
and existing suburban areas. Focusing on high-end residential
and mixed-use developments in the City Bowl and the Atlantic What is your vision for the future of Signatura?
Seaboard, Signatura has successfully executed 27 projects to
date with a value in excess of R3-billion. “We’re living in extremely turbulent times in South Africa,
and have been for the last five or six years. And turbulence
In 2019 John founded his third major property company, does produce opportunity. Where we’re focusing right now
Neworld, a European domiciled entity established to is on the opportunities that large-scale, mixed-use, inner city
spearhead his developments outside of South Africa. The developments offer to improve the quality of life for all income
company now has offices in the Michael Kors Building on the levels through the application of intelligent , eco-friendly
justly celebrated Avenida de Liberdade, the Champs Elysée of design principles.”
Lisbon.
Neworld has joined forces with Swiss-based company “Everyone’s talking about
GMG Real Estate to focus on development opportunities in
the Portuguese and other European markets. The aim is to the new normal. But from a
leverage GMG’s significant foothold in these markets through
John’s proven marketing flair and mixed-use development broader perspective, there
expertise.
really is no normal, and
The first joint venture between Neworld and GMG is a
marvellously located, mixed-use complex in Lisbon called LX never has been.”
Living. Substantial funding has been contributed by Skybound
Capital, a global wealth management business, providing a What separates your companies from the rest of the
range of investment products for family offices, private clients, market?
advisors and institutions.
“I’d like to think that we see the opportunities more quickly
LX Living is a €90 million brownfield development in than our competitors and that generally we stay ahead of the
Amoreiras, a prime location in the heart of Lisbon’s gracious, pack in the creativity and the quality of what we produce.
spacious CBD. The residential component of the development This enables us not only to find, but quite literally to make,
consists of 150 apartments and penthouses. After successive new markets as we move through the different phases of the
– and highly successful – launch events in Cape Town, property cycle.”
Johannesburg and Lisbon, 110 of these apartments have been
sold off-plan to date. How do you foresee the future of property development
in South Africa, as well as in Europe?
Following the success of this project, which is now under
construction, Neworld and GMG are working on another two “South Africa does of course face enormous challenges.
multi-million euro, mixed-use projects in Lisbon, the first of Many of these are related to the structural difficulties our
which is due to launch in late 2020. economy faces, given our unique social and political situation
– which is unfortunately compounded by something of a

JOHN RABIE
leadership vacuum at many levels of government. This has large tract of parastatal-owned land and effect massive social
two unfortunate effects: a lack of clarity about land policy, and change by moving an entire squatter community into formal
a sea of red tape to swim through to get our zoning approvals housing on the site. It was a recipe we were able to employ a
in place. The latter is a frustrating and unnecessary hindrance few years later at Westlake with similar win-win results.
that really is slowing down the pace of development when we
desperately need it more than ever. So we have to plan well “Without doubt, the acquisition of Century City in 2004 was
in advance and make provisions for these inordinate delays. a landmark achievement for us, and it has become the jewel in
the crown of the Rabie Property Group as we have been able to
“In Europe, the situation is very different of course, and I phase the development of 250 hectares of marshy, degraded
have to say what a pleasure it is to work in an environment wasteland into a world-class example of integrated New Urban
that is not beset with the political uncertainties we face here, development, in which all the different facets of land use work
and where there is a clear regulatory framework in which together to enhance the value of the whole precinct.
to operate. Not that there isn’t red tape – believe me, the
Portuguese are sticklers for dotting their I’s and crossing their “The launch of Signatura, my private label development
T’s, and nothing happens without an official stamp of approval! brand, has definitely been another major highlight, allowing
But at least the process is dependable and transparent, which me to concentrate on brownfield urban opportunities in the
is great help in attracting investors and planning development City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, where we’ve been able to
roll-outs. replicate the mixed-use recipe on a smaller scale, bringing
together residential, commercial and hospitality elements in
“In terms of the actual developments, what we are trying a single building, as in the case of The Onyx, for example, or
to achieve in Portugal is very similar to the highly successful in a single precinct, as in our cluster of WEX developments in
mixed-use projects we have brought to the market in Cape Woodstock.
Town, such as The Onyx or WEX1, and this is certainly the case
with our first venture in the Portuguese capital, LX Living, “Finally with our offshore expansion through Neworld, we
a significant mixed-use development in one of the most were able to use the skills we have acquired in four decades
sought-after and strategically located areas of central Lisbon. of experience and successfully apply them in a first-world
environment like Portugal. where we are able to compete with
“The fascinating thing is that although the economic the best in the world.
landscape is so different in the two countries, the particular
dynamics of urban renewal in these twin waterfront cities are “But over and above the developments themselves, I think
actually very similar in many ways.” looking back that one of the things that I am most proud of is
having built up incredibly competent teams of people around
What do you consider the highlights of your career? me, in the Rabie Property Group with my first partner Leon
Cohen, then at Signatura, and now again at Neworld.
“Marconi Beam was definitely one our most significant
achievements, and the first of our major public-private “It’s heartwarming to see the expertise and the enthusiasm
partnerships. This was where Madiba launched the bubbling up in younger members, and that gives you
Reconstruction and Development Programme, and where we confidence that these companies will continue successfully
were simultaneously able to unlock the enormous value of a into the future.”
Neale Petersen John Rabie

Founder & CEO of REI Founder of Rabie, Signatura & Neworld
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South Africa’s property maestro, Following Portugal’s typically
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central Lisbon, in partnership with consultancy Knight Frank has
Swiss-based GMG Real Estate. This is identified Lisbon as one of only four
an ideal opportunity for investors to major cities in the world to expect
diversify their portfolios into blue- prime property growth in 2020 and
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investments of €500 000 or more. LX Living ticks all the right boxes.
THE APARTMENTS
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THE INVESTMENT
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“ In all my 40 years as a developer,

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”
8944 MACHETE.CO.ZA
such a compelling investment proposition.

John Rabie, co-founder of the Rabie Property Group,
founder of Signatura, and founder and chairman of Neworld
www.lxliving.com
FOR MORE ALAN BELL | +351 967 233 823 alan@neworld.eu

INFORMATION CONTACT:
ANTON MCELHONE | +27 83 506 7829 anton@signatura.biz
MICHAEL MCELHONE | + 27 64 756 4960 michael@signatura.biz
COVER STORY
Affordable housing
the key to recovery
How real estate can help the
economy bounce back
SIDIMA MFEKU
The impact of the Coronavirus on the daily functioning of the

country has made it extremely difficult for the growth of the
local economy. One of the major contributors to South African
GDP growth, the affordable housing industry, has been
negatively impacted by the lockdown in the first two alert
levels. The affordable housing market, is important now more
than ever, as it may be the key to economic recovery
AFFORDABLE HOUSING

COVER STORY
T
he sector of affordable housing and low-rentals has be about promoting recovery plans and opportunities, but
seen major backlogs. Even in the production of units, also about the resilience of households in the context of
which then translates to and affects opportunities for this new world,” Rust says.
employment, tenants’ ability to pay rentals and incomes
for affordable accommodation, property developers
and property owners. As well as, the weakened ability Affording Housing
of households to withstand lockdown and implications
posed by the virus. Rust has also elaborated on the impact of the affordable
housing industry in boosting the South African GDP
post covid19. She says the Centre for Affordable housing
Household Resilience Finance has been looking at the impact of housing on
several economies across the continent and has looking
Kecia Rust who is the executive director of the Centre at all sub industries within the housing sector.
for Affordable housing Finance in Africa (CAF), believes
that more focus during this time should be on the ability of “We have been looking at the entire value chain of
households to bounce back post Covid-19. Describing the housing production from primary, secondary and tertiary
current global state of affairs as “tough times,” Rust believes sector industries and building that into the household
that as volatile a time this is, it can be also be seen as an building economy,” says Rust.
opportunity to densify households to be able to withstand
such times and be able to resist the impact of situations Meanwhile, Robert McGaffin, believes that the GDP
and outbreaks like the coronavirus even in the future. growth contribution rate by the housing industry is a
fairly high one in the South African context, depending
on the way in which one ought to define it, but definitely
“Conversations during this more than 3.7%.He says: “The housing industry represents
a significant part of our economy and has huge value
period should not only be chain linkages, upstream and downstream, in terms of
stimulating economy.”
about promoting recovery Seeing an opportunity out of every possible setback,
plans and opportunities, but McGaffin says the housing deficiency referred to by Rust
is, in fact, an advantage to the South African housing
also about the resilience of industry as well as the South African economy. “We have a
housing shortage which is often seen as a negative thing
households in the context of and a problem, while it actually presents an opportunity
to use that deficiency to stimulate the economy.” Every
this new world.” single building construction counts for a boost in
employment and GDP.
“In the context of affordable housing’s economic
recovery during this time, as people who are constantly There is hope for a homeowner who has been sitting at
indoors, we should start contemplating about the housing home on a dead property, not making any sort of income.
deficiency in the country among many other things that Moreover, there is hope and support for the unskilled
pulling down the affordable housing industry. And we group of people in the sub industries of the affordable
should also be talking about the meaning of housing housing sector.
deficiency in the affordable housing fraternity in South
Africa. It is only when we have had these conversations Employment Rates
that we should be able to come up with recovery plans,”
she says. For a very long time the country has been facing a
huge backlog when it comes to employment. A very
Regarding housing in households’ economy, Urban Real high number of skilled graduates has been unemployed
Estate Research Unit (URERU) member, Robert McGaffin with very limited and scarce employment opportunities
says “The role of housing in a households’ economy in South Africa, even before the covid19 lockdown. It is
is massive, it represents approximately 50-60% of all almost the same tune for the unskilled with limited skills
households’ savings. The state of housing, therefore, plays development and employment opportunities for them
a huge role in the ability of households to withstand such too.
situations.”
Aligned together with the amount of the affordable
According to Rust, the conversation and awareness housing’s contribution to the GDP growth is the
during this time should be about the households’ “poor employment of various people in the housing industry,
quality to resist the coronavirus both medically,” and whether skilled or not. The sector is one of the major
mentally. Conversations during this period should not only contributors of employment-based rates of the GDP,

AFFORDABLE HOUSING
“There is hope for a homeowner who has

been sitting at home on a dead property,
not making any sort of income.”
which according to Wikus Lategan constitutes to about conditions of housing as well as the economy of the
1%. country,” says Lategan.
Robert McGaffin says, “Before Covid19 hit, we were With the influence and impact of the housing sector
faced by employment issues as a country, and if you look in the economic development of the country, the
at housing as a percentage of the construction industry question of resilience from households and the housing
as well as the role of construction in employment in industry cannot be left unanswered, as it speaks greatly
secondary industries, it’s massive. We are talking about to the contribution of this industry in the economic
30-35% employment in the secondary sector in Cape development of the country post covid19.
Town alone.”
While many see this as a time to improve the stability
Calgro’s Group Managing Director, Wikus Lategan of their businesses and income. Various stakeholders in
believes that the housing backlog is an opportunity for the real estate sector, believe that this is the time to work
government to hit two or more birds with one stone. By on finding sustainable solutions that will strengthen the
addressing the housing deficiency and boosting the GDP ability of businesses and households to survive. It is time
through the employment created in construction among to think out of the box and assess the real issues in South
many other strategic boosts. Africa’s economy – with an earnest look at real estate and
it benefits. Starting with affordable accomodation.
“Philosophically speaking, South Africa needs housing.
And if you look at what housing does from a more social
perspective, looking at employment, social household SOURCES CAHF, BitProp, URERU, Concor,
arrangements etc, there is hope that the government Calgro M3 Holdings Ltd
might spend more than expected on improving the
TECHNOLOGY
Stay ahead of the game

Be virtual & app wise
SIDIMA MFEKU
Today, the definition of technology can be altered to range

from the way in which companies are ran, how services are
rendered, to the way people live. It has become the stem of
each and every company’s productivity, with the real estate
being among the many the other industries that utilise
technology for its growth.
I
t is through technology that venture capital investments in South African cities. Gentrification can be a powerful
are existing investment methods, that 3D real estate is a force for economic change, but it is often accompanied by
trend to be followed during this time of the pandemic, extreme cultural displacement. While it can increase the
and it is ultimately through technology that buying value of properties in areas that may have suffered from
property these days requires not to leave the house to do disinvestment, it sends rent soaring and reduces the supply
property search. All it takes is a mere device and mobile data of affordable housing for the people who make up the
to browse the internet or through an application. community,” says Sperling.
One of the few property tech players who have put In light of rising property values, rental rates rocketed,
together an app that helps those in need of properties forcing long-time residents to either bite the bullet and find
among many other functions shared information about the ways to pay increased costs or move away to the fringes of
birth of their brainchild as a result of tech innovations. the city. This also entrenched the inherent power difference
App development
Flow’s CEO and Founder, Gil Sperling says “When we set “While a picture tells a
about building Flow, we were hoping to find a smart way to
match tenants and landlords – but as we built it, we saw the story of a thousand words,
potential it had to have a major impact in the South African
social space, and beyond.” a 3D Virtual Tour captures
In its initial creation the platform was created to match an entire property in an
highly-profiled renters with the right properties and give
landlords the tools to retain good tenants. It has its rewards, immersive experience. “
benefits and special offers from an array of partners.
Through technology the platform has been tailored to help
landlords market their unlet inventory to the right people, in
the right place, at the right time. between landlords and tenants and saw an unregulated
free market situation take hold, in which landlords had little
The model’s founding theory was to solve social issues incentive to work with tenants to maintain both properties
profitably by leveraging the resources and innovation of the and relationships.
private sector to create new solutions to some of society’s
most pressing issues. In South Africa, the current rental rate is 55% within the
developed economy and is set to grow immensely in the
“Aside from the basic human need for shelter, the problem next decade even though the financial crisis brought about
we applied this approach to was helping fight gentrification by the economic knock-on effects will most likely hasten

that switch as people focus on affordability and flexibility. Jerry Clum, Founder and CEO of cutting-edge technology
The country’s 2 million formal rental properties already services provider to real estate professionals, Hommati
generate in excess of R168 billion per year, making rental says due to the importance of social distancing, physically
property the most valuable asset class in South Africa. showing homes can be a bit problematic.
It makes lives easy. Technology helps landlords find the “A virtual tour is as close as you can come to an in-
best candidates to occupy their properties while helping person showing right now! Real estate agents across the
tenant in the search for the best properties. Well it doesn’t globe are implementing this as an alternative to physical
end there, 3D real estate is another tech inspired trend that showings. Many home buyers are staying home as a result
helps real estate property buyers view properties virtually. of the pandemic but are still shopping for homes by utilizing
virtual tours,” says Clum.
In the digital arena where in we all find ourselves during
this difficult time, there is a very high demand for critical The impact of technology and/ or virtual real estate is
thinkers who think out of the box and creatives who pay not only for convenience. It translates to bigger avenue,
attention to the finer things in life. In the presence of AI’s, including the real estate global market value boost. There is
apps and virtual activities, the real estate sector has been more connection between buyers and sellers. International
capitalising on technology to advance the prosperity of the property sales can be easily finalised, and similarly
real estate industry, both economically and socially. international economic boost can be expected.
3D Real Estate What is left is quality!

While a picture tells a story of a thousand words, a 3D As video tours and virtual reality become more common,
Virtual Tour captures an entire property in an immersive they should also be more realistic. Today technology is
experience. 3D Real estate can be described as a presentation often used to make things even more appealing, but here
of anything in a three-dimensional form. It’s basically seeing it should be different.
something in its entirety, but digitally.
“If you want buyers to purchase based on a video, it needs
Utilising the power of the internet, virtual tours seem to to be more than just sparkly and showing the highlights.
have taken the real estate sector by storm. Rachel Burris You need them to be nittier and granular so people can see
believes that open houses have long been an advantageous the baseboards and watch someone turn on the faucets
tool for generating buyer interest in the real estate sector. to make sure they work. Technology means you can make
She however says “now that the doors to listings have been everything look perfect, but serious buyers want a more
closed to large groups, agents are turning to technology” detailed experience.”
which is a not so common endeavour for the industry even
though it is not a new venture.
SOURCES FLOW, Mansion Global & Rocket homes

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19 22 30
Real Estate Recovery Lease Agreements Post Buy-To-Let in Africa’s
The world finds itself at a crucial Covid Richest Square Mile
juncture in combating Covid. In the aftermath of Covid, many Sandton Central is not only
Fortunately, public debate has tenants continue to struggle to South Africa’s financial capital,
shifted from cynical lamenting pay monthly rentals. To avoid it’s also home to high-rise
over economic downfalls to unpleasant legal surprises for apartment blocks, lifestyle
a number of likely paths to both tenants and landlords, estates and some of the
recovery. ensure you have a written lease country’s most sought-after
with these terms. residential spaces.
TOP TRENDING FOR RESIDENTIAL ONLINE

Visit www.reimag.co.za for the latest updates online.
Rental Collections During Electricity Tariff POPI’s Impact on

Covid Complexity Sectional Titles
While we like to think that Complex tariffs are not only After languishing in the
our lease agreements protect frustrating, but are hindering background for a few years,
us during times like these, attempts by the consumer to the Protection of Personal
the reality is that the current manage their electricity costs in Information Act is now in effect
economic fallout is something a time when, for most people, and has significant implications for
none of us could have fully every cent counts. owners, tenants and executives in
prepared for. community housing schemes.
INVESTOR INTELLIGENCE
Real estate recovery

Sound prospects for a “V”-shaped recovery
DR ROELOF BOTHA
The world finds itself at a crucial juncture in the combating of

the coronavirus pandemic, namely the end of strict lockdown
regulations. South Africa is no exception, with a partial reopening
of the economy gaining momentum by the week. Fortunately,
the sensible public debate on Covid-19 has shifted from a cynical
lamenting over the possible depth of the economic downturn to a
number of likely paths to economic recovery.
Four likely scenarios have been aired: PMIs point to quick rebound
• A “V”-shaped recovery, which will witness a return
to positive economic growth by the end of the third In attempting to objectively gauge the nature of the
quarter of the year imminent recovery of economic activity, historical GDP
• A “U”-shaped recovery, which predicts a more growth data and annualised GDP forecasts will not suffice.
subdued pace of recovery with a return to economic This analysis requires a keen watch over authoritative
growth early next year leading indicators that are published on a monthly basis,
• A “W”-shaped recovery, which is based on an initial like the Purchasing Managers’ Indices (PMIs) for key post-
swift recovery, which then loses traction (mainly due industrial economies and emerging markets, most of which
to fears over a resurgence of Covid-19 infections) are surveyed by IHS Markit.
• An “L”-shaped recovery, which is the favourite of the
cynics and essentially sees the recession lasting for The news from May’s PMI data is encouraging. Composite
several years PMIs for five of the six largest economies in the world
recovered reasonably well, after all of them posted
From the perspective of a sector-specific analysis of an record declines in April (in China’s case, the recovery
economy, neither of these views tells the full story. What already occurred in March). Composite PMIs represent a
will most likely transpire in coming months is a three- comprehensive barometer of economic activity and include
pronged economic recovery. This will entail a strong and the manufacturing and services sectors.
swift rebound in some sectors (e.g. on-line shopping &
telecommunication); a more modest recovery in most Although the latest reading of the JPMorgan Global PMI
sectors (e.g. construction & real estate) and a fairly slow (compiled by IHS Markit) remained well below the neutral
recovery in sectors that will feel the brunt of consumer level of 50, it showed a record surge of just over 10 index
reaction to the pandemic (e.g. air travel & hospitality). points from 26.2 in April to 36.3 in May.

sound fundamentals, as the South African economy has
been suffering from a demand deficiency for several years
and consumer inflation has been comfortably within the
Reserve Bank’s target range since April 2017.
The fairly dramatic recovery of the equity market is also

good news. When money market investment rates are high,
it operates as a de facto tax on venture capital – it simply
becomes too easy to earn a decent return without any risk.
Lower interest rates are now acting as a disincentive for

passive investment, which should ultimately benefit the
ability of companies on the JSE to invest in the expansion of
The swift and pronounced easing of the rate of decline productive capacity.
of PMIs since April is a predictable response to the easing
of coronavirus containment measures, with most countries
allowing so-called non-essential businesses to start up
again. A paucity of demand will probably continue for at
least another month or two, but the surge in the global PMI
during May clearly suggests that a V-shaped recovery is on
the cards.
Drivers of recovery
Several potential drivers of economic recovery have
already come to the fore, especially in the economic policy
domain. Substantially lower lending rates in South Africa
will exert a powerful impact on demand in coming months.
On 22 June, the JSE all share index (Alsi) stood at 54,230,
Since the beginning of the year, the official bank rate (the marginally higher than during mid-August a year ago and
so-called repo rate) has been lowered by 275 basis points, almost 40% higher than a mere three months ago, when
resulting in a current prime overdraft lending rate which is at panic selling was the order of the day.
an historic low of 7.25%. This will lower the cost of working
capital and of credit and could well stimulate demand over A large measure of calmness has returned to domestic
the next 12 months by more than R100-billion. and global markets, with international trade also starting
to recover and consumers coming out of hiding. This ties
The decision to cut the official lending rate by an in with the IMF’s forecasts for a strong rebound of global
unprecedented margin was mainly influenced by the economic growth in 2021 – more evidence that a “V”-
inevitability of a recession in 2020, but is also rooted in shaped recovery may be around the corner!

LEGAL
Lease agreements
post Covid-19
Important terms to protect
landlords & tenants
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa,

many tenants are facing financial hardship and having to
move quickly because they can no longer afford the rent on
their property. To avoid unpleasant legal surprises for both
tenants and landlords, ensure you have a written lease with
these terms.
“Meanwhile, many cash-strapped home-owners are written permission, of course – before allowing them to take
trying to let out any spare space they have to make ends occupation of any part of their property. “Even if you really
meet,” says Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet estate need the extra income, it is much better to turn someone
agency group, “but whether you’re a tenant or a landlord with a poor credit profile or a poor payment record down
in this situation, you should always make sure your rental at the start than to have to go through the time-consuming
agreement is in writing. and costly process of evicting someone who has defaulted
on your rent.
“This is not only a requirement of the Rental Housing Act,
but the best way to avoid confusion or any future disputes “And to make things even easier, rather rent or let your
about the terms of your rental agreement – especially if this home through a qualified and experienced managing agent
was concluded in haste.” affiliated to a reputable agency, who will be able to provide
a standard written lease that clearly sets out all the terms
He says landlords should also always run credit and and conditions of your agreement, and all the rights and
reference checks on any prospective tenants – with their responsibilities of each party.”

Your lease document should at the very
3
Maintenance and repairs
least contain the following information: Both the landlord and the tenant are responsible for
looking after the property during the lease period.
• The contact details of both landlord and tenant, including Typically, you are contractually responsible for keeping
their phone numbers and emergency numbers; the property neat, clean and free of unnecessary damage,
• The address and description of the rental property; and are responsible for repairing intentional damage and
• Details of any deposit paid, the monthly rental amount damage caused by negligence. Look at your lease in detail
and the proposed duration of the tenancy; to make sure the responsibilities for general maintenance
• Landlord and tenant responsibilities and requirements are clearly defined. It is also vital to note any flaws you find
with regard to maintenance and security, for example; in your ingoing inspection to avoid any disputes later on
• The procedures and notice required to cancel the lease in the lease. Most issues tend to arise a few months after
or renew it; and occupancy, so ensure the lease clearly states who to contact
• A list of existing property defects, compiled at a joint in the event of an emergency. For example, if the landlord
ingoing inspection of the rental property, and signed by lives out of town, do they have a maintenance partner who
both parties before the tenant takes occupation. can act quickly on behalf of the landlord?
4

Occupancy
“For the sake of clarity, the lease should also detail what is Your lease agreement must specify who is legally
to be done with the deposit a tenant pays. It should be kept entitled to live on the property. It is usually limited to
in an interest-bearing bank account, for the benefit of the you, your spouse or partner and any children who are still
tenant, for the full duration of the tenancy. minors. If other people who are not specified on the lease
stay for extended periods without express permission, the
“At the end of this period, the tenant will be owed the landlord has the legal right to terminate the lease.
5
full deposit, as well as any interest earned. The cost of
repairing any damage the tenant might have caused to the Right of entry
property can, however, be deducted, following an outgoing All lease agreements should clearly indicate in which
inspection attended by both the tenant and the landlord (or circumstances the landlord/owner can enter the unit.
agent) within seven days of the end of the lease.” Some owners prefer monthly checks to inspect that no
maintenance is needed, while others are comfortable to
leave that to the outgoing inspection at the end of the lease.
Does your lease agreement protect Make sure that your landlord gives you reasonable notice
you? before an inspection.
6
One of the upsides of the Covid-19 pandemic is that it Early cancellation
has highlighted shortcomings in many business-as-usual Relocation and unexpected life changes happen, so
scenarios that we took for granted. The uncertainty has left it’s wise to make sure that the early cancellation clause
many in situations they would never have anticipated – not in your lease is clear and defined.
7
least of all in the rental property sector. Ben Shaw, CEO of
digital rental platform HouseME, shares advice for tenants Pet policy
to avoid unpleasant legal surprises when signing the lease Most residential complexes in South Africa do not
on a new rental property. allow pets, which can narrow down your options if you
want your pet to move in with you. Be sure to check that the
1
Utilities lease agreement specifies whether or not pets are allowed
Your lease agreement must specify what is included in and if so, the lease needs to specify what size and breed pet
your lease price. Water, electricity, sewage, and refuse would be permitted.
8
removal may or may not be included in the rental (but
rates, levies and taxes generally shouldn’t be), so be sure to Read the lease at your leisure and save
check before signing the lease. Some landlords may invoice a copy
for utilities, or certain consumables may be included or Request a copy of the lease beforehand so that you
excluded and this must be stipulated in the lease to avoid can read it at your leisure, rather than when you’re under
any misunderstandings later. pressure to sign. HouseME has a free lease agreement
available for download on their platform. Drafted by the
2
What about my deposit? company’s expert lawyers, it is fully compliant with rental
The Rental Housing Act specifies that a rental deposit law and is designed to protect you and your landlord from
must be kept in an interest-bearing account and nasty legal surprises later on. Once you have finalised and
your lease should confirm this in writing. At the end of the signed your lease, keep a copy saved so that you can access
lease, you are entitled to the interest that has accumulated it for easy reference at a later stage.
on that deposit, minus any evidenced administration fees.
Although the industry standard is for a security deposit of
more than one month, a number of private landlords – and
some forward-thinking rental agencies – are offering a one- SOURCES Real Net Estate Agency
month security deposit to attract great tenants during this Group & HouseME
economic squeeze.

MANAGING
The new
buyer
equation
Incentivising property
development with sub-
metering solutions
R
eal estate has a new frontier to explore, one defined by
lockdowns and the impact of the pandemic. As people “Prepaid sub-metering has gained traction in the
slowly emerge from lengthy stays behind closed market for this very reason,” adds Franze. “Properties and
doors, their priorities and approaches to home living and developments that include prepaid sub-metering systems
purchasing have changed. for utilities are basically providing investors and tenants
with a one-stop solution that ensures seamless utility
Across the world, there has been a trend towards provision using meters and online reporting tools that
investing into properties that offer more than just the usual ensure visibility into costs, potential issues and usage. It’s a
four walls and accessible parking. In many countries, the simple, but effective, tool that adds value to any estate both
cost of living has dictated a change in approach in both the easily and cost-effectively.”
rental and purchasing markets. People want better quality
of life at an affordable price. Prepaid sub-metering has seen a significant rise in
popularity over the past few years as both tenants and
“In Europe, London and Paris, the cost per square meter property owners have recognised how it can ease traditional
for real estate has become prohibitive and this trend is pain points when it comes to billing and utility control. This
echoed in other major metropolitan areas such as New has spiked again, post-COVID-19, as properties seek to
York and parts of Austria,” says Michael Franze, CEO of Citiq rebuild their profiles in a sluggish market.
Prepaid. “However, they’re not adding value on top of the
price tag. People are moving outwards towards areas that Significant pain points can be managed and tenant
allow for them to have more space, better quality of life, relationships carefully nurtured through the use of prepaid
improved value offerings and incentives. And real estate sub-metering solutions,” concludes Franze. “It can prevent
companies have been paying attention.” bill shock, tenant disputes, poor payment problems and
it can potentially catch any issues before they become an
The new buyer equation that has emerged is both simple, expensive problem. Citiq Prepaid has developed reliable,
and expected: affordable prime real estate plus value-added high-quality prepaid sub-metering solutions that come with
services equals a better quality of life. So, what should the an online portal, superb call centre support and countless
industry do? Pay attention. Invest into solutions and systems purchasing options so that any property can boost its
that make it easier for the tenant to choose their property value proposition and meet the demands of the new buyer
over another, and more valuable for an investor to take on equation.”
their development than any other. Solutions that can shift
the goalposts closer towards improved experiences, less SOURCE Citiq Prepaid
admin and more freedom.

SELLING
Savvy seller
Tactics to make sure your property sells
MIKE SPENCE
L
ots and lots of people want to sell their properties. All the normal things still apply. Simplify – clear the
Some are suffering from tenants that cannot or won’t clutter inside and out. Dump the stuff you are going to
pay. Some are trying to liquidate so that they have more dump anyway. An uncluttered property always looks
loose cash. Some people have lost their jobs and are worried more attractive than an overfull or cluttered one. Clear the
how they are going to pay their bonds. garden, clear the garage, clear the house. Buyers do not
appreciate teenage posters on walls or tired bathrooms, or
I see plenty of property being listed every day, many of cluttered kitchens.
them only to have their prices cut when they do not sell.
Considering average family incomes in South Africa and Be serious about selling. Do not put your house on to the
today’s current interest rates for bonds, we are looking at a market until you are ready to sell. If you do you will tend
buying price of between R850,000 and R950,000. There are to over-price and are likely to have to under-price to get
not many homes on the market at that price! it to sell at the end of the day. Buyers know about houses
that have been on the market for more than three month
Just about every property is coming on the market at and “know” that there is something wrong with them.
R1,500,000 to R2,500,000 million and many for far more. Is While having a for sale board outside is a really great way of
it any wonder that properties are not selling or that we had getting your property sold, having 6 boards outside is just
over 60 enquiries on the house that we were able to offer at telling everyone that you can’t sell it.
R650,000, despite its poor state?
A good agent will work with you, not against you. A good
What I am trying to say, is that if you are serious about agent will give you good advice, even if you will not always
selling your home, you need to be serious about the price like what they are telling you – they will always be able to
that you are asking. The price must be right. Your price must back it up with facts and logic. Good agents will say NO. If
be competitive when compared to similar properties and they feel that you are not ready to sell, or your price is not
you must do everything that you can to make your property right, or even that there are better alternatives, they may
more attractive than the next property at the same price. I say NO. Good agents are always ready to give advice and
would say that you need to be 10% cheaper and 10% better guidance and look after your interests rather than theirs.
in today’s ultra-tough market. This is especially true the Remember, they only get paid if they are successful.
higher the price of your property. Those with R3 million plus
properties have a huge hurdle to overcome.

ACQUIRING
Risk vs
reward
How to get the
best deal when
buying off-plan
T
he property market has seen a surge recently in off-plan
buying in new sectional title apartment and townhouse
developments, as the demand for smaller, more secure
and lower maintenance homes continues to increase.

“There is also no transfer duty to pay on a home bought
directly from a builder or developer, plus newly-built homes
come with structural and roof guarantees, while most
existing homes are sold voetstoots, or as-is,” says CEO of the
Chas Everitt International property group, Berry Everitt.
– that is, the bank that is financing the project. “Not only
An appetite for risk will serve an off-plan buyer well. “The should it be easier to get home-loan approval from this bank,
financial benefits of buying into a development early is a no because it has already evaluated the project and the units
brainer. In fact, if everything goes to plan (and the market is that will be built, but you might also get a preferential interest
right) then a buyer will make money on the property before rate and possibly a reduction in bond registration costs.”
they even move in”.” says Director of EPiC, Grant Smee.

Everitt adds: “However, buying off-plan - or before the
home is actually built - is not a decision to be taken lightly,
especially by inexperienced, first-time buyers, because you GRANT SMEE’S TOP TIPS FOR
cannot see what you are getting. So, if you do decide to go this BUYING OFF-PLAN
route you need to take extra care to avoid disappointment • Research, research, research!
with the finished product.”
• Price around to make sure that you are

“It is vital to buy only from a reputable developer or builder getting the best deal in your respective area
who has a track record of producing quality homes in similar • Get in as early as possible to secure the best
projects. Some will have their own sales agents, but it adds possible location
an extra layer of protection if the off-plan homes are being • Visit the site regularly
sold by qualified and experienced agents from a trusted real
estate company.”
• Work closely with your agent and check-in
regularly
“The second thing to do is make sure exactly what it is • Ask for timelines and stay on top of these
that you’re buying in terms of floorspace and finishes, and • Get everything in writing
that this is clearly written into your sale agreement. It is not
• Add a clause to your contract to protect
uncommon for developers to create a “show unit” to help
buyers imagine what their home will look like once it is yourself should there be delays or other
finished, but you need to double check that yours will be the issues that are out of your control.
same size and not smaller.” • Choose high-end finishes that will last
• Factor in the cost of levies
Everitt says you also need to check your agreement to
ensure that all the finishes on show, such as the floor and
• Beware of snags (hairline cracks, damp etc.)
wall tiles, granite kitchen counters and built-in cupboards, and make sure that these are done upon
are included in the advertised sale price. Otherwise you could moving in
end up paying considerably more in “extras” to get a home
that actually looks like the show unit.
SOURCES Chas Everitt International property group
The third thing that will make an off-plan purchase easier, & EPiC South Africa
he says, is to get your home loan from the developer’s lender

ACQUIRING
The rise & rise

of mixed-use
precincts
How mixed-use residential
units became the most
lucrative buy-to-let
investment
NICOLE CHAMBERLIN
Property trends prior to the nationwide lockdown showed

investor sentiment shifting towards mixed-use precincts as
offering greater value than large, stand-alone houses. With
Covid triggering changes in South Africans’ lifestyles and
with the lowest repo rate in five decades, mixed-use precinct
residential units are becoming the most potentially lucrative
buy-to-let choice for the savvy investor.

T
he SA Reserve Bank’s further reduction of the repo which to live, work and play. Prior to lockdown, this iconic
rate in May, which saw the prime lending rate fall to development was recognized for delivering long-term
7.25%, is likely to provide much relief for existing and capital growth and rental returns that were amongst the
potential homeowners, but also serves as an unprecedented highest in Johannesburg. Its proven desirability was further
catalyst for investors aiming to snap up property. For those exemplified during the height of the national lockdown,
with cash to spare in the COVID-19 economic crisis, there with residents enjoying all the benefits of living, and being
are a variety of opportunities afoot in the current buyers’ able to exercise within an enclosed, access controlled, fully
market. However, knowing exactly where to invest within secured, sanitized environment.
the property safe haven asset class requires a great deal of
scrutiny, in order to achieve solid returns on investment. The convenience of having all daily amenities within
walking distance of one’s home, within a safe and secure
With COVID-19 and the nationwide lockdown triggering environment, certainly makes for a desirable quality of life
changes in the way many South Africans live and work, and and enduring sense of well-being, but Gordon adds that
trends indicating an impending spike in demand for rental professional proactive property management, now more
property, investing in buy-to-let opportunities, now more than ever, will be a key differentiator for investors and
than ever, requires savvy insight and discerning choices, tenants looking for financial peace of mind going forward.
particularly for those seeking quality tenants and ultimately
higher capital gains. Gordon continues, “When the lockdown was announced
towards the end of March, we rapidly introduced physical
Living and overhead costs associated with stand-alone distancing and sanitization protocols, in line with
properties have continued to rise, tipping the scales for Government and World Health Organization’s guidance, to
many South Africans towards downsizing to more centrally protect our residents at One on Whiteley. Consequently, we
located residences. Added to this, an increase in residential received a great deal of positive feedback from residents
rental demand has seen mixed-use precinct residential units whose quality of life has been comfortably preserved
becoming the most potentially lucrative buy-to-let choice despite the intense lockdown restrictions. The ability to walk
for the savvy investor. within the protected boundaries of Melrose Arch, meant
that residents could easily obtain groceries, pharmaceutical
Managing Director of Amdec Property Developments, supplies and all other essentials without having to get in
Guy Gordon, believes that rental demand within the mixed- their car or leave their pristine mixed-use environment.”
use sector is only likely to accelerate in the current climate.
“Although market fluctuations and perceived volatility may Despite lockdown restrictions gradually tapering off,
keep some investors on the fence for the foreseeable future, investor preference will continue to favour developers and
investing in bricks and mortar remains a go-to safe haven property managers who implement appropriate physical
asset class, for a notably more stable return. In addition, distancing, sanitization, and non-touch technologies as
Government’s move to ease the nationwide lockdown to standard, given that global health experts have cautioned
Level 3 at the start of this month, will have come as welcome that COVID-19 prevention measures are likely to be
relief for countless business and industry sectors in South necessary for years to come.
Africa, as the economy gradually begins to reopen.”
There are moves afoot at One on Whiteley in Melrose
The South African Reserve Bank’s reduction of the repo Arch, and at the Amdec Group’s Harbour Arch development,
rate by an additional 50 basis points in May, from 4.25% to currently under construction in Cape Town, to introduce
3.75%, saw the prime lending rate fall from 7.75% to 7.25%. contactless palm-swipe technology to operate doors and
This is the lowest that it’s been in close on 50 years, and access-controlled areas, along with self-cleaning elevators,
serves as an exceptional catalyst for property investment. and facial and number plate recognition. Gordon argues
While lending rate cuts provide a great deal of relief for that such additions are indispensable in ensuring the safety
existing homeowners in the current climate, they also of residents, and something that investors need to be
present a sterling opportunity for those who are weathering cognisant of before signing on the dotted line.
the economic storm with capital to spare.
“The health and safety of our residents comes first, above
“Now, more than ever, the discerning investor should be all else, and will come under increasing scrutiny as time
focusing on the basic fundamentals of property investment,” goes on. The COVID-19 crisis is reshaping the way people
says Gordon. “The Covid-19 crisis has emphasized the choose to live, so buyers and tenants need to be far more
importance of location, accessibility and convenience discerning before committing to a lease or bond. Mixed-
in the investment equation, coupled with the need for use developments such as One on Whiteley and Harbour
professionally managed properties where safety, security, Arch represent the pinnacle of convenient, contemporary
cleanliness and hygiene are paramount. This is where modern living, making them an extremely attractive
mixed-use precincts like Melrose Arch come strongly to proposition for savvy investors looking to take advantage of
the fore, representing an unparalleled value proposition the lowered interest rates and favorable lending conditions,”
for tenants and investors alike, providing for arguably the concludes Gordon.
best option for occupational peace of mind and reliable
investment returns”.
The Melrose Arch mixed-use precinct in Johannesburg

SOURCES Amdec Property Developments
has long been defined as the ultimate New Urban mode in

ACQUIRING
Invest in Africa’s
richest square mile
Buying to rent in Sandton
STEPHEN BRIAN SZEWACH
Sandton Central is not only South Africa’s financial capital, it’s

also home to high-rise apartment blocks, lifestyle estates and
some of the country’s most sought-after residential spaces.
Investors should take advantage all-time low interest rates
and oversupply of property and buy to rent in Sandton.

Sandton Central offers prime property or an additional cost. After bearing the cost of installation, the
property owner can either negotiate the ongoing cost with
Sandton Central and its most immediate outskirts; the tenant as a percentage of their monthly rental costs or
Morningside, Rivonia, Benmore, Sandown and Strathavon, allow the tenant to settle the costs with the service provider.
have been holding its own despite the implementation of the
National Credit Act in 2005, the financial crisis of 2008-2009,
the rolling out of load shedding in 2014, and high interest Vacancies & good standing tenants
rates in the face of a weakening economy. An investment property in a well-located area like Sandton
The last two years, however, have witnessed a growing lack Central, that’s perceived to be safer, offers a comfortable lifestyle
of investor confidence, even in prime areas such as Sandton. and is close to key amenities, such as good schools, private
This has seen desperate sellers reduce their selling price, hospitals and shopping malls – is unlikely to stand vacant.
which has created a buyer’s market. And as property prices Prime areas remain in high demand, despite the fact that
are expected to decline further over the next few months, many tenants will downgrade or opt for co-sharing properties
we will see some of the best purchase opportunities in more until financial stability returns. However, in many cases
than a decade, whether you’re looking to buy a residential or monthly rentals are becoming more expensive than bond
investment property in Sandton. repayments on the same property.
To give Sandton property investors an idea, 81% of
The effects of the pandemic on the prop- residential tenants in Greater Sandton remained in good
standing during the first quarter of 2020, according to the TPN
erty market Rental Monitor. When it comes to good standing according to
The low interest rate, the lowest it has been in half a century, is rental value, 86.30% of tenants who pay between R7 000-R12
expected to be lowered again by September, which will make 000 monthly remained in good standing. They appeared to be
it even easier to qualify for a home loan. The interest rate is the least affected segment of the market during lockdown,
expected to remain low for the next 18 months. with a post-lockdown vacancy rate of 8.6%. Meanwhile,
84.28% of tenants within the R12 000-R25 000 remained in
The gross household income needed to purchase a R1 good standing with a post-lockdown vacancy rate of 11.3%.
million property has decreased by around 20% since 2019.
This, coupled with the lifting of the threshold for transfer fees
to R1 million that was announced in February’s Budget, has Predictions for the future
been favourable for first-time property buyers. In the past, it might have been easier for an employee to get
a home loan than it was for their employer, namely a self-
The greatest activity has been in the low to mid-market employed business owner or a commission earner. I sincerely
range, around R1.5 million, with budgets stretching up to R3 hope that lending organisations undertake a mindset shift
million in prime areas, such as central and greater Sandton. when it comes to offering home loans to such entrepreneurs,
Despite the reduction in property prices, potential investors especially if their business is growing.
are playing a wait-and-see game as they opt to rent instead of Markets will remain depressed for the next year, due to
buy, until they determine what the future holds. the economic effects of the lockdown, a lethargic economy,
an over-supply of properties, and prolonged online property
shopping before a purchase is made.
Competition between the major lenders has resulted in a
Why now’s the time to buy an invest- lean towards 100% bonds, while ABSA is offering a 105% loan
ment property to value ratio. Buyers with available capital for a deposit should
An over-supply of properties coupled with a lower demand take advantage of this situation.
means that now’s the best time to buy a property in Sandton If you have taken the decision to buy a property in the
Central.As Baron Rothschild said: “Buy when there’s blood near future, take the risk and you might pick up a well-
in the streets, even if the blood is your own.” This contrarian priced bargain. You are likely to pay off your bond through
investing principle encourages investors to go against market rental payments and if you wait long enough for the market
trends – buy when others are selling and sell when others are to recover before selling, you will likely profit for future
buying. This results in the markets becoming temporarily over investments.
and under-priced. Though it might be a risky strategy, it pays
off in the long-term. SOURCE SRS REALTY
The poorer the market performs, the greater the
opportunity for profit in the future. On average, property
investors who had the courage to buy property after the last Stephen Brian Szewach
financial crisis of 2008-2009 have witnessed their property Stephen is the principal of
value increase by more than 50% in the last decade, with mid- Sandton Rentals & Sales and has
value houses fairing the best. been a property investor for 20
years with numerous properties
in Sandton. He is the founder
What the work-from-home trend means of the Property College (www.
for property investors propertycollege.co.za: launching
The Covid pandemic and national lockdown have changed August 2020), a learning and
work dynamics. Tenants now consider Fibre and WiFi as a non- educational platform that assists
negotiable, whether it’s inclusive in their monthly rental rates property buyers with property
investment strategies.

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR
EVERYONE THIS FILING SEASON
Available from taxtalk.co.za or magzter.com

COMMERCIAL
34 36 38
PropTech Solutions to An Unexpected Outlier Rebuilding the Economy
Covid Restrictions The economic and social impacts Through Construction
While property may be an of the COVID-19 pandemic It’s back to work for the
immovable asset, one’s approach have hit the real estate industry construction industry, one of our
to the industry shouldn’t be hard. However, there has been a major economic contributors. In
as such. It is this philosophy surprise uptake in a sector that fact, it has been touted as one of
which has given Quoin Online, few in the industry could have the key sectors the government
a trailblazer in the field of online predicted: industrial real estate. should prioritise to ramp up job
property transacting, a head-start. opportunities in an effort to revive
the SA economy.
TOP TRENDING FOR COMMERCIAL ONLINE

Emerging Trend Office Shared Workspaces - Landlords & Tenants

Sub-Letting Solution to Downsizing? Work Together
While flexible lease agreements Considering the inclusion of Most landlords in downtown
and the restructuring of rentals shared space offerings, as part of Cape Town, which comprises
are on the cards for many, little the overall solution, may provide 80% commercial property, have
thought has been given to the corporate clients with just the implemented rent holidays or
option of subletting. right balance deferments, with adjustments as
time has gone on.
INVESTOR INTELLIGENCE SERIES PART 1
Virtual property
transactions
PropTech solutions to
Covid restrictions
CHANTEL ERFORT
While property may be an immovable asset, one’s approach

to the industry shouldn’t be as such. It is this philosophy which
has given Quoin Online, a trailblazer in the field of online
property transacting, a head-start as the Covid-19 pandemic and
worldwide lockdown force companies to find new ways of doing
business – and in some cases, even reinvent themselves.

W
hen Quoin Online was launched, founders Wayne able to offer them a virtual tour and the ability to seamlessly
van der Vent and Karen Miller’s focus was on and easily complete the transaction online.
the transactional element of property sales and
leasing, and five years later they remain the only platform Before virtual meeting spaces and no-contact interactions
offering a bespoke solution, through which every part of the became a requirement to make the world a safer, healthier
property transaction can be completed online – from start place, Quoin Online had already recognised this as the
to finish. Auctioneers have started adopting predominantly future of conducting efficient, convenient property
“off the shelf” software for online bidding, but these offer transactions. And so when the lockdown was enforced,
limited features. Quoin Online is at that the forefront of rather than having to roll out completely new systems,
innovation by offering the only transactional software in Quoin found itself only having to make minor changes to
commercial leasing. processes already in place.
Not only does Quoin Online’s platform afford clients Currently Quoin Online, which has drawn on the expertise
unprecedented convenience, but also addresses problems of leaders in the property and online transacting sectors,
around mobility, accessibility and the ability to transact offers a centralised service for marketing, credit checks,
without a “middle man” and gives potential buyers and FICA verification and an end-to-end online transactional
tenants direct access to sellers and landlords. platform. But will there still be a need for virtual property
transacting when lockdown is lifted?
Quoin Online is confident that as businesses, particularly

“Every part of the those which have offices in different parts of the country,
or who are looking to expand, will see the value of their
property transaction can end-to-end online offering. And even as government starts
to ease the restrictions of the lockdown which has been in
be completed online – place since the end of March, it’s unlikely that life or business
interactions will go back to the way they were any time soon.
from start to finish.” The ability to complete a property transaction from start to
finish afforded by Quoin Online’s high-end platform means
business owners looking to expand into new cities will no
longer have to spend time or money travelling around the
country to view multiple office spaces.
While the harshest restrictions on movement under
Level 5 of the lockdown prevented any physical property
Quoin Online’s platform streamlines the rental lease
viewings from taking place, even as restrictions are eased,
management process by offering, among others, lease
many people remain reluctant to travel unnecessarily or
integration from landlord property management systems,
meet face-to-face for property inspections. Quoin’s platform
vacancy marketing, online submission and acceptance of
addresses this by giving clients the option of comparing
offers, and automated FICA verification, credit checks.
multiple properties on their comparator site and taking a
In addition to this, they have also developed a comparator
virtual tour of them.
site, where tenants may view all vacancy listings within an
area, or price range, or size. Not only does this allow tenants
The sales and rental platform also empowers buyers and
to view multiple offerings, but also supplies them with all
tenants with access to information and documentation
the information needed to make a correct and informed
by making all of this available online - and within the
decision.
transaction portal. In addition to this, clients can submit
bids or offers online and transact directly with sellers or
Quoin Online’s sales platform puts the seller in control
landlords. And rather than requiring legal assistance, clients
of uploading all due diligence information before the
will be able to draw up their own offers within the portal by
properties are made available to purchasers and brokers.
populating existing templates.
Users will be required to register on the site, with potential
buyers being able to submit online offers or bids and to
Imagine concluding a deal without having to leave your
transact directly with sellers. Ultimately when you use the
office – or your home – at any time of the day you like.
Quoin Online platform, the way you transact in reality, you
This is what it’s like to transact with Quoin Online. In the
transact in the virtual space.
space of a few months physical distancing and avoiding
personal interactions have become the norm. No longer
can a handshake seal the deal. And increasingly, those in the SOURCE Quoin Online FIND OUT MORE
market to purchase properties, will favour the seller who is

INDUSTRIAL
An unexpected outlier
Industrial real estate is in
high demand, here’s why
CLINT MARAIS
The economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

have hit the real estate industry hard, resulting in an
industry-wide slowdown. However, in the midst of this, there
has been a surprise uptake in a sector that few in the industry
could have predicted: industrial real estate.
S
ince the beginning of Level 3, key industry players like the massive consumer demand once the wearing of PPE
Clint Marais Regional Head of Galetti Corporate Real outside of the home was mandated by law”.
Estate Western Cape, have noticed a positive upturn
in the sector which can be attributed to both the stringent According to a recent study, e-commerce fulfilment
hygiene measures now required in the workplace and the requires more than three times the space of its predecessor,
changing nature of retail in the time of COVID-19. traditional retail sales.

The commercial real estate industry has welcomed a Marais notes that both e-commerce retailers and PPE
positive upturn since level 3 of lockdown. One particular manufacturers require distribution centres and makes
sector that is making waves and has seen a noticeable spike special menion of two recent independent requests from
in activity over this period is undoubtedly industrial real large pharmaceutical businesses, looking for significant
estate. distribution centres in the country’s major port metropoles.

“While it is clear that the logistics and warehousing
Why the Move to Industrial Real Es- sectors are forging ahead, we predict that the real impact of
tate? COVID-19 on the manufacturing sector will only be seen in
the coming months,” he says.
“This uptake can be attributed to the both the stringent
hygiene measures now required in the workplace and the “Adding to the demand is the fluctuation of exports
changing nature of retail,” says Galetti Corporate Real Estate and the depreciation of the Rand. Here, manufacturers are
Western Cape Regional Head, Clint Marais. scaling up local production to mitigate the possibility of
disrupted supply chains in future”.
“Many businesses have wisely capitalised on the
increased reliance on e-commerce from consumers who are
choosing to do their shopping from home, by discarding Key Areas for Industrial Property
brick and mortar storefronts in favour of virtual ones. Investment
Other businesses have pivoted to focus on manufacturing
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), wisely anticipating Marais predicts a major uptake in recently developed

industrial areas such as Midrand and Pomona in Gauteng,
Riverhorse Valley in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Bellville South,
West Coast and Central Nodes such as Airport Industria and
3 Consider Flexible Lease Terms
Marais urges landlords is to consider the long-
term benefits of flexible lease terms. “We are seeing an
Epping in the Western Cape. improvement in tenant incentives, as some are being
offered up to four months rent-free at the beginning of
“These areas are on the rise, and we predict a significant the lease. The wide-spread adoption of more flexible lease
increase in industrial real estate development once terms in the industrial real estate sector will definitely come
stakeholders realise their profitability,” he says. at a premium to existing market rentals, but will give the
tenant the flexibility to reduce their footprint at short notice.

Advice to Landlords However, he cautions that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’

approach for COVID-19-era regulations and that many
Marais says that landlords looking to ‘cash-in’ on this
landlords are sticking to their guns to retain a properties
sector must consider various important and unique factors
initial rental value. “As the market’s response to COVID-19
associated with owning and leasing out an industrial
evolves, we’re seeing that the initial willingness to drastically
property.
reduce rentals is not a clear representation of the whole
1Compliance is Key
market” Marais concludes.

“A building must be fully compliant with the Operational
Health & Safety (OHS) Act. It should be a fully functional
space that meets all the standards, is correctly wired, with
ceilings in, sufficient ventilation, the floor in and so on - SOURCE Galetti Corporate Real Estate Western Cape
essentially fully finished,”

“Following these steps will make the space more Clint Marais
attractive to prospective tenants who are looking to pivot Clint Marais finds the
their business models and meet the fast-changing demands connectedness of the
of the ‘new normal’”. various real estate
industries, as well as the
2 A ‘Lock-Up-and-Go’ Space is Most Attractive

Marais adds that the warehouse component of the
building should be as accessible and secure as possible
different people that make
up the industry fascinating.
He is currently the Regional
to meet the logistical requirements of manufacturers and Head of Galetti Corporate
distributors. “A lock-up-and-go (or ready to go) space also Real Estate Western Cape.
increases the possibility of reducing cashflow pressure Galetti is one of South
through sub-letting - a trend quite popular in the industrial Africa’s leading Commercial
real estate market,” he explains. Real Estate consultancies.
WEBINAR CATCH-UP

INDUSTRIAL
Rebuilding
the economy
through
construction
Lockdown-hit industry
back on building sites
With the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, it’s back to work for

the construction industry, one of our major economic contributors
due to the labour-intensive nature of construction activities. In
fact, it has been touted as one of the key sectors the government
should prioritise to ramp up job opportunities in an effort to
revive the South African economy.
I
t’s an industry employing hundreds of thousands of sustainability of this industry over the coming months so as
workers that was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. There to play its part in our country’s economic recovery.”
have been suggestions that the impact could result in a
year-on-year contraction of 18%, which represents 4% of President Ramaphosa, speaking recently at the opening
GDP. Potentially, this could mean the loss of up to 140 000 of the inaugural Sustainable Infrastructure Development
formal jobs, according to construction market intelligence Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA), pointed out that even
firm Industry Insight. prior to the pandemic, South Africa’s dwindling infrastructure
investment over the years had caused great hardship for the
For these reasons alone, the reactivation of active construction industry. He said that, as construction services
construction projects was imperative both for job creation are procured now, the government could assess project
and for the many South African homeowners whose lives proposals to ensure the job creation impact is maximised.
have been severely impacted. It is also what prompted the
industry itself to take action. In response to Covid-19, the construction sector has
since formed a Construction Sector Covid-19 Task Team
Cobus Bedeker, MD of Evergreen Property Investments composed of contractors (main and subcontractors), built
says, “The construction sector is already working together environment professional services firms, property developers,
to respond to the impact of Covid-19 and ensure the manufacturers, professional associations and regulators.

According to Bedeker, “When it comes to construction
sites, project managers will need to start thinking of systems
to minimise the number of workers so that social distancing
requirements can be met, whilst still ensuring construction
project milestones and timelines are adhered to.”
One of South Africa’s largest retirement estate living

developers, Evergreen Lifestyle, which is owned by property
developer Amdec Group and financial services group PSG,
had to slam the brakes on seven construction sites and
new projects where it employs close to 7 000 people when
lockdown was introduced.
With 750 000 m² of housing (over 5 000 units) and facilities

across 13 retirement villages either under construction or in
the planning phase, its management was understandably
relieved when the sector was given the green light to resume.
“There are huge opportunities in this property class

in South Africa,” says Bedeker. “Too many of our elderly
population are living in inadequate homes when they could
be living in an estate offering a sense of support along with a
ream of services and amenities.
“To keep up with the demand in estate living we plan to

grow our national footprint tenfold to R30 billion in the next
decade. “We will grow our base from 1 000 units to 10 000
units by 2030.”
Bedeker says the ‘pause’ has sharpened developers’ minds

about the future, given them time to relook their designs,
sales methods and the way their villages function. He explains
It has submitted a comprehensive short- to medium-term that the Covid-19 pandemic will strengthen retirement living.
plan to the government for actionable reforms to help the It has highlighted the need for a sense of community and
sector recover and is working with government to develop convenience which is driving interest in its life rights purchase
an industry-specific Covid-19 Construction Health & Safety model. Buyers can purchase the right to live in a home in a
Protocol. retirement village but the developer retains sole ownership
and carries the responsibilities for maintenance, clubhouses
This will supplement the already stringent health and and health/frail-care centres.
safety regulations for construction. Contractors already have
well-developed resources in place to comply with legislation “Children have begun to realise that their parents’ health
requiring site-specific safety plans. Now, additional measures and welfare will be looked after impeccably in a life rights
include the provision of appropriate PPE and the regular retirement village. It’s clear that lockdown has brought to
monitoring of the health and safety of the workforce. light the dependence we have on one another, which is
something core to the retirement village concept,” Bekeder
• A new report by Singular estimates that the South African concludes.
economy could shrink by 14% this year as it tries to
recover from the coronavirus crisis.
• Sectors expected to be hit hard are construction, mining, SOURCE Evergreen Property Investments
retail and hospitality
• Predictions are that it could take up to six years to recover
from the trauma of Covid-19 - and during this time there
is little chance of much recovery in the building industry
• The current crisis could result in year-on-year contraction Cobus Bedeker is the
of 18% in the construction sector, which represents 4% of Director at Evergreen
GDP Retirement Holdings. The
• According to construction market intelligence firm business began with a vision
Industry Insight, the impact of the coronavirus on the to change the retirement
construction sector will be catastrophic, unlike any landscape in South Africa.
economic shock the sector has previously had to endure, Evergreen provides
and will result in it shedding an estimated 120 000 to 140 beautiful accommodation
000 formal jobs. and world class facilities and
services to all residents.

OFFSHORE
42 44 48
Find Deals at a Distance Invest in Portugal Life Right Retirement
Sean Thomson, property South African real estate legend, Model
investment coach at Wealth Trek, John Rabie is offering investors a Longer lifespans, economic
explains how to find the best UK golden opportunity to invest in uncertainty and the impact of
deals from the comfort of your prime European real estate. the Covid-19 lockdown, mean
home in South Africa. it’s more difficult to plan for
retirement than ever before.
TOP TRENDING FOR OFFSHORE ONLINE

Make a Move to Should you Buy your SA Investors Win Big with
Mozambique Property in your Name, USA Medical Real Estate
Mozambique is on the cusp of Company or Trust? There are always winners in any
an economic boom, thanks to Why structuring is so important bear market even during a real
expansion within the oil and gas when building a property black swan event like we are
industry, along with untapped portfolio. If you ask three experts living through currently.
tourism potential in the region which entity you should buy
– even within the pandemic property in, you will get three
scenario. different answers.
UNITED KINGDOM SERIES PART 3
How to find deals

at a distance
Sean Thomson, property investment coach at
Wealth Trek, explains how to find the best UK deals
from the comfort of your home in South Africa.

I
n the second article in this series, we looked at how to South Africans who want to invest in the UK market, this is
recycle money by buying UK property and adding value something I go over thoroughly.
thereto. It sounds simple enough – but how does one
choose property living thousands of miles away? Investing
at a distance may make you anxious, especially if you can’t
meet estate agents or view properties. Building a profitable portfolio
In my third article, I will explain the ins and outs of I strongly believe that there are three secrets to building
building a property portfolio at a distance. It is perfectly a profitable property portfolio:
possible, but you need a reliable sourcing agent on your
side. You may wonder what a sourcing agent is – in fact, • Be able to recycle your money.
it’s simply someone who acts on your behalf, as the buyer, • Conclude a deal that creates immediate cashflow.
instead of on the seller’s behalf (as an estate agent does). • Have a professional team on the ground that can help
A good sourcing agent is invaluable for growing your you to execute your strategy
portfolio, particularly if you are looking for undervalued
properties in areas where there is a supply shortage. They For me, recycling money was key. I used other people’s
also know which areas are being regenerated, which means money to get started, so having money tied up in a deal for
a property can be sold at a profit fairly easily. ten to 15 years just wasn’t an option. I was advised to stay
away from new build developments as I would not be able
For a fee, your sourcing agent will use a variety of to add value to them or sell them at a profit. This is a very
marketing strategies, like visiting estate agents, attending important point.
auctions, advertising and social media. He or she will
view multiple properties every week, carrying out due If you rely on long-term growth to make money, you
diligence and negotiating the best below-market-value should be prepared for any eventuality. The Covid-19
price should you wish to put in an offer. Once a deal has pandemic is a prime example of an event that can throw an
been made, they issue a deal sheet that sets out all the investor off course. You could also be at the mercy of the
figures, the agreed-upon price, photographs, evidence of economic model of supply and demand. If 50 flats are sold
due diligence, and so on. to 50 investors, who then try and rent them out, rental prices
will be affected. If 50% of them then try to sell because they
cannot rent their properties out, values will also be affected.
Choosing a sourcing agent Ultimately, the only person making real money would be
the developer.
Always choose a sourcing agent that meets the necessary
UK compliance criteria, as certain standards must be in We all know that cash is king, so concluding a deal that
place before they can accept a commission. guarantees cashflow is the preferred approach – along with
having a reliable team in place to help you achieve your
Ask your sourcing agent the following questions: goal.
• Do you have professional indemnity insurance in
place?
• Are you registered with The Property Redress Scheme A final word
(PRS)?
• Are you registered for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) The true measure of building a successful portfolio is
supervision? finding a repeatable process that works, rather than buying
• Are you a member of The Property Ombudsman (TPO) a half a property with money you have saved up every ten
Scheme? years. The UK market gave me the perfect foil to do this: buy,
• Are you registered for data protection supervision? add value, tenant, refinance and repeat, using a variety of
(The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR ways to finance the purchase creatively. If you follow these
came into effect on 31 January 2020, superseding the principles, and engage the right team, you, too, can succeed
EU GDPR.) in the undeniably attractive UK property market.
Sourcing agents must be fully compliant before they Next month, we will look at how to get funding in the UK
broker a deal, so ensure you are working with a professional as a foreign national or expat investor, as well as some of the
agent from a reputable company before taking any further key concept in the UK market, and how they differ in the
steps. You should also request testimonials from previous South African market.
investors, as you can learn a lot from their experiences –
were they able to verify the accuracy of information they
were provided with, and were they satisfied with the entire
process? Sean Thomson
Sean Thomson started his
It isn’t easy to find good, trusted sourcing agents, and property investment career in
one can be misled by misdirection and glossy brochures. June 2004 after working in the
Education plays a vital role in due diligence, and it also pays financial field for four years.
to get referrals from a trusted network before you kick off He helps investors stop their
your property journey in the UK. As with estate agents, there wealth being eroded in South
are some good sourcing agents, and some who are happy to Africa, by mentoring them to
offer deals that aren’t what they appear to be. When I train buy UK property.

PORTUGAL
John Rabie presents a golden

opportunity to invest in prime
European real estate
NEWORLD’S FIRST LISBON “With all of these advantages, plus the option of the
Golden Visa, we were expecting a good response from
DEVELOPMENT A WINNER the market, but were really delighted with the results of
successive launch events in Cape Town, Johannesburg and
“We’d been looking for suitable development Lisbon, with off-plan sales rising rapidly to around 110 of the
opportunities in European for quite a while, so when 150 units available.
Newman Leech of GMG Real Estate invited me to Lisbon to
look at the LX Living site in December 2018, I didn’t hesitate,” “There is still a great range of apartments available, many
says John Rabie, co-founder of the Rabie Property Group, of them above the qualifying price tag of €500 000 for the
founder of Signatura and founder of Neworld. Golden Visa.
“What I saw excited me immediately, because of the “With the increasing demand for corporate
obvious advantages of the location. The site is in Amoreiras, accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the site,
which is very close to the iconic Avenida da Liberdade, but is boosted by the effects of Brexit, and the relative success
not in one of the busy tourist hotspots of the city. of Portugal in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic,
the medium-term dynamics are clear: demand for
“It’s a suburb of contrasts, with a mini-CBD of its own, accommodation dramatically exceeds supply. So I have
consisting of gleaming five-star hotels and blue-chip corporate absolutely no hesitation in recommending an investment
headquarters, surrounded by charming little side streets with here. Especially when you can borrow up to 75% of the
ornate residential buildings, neighbourhood pastelerias, capital at 1% interest rates! In all my 40 years as a developer,
restaurants, museums, art galleries and small parks. I’ve never been in a position to offer buyers such a
compelling investment proposition.”
“It’s also extremely well connected to the road networks,
as the main highways to Porto in the north, the Algarve in
the south, and the route to Cascais and Estoril criss-cross A PRECIOUS OPPORTUNITY ON ONE OF
through the suburb. And the exciting confirmation that city LISBON’S HIGHEST HILLS
authorities are developing a new Metro station very close
to the development is another very positive factor. This line LX Living is a brand-new, mixed-use development in a
will link directly to Lisbon’s international airport. sought-after residential neighbourhood in central Lisbon,
just a short stroll from the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade.
“Amoreiras is also very sought-after because of its Substantial, new-build developments in this area are
educational institutions, with a popular French-language extremely rare indeed.
international school just a block away from the site, and
one of Lisbon’s universities also in close proximity. Not The striking contemporary building, designed by Saraiva
to mention the really important fact that one of Lisbon’s + Associados, one of Europe’s leading architectural practices,
leading retail hubs, the iconic Amoreiras Shopping Centre, features dramatic cantilevered balconies and consists of
is just two minute walk away. 150 luxury apartments, ground-floor retail, a landscaped

A SUBSTANTIAL LUXURY REAL ESTATE ASSET
On offer are one, two and three-bedroom luxury

apartments in LX Living, ranging in price from €440 000 to
€1 370 000.
Features include:
• At least one secure basement parking bay per apartment
• Timber floors and engineered stone countertops
• Integrated fridge, oven, hob, dishwasher & washing
machine
• Air conditioning and double-glazing throughout
In addition, residents will have full use of a suite of hotel-

style amenities and services including:
• A gym, day spa and two swimming pools, one indoor and
one rooftop
• Ample underground parking – a rarity in central Lisbon
• Two restaurants, a bar and rooftop garden
• Hi-speed fibre connectivity throughout the building
THE MACRO FACTORS: WHY FOREIGN INVEST-

MENT IS POURING INTO PORTUGAL
Portugal’s reputation for pragmatic, efficient and

progressive administration has been enhanced by its
effective response to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result,
Lisbon has been rated in a recent Knight Frank Real Estate
report as one of only four major cities globally to expect a
positive growth rate in 2020 and 2021!
internal plaza, two swimming pools, a gym, a day spa and
two restaurants. In addition, Portugal is widely acknowledged to be one of
the safest countries in the world, with no significant crime,
The development, which is currently under construction no geo-political problems, a sound economy, and a first-
for delivery in 2021, is a joint venture by John Rabie’s world healthcare system.
European company, Neworld, and GMG Real Estate, a
well-established property developer based in Geneva, So it comes as no surprise that the PriceWaterhouseCooper’s
Switzerland. ‘Emerging Trends in Europe’ identifies Lisbon as one of the
top 10 real estate markets in Europe for 2020. Nor that Forbes
A SOUND INVESTMENT WITH EXCELLENT magazine has identified Portugal as one of the top three post-
Covid-19 retirement destinations in the world.
GROWTH PROSPECTS
LX Living offers outstanding offshore investment THE GOLDEN VISA RESIDENCY PROGRAMME
fundamentals, with exceptional security, strong rental
income potential, and excellent prospects for medium to Portugal’s Golden Visa residency programme has been
long-term capital growth. one of the most successful of its kind in the world.
Here’s why an apartment in LX Living ticks all these boxes: The benefits of this non-demanding, five-year process
• It is a high-yielding investment in a directly owned include:
bricks-and-mortar asset • Residency in one of Europe’s warmest, friendliest countries
• Located in one of Europe’s top-performing real estate • Working and travel rights across the European Union
growth zones • Access to tertiary education across the EU
• A 4% rental guarantee is available on all one-bed units • Outstanding and affordable health care
for the first two years
• This includes a turnkey property management service Exclusive agents in SA:
• A full furniture pack is included in the purchase price for Anton McElhone 083 506 7829
rental pool units Michael McElhone 064 756 4960
• Loan-to-Value finance of up to 75% is available from www.lxliving.com
Portuguese banks*
• Current interest rates on offer vary between 1% to 2,5%*
• Interest rates can be fixed for buyers under 45 years old*
• Estimated pre-tax leveraged yields are in excess of 10%
* Terms and conditions apply

Regroup,
reflect &
restart
Invest offshore
post Covid-19
SIDIMA MFEKU
The economic impact of Covid has been felt by the entire

globe. As economies of various countries start to re-open and
gear up for the new normal, the need to rent, buy and sell real
estate is crawling back. Now is the time to reignite the real
estate sector around the world.
S
ince the closing down of economic activity in South Rabie further said that according to research conducted by
Africa, every sector has been battling the possibility of PwC, Portugal is among the four countries that are expected
losing everything post Covid. It has been particularly to have an easy transition back into normal economic activity
difficult for the tourism industry. The tourism and hospitality post Covid-19. Portugal’s expected success post-Covid is an
sectors are one of the biggest contributors to the revenue of accurate reflection of the economy pre-Covid as well.
the offshore real estate industry.
PwC Report: Emerging Trends Europe 2019 states: “Lisbon is
Investing in any foreign investment destination during this year’s choice for overall prospects… Portugal’s economy is
these volatile times might call for a lot of courage and growing at a healthy clip, and its capital is now an international
motivation from investors. Savvy investors or beginners - both destination for companies, investors and tourists. It’s on
will need conviction that post Covid the normal will be slightly, everyone’s platter of cities they like.”
but not completely, different from the already known benefits
of investing in the offshore real estate sector. Rabie says when considering investing in any sector or
country, it is important that all key business and intension for
investment be checked before investing. “When we look at
Investing in the time of Covid property, we don’t look at it from the Golden Visa perspective,
we look at it from the merits of where we believe we would like
The way in which various countries’ governments have to develop. For us we had found a city in Portugal where we
handled the Coronavirus pandemic and its spread shows the could do what we had been doing in Cape Town, South Africa.”
amount of dedication in the leadership of that jurisdiction.
This in turn illustrates the stability of an economy and appeal “Interestingly for our buyers’ interest rates, we have
to investors. discovered that you can borrow today at 1% for 30-year
mortgages. So, the affordability here is great - it’s not expensive
Renowned South African property developer, John at all,” Rabie says.
Rabie, believes that Portugal has dodged the Covid bullet
quite impressively. “Portugal has come out of Covid-19 A joint venture between Neworld, a European-domiciled
in a remarkable way. With the population of the country entity established by John Rabie and Swiss-based real estate
containing about 10 million people there is a lot more activity developer GMG Real Estate, presents LX Living. The brand-
during this time of the pandemic than it has been in other new, mixed-use development is in Amoreiras, a sought-after
major populated countries,” says Rabie. residential neighbourhood in central Lisbon.

Doing things differently ground in the country where in you want to invest.
Thomson says being able to buy property in the UK,
Investing offshore requires a great deal of analysis from the for him, was down to his people in the UK. “One thing
side of the investor. One country’s investment hotspot always we advocate for, introduce and motivate people to do is
differs from that of your country of origin, one way or another. COMPLIANT SOURCING AGENTS,” says Thomson
Director of Operations at Orbvest, Justin Clarke and his team, “Sourcing agents are the opposite of what real estate
made certain that they scrutinise the USA’s investment agents do. Sourcing agents do not work for the property,
hotspots and wealth making investment options, dedicating but work for the investor. They are essentially on the ground
their time and pouring their wealth into the country. doing all the leg work for you and finding you, the investor,
low-market value deals appealing to you,” he says.
According to Clarke, when investing offshore, South
African investors want to invest in bricks and mortar. This
is simply because they are used to this form of investment. Good sourcing agents are:
Projecting on the American demographic, He says this form
of investment in America does not make outstanding and • Compliant as per the sourcing agents’ registrations in
great returns. In fact “investors cannot live on the returns with the UK.
time.” • In ownership of professional indemnity insurance, and
they are regulated within the UK market.
However, Clarke says the amount of returns in commercial • Registered with property redress scheme and anti-
real estate industry in the USA are great, even exceptional. money laundering supervision.
“In our investments we have gone towards the direction • Registered with or are members of a property
of medical real estate, specifically in the USA, because this ombudsman scheme.
industry is slightly similar to South Africa, as well as the way • Registered with date protection scheme supervision.
in which medical services in the US are provided,” Clarke says.
Sean Thomson’s prosperity in buying property in the
Clarke believes that as the years unfold, the medical UK would not have been a success without the help of
real estate sector in the USA will be in high demand, with sourcing agents, who made this investment slightly easier
extremely high returns on investments for all real estate for him. Just like Justin Clarke’s medical real estate investing
investors. This is due to the rising demand for healthcare journey, it could not have been a success if it had not been
facilities during the time of Coronavirus. for the support he had received from his fellow investors,
with whom he collaborated in bringing about his success in
offshore medical real estate investment. Clearly the trick is in
Finding property deals abroad co-working here! You can do it too, with a little bit of patience
and the right team of experts to guide you.
While find better property deals abroad through the
internet is recommended for investors and property buyers,
Wealth Trek’s Property Investment Coach, Sean Thomson
SOURCE Neworld, Orbvest & Wealth Trek
believes that there is a need for a team or people on the

RETIREMENT
Pandemic shines a
light on Life Right
Retirement Model
Longer lifespans and economic uncertainty,
especially as a result of a weakened economy and
the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown, mean it’s more
difficult to plan for retirement than ever before.
Knowing this, retirees should think carefully about
every decision they make, including how they go
about choosing a retirement home.
T
his, of course, also adds increased pressure to access According to Bedeker, purchasing a life right at a
for housing for the elderly in South Africa – resulting retirement village brings the added advantage of financial
in new retirement developments being constructed, flexibility which can be very reassuring for people who may
many of which operate on the Life Rights basis. Today, well require expensive medical care and frail care at some
especially for middle- and upper-income retirees, the point in the future. Given that most homeowners are advised
accommodation available focuses more on lifestyle and to spend one percent of the value of their property on
quality of life, attracting people at earlier stages of their maintenance annually, it presents major savings for retirees
retirement, rather than just when they become too fragile as it relieves them of this burden since this responsibility
or sickly to live independently. rests with the developer as legal owner.

Many are aware of buying sectional title properties that “Recently, the business has focussed on the value of the
involve purchasing a stand-alone property but there is incredible flexibility of the life right model and developed a
another option that could go a long way to helping retirees flexible pricing product that is unequalled in the industry,”
alleviate financial insecurity. Known as the Life Rights shares Bedeker.
Model, it involves acquiring the right to live in a particular
home for life rather than owning the real estate itself. “The essence of flexible pricing is that seniors can
purchase a life right on a new house or apartment at
A life right allows a resident to occupy the property discounts of up to 30% of the list price. This could assist
throughout their lifetime - and that of their spouse. However, them in two ways. Those who are unable to sell their family
when the Life Right terminates, it remains the property of the home at the price they would have hoped for because of
developer, and therefore it is maintained to a high standard, the current climate are now able to price their home more
refurbished and available for resale by the developer. realistically to attract buyers. In turn, this enables them to
purchase an Evergreen life right at a reduced price without
This model is ideal for people who do not wish to take on having to supplement the purchase price with additional
the responsibility of maintaining the property themselves, funds. Others may be able to liberate capital from the sale of
or having to deal with various other issues linked to home their home after purchasing a life right, to bolster retirement
ownership, such as insurance, security, landscaping, etc. savings,” Bedeker says.

“The life right concept is attractive for the older person, Evergreen makes this model work financially by
who may have neither the desire nor the ability to maintain adjusting the capital return to the life right-holder’s estate
a property,” says Cobus Bedeker, MD of Evergreen Property on termination of the life right. Owned by the PSG Group
Investments. “A capital amount is paid to the developer, who and the Amdec Group ensures shareholder backing, which
remains the legal owner responsible for maintaining the means Evergreen is able to take a long-term view of the
units, village and facilities.” business by incorporating this innovation. It is an advantage

“The life right concept is
attractive for the older
person, who may have
neither the desire nor
the ability to maintain a
property,”
that sectional title, freehold and share block developers

cannot match.

Following an investment by PSG Alpha Investments
of R675 million into Evergreen Lifestyle, numerous new
villages have been delivered and are planned. The company
is behind some of South Africa’s most iconic retirement
communities in the Western Cape and Gauteng - with new
villages coming to KwaZulu-Natal and Port Elizabeth.

“Along with the financial benefits, a Life Right guarantees
a safe and secure home for the remainder of one’s natural
life, with the added benefits of resort-style facilities,
top security features, a fully-managed and maintained
environment along with health care facilities that typically
include 24-hour nursing, recuperative palliative care, and
frail care,” explains Bedeker.

The facilities cover a range of activities, all geared to
enhance the residents’ lives – sporting amenities such as
bowling greens, gyms and heated swimming pools; cultural
stimulation at art and photographic clubs; and medical
facilities for those who need assistance.
The Life Right Model is a welcome addition to the
options available for acquiring a retirement home as it also
delivers peace of mind and freedom from financial worry.
With transparent levies, and tenure guaranteed for life, the
prospect of living longer is no longer cause for anxiety.
SOURCE Evergreen Property Investments

INSPIRATION
Image Caption: SAIBPP’s Young Professionals Forum Committee Members. Top left to right: Hector Maepa, Stando
Langa & Michael Kodinye Bottom left to right: Thokozani Msimanga, Nthabiseng Makgabo & Matlali Queen Matsoso
Nurturing the future

The next generation of black property leaders
Through its various initiatives, The South African Institute of Black Property
Practitioners is nurturing the next generation of black property leaders and
professionals with its Bursary Fund and Young Professionals Forum, property
education and coaching. As well as, matching talented students to internship
opportunities with corporates. These initiatives give them the chance to
pursue various careers within the property sector and live bright futures.
T
here are a number of young people who have 2016, she took on a number of roles in the property sector
been prospering in reaching their goals through before securing her current position as an Asset Manager.
the opportunities offered by SAIBPP. Employed
as an Assistant Manager at the second largest student
accommodation company in South Africa, Respublica is 26 The Chosen Path
years old Nthabiseng Makgabo.
About her studies and her prominent occupation Makgabo
Makgabo was part of the first cohort to benefit from the beleives that there’s a lot to learn in her role as an Assistant
SAIBPP Bursary Fund back in 2013. The Bursary Fund gave Manager and that the industry she is in has a rewarding effect
Her the opportunity to study towards a BSc Property Studies in her professional journey and that there are many different
Degree at Witwatersrand University. Having graduated in career options.

“One can become a Developer responsible for managing “I was actually studying towards a BSc in Biological
a project from start to end, from financing right through to Studies and then dropped out when I found out about the
administration. Being a Facilities Manager is another option BSc in Property Studies. I’ve always loved property and the
where one manages the day-to-day running of the property built environment, but only became aware that there was a
and ensures that cleaners and security guards are effectively property degree after I got to Wits,” she says.
carrying out their roles, making sure electricity and water are
paid and finding out the reasons for any skyrocketing bills Msibi further says she would love to go into valuations,
among numerous other tasks. Among the range of career especially for office blocks, which involves finding the value
opportunities is also going into valuations to determine the of a property through evaluating the environment it’s in, how
value of a property, the rental amount, etc. or being a lending far it is from schools and shopping amenities, the building
analyst where one’s responsibilities revolve around managing material used to construct it among numerous other factors.
the bank’s relationships with clients.
Additionally, Msibi in the previous year (2019) was
“I’m passionate about my job because the kind of Chairperson of the SAIBPP Wits Students Chapter, organising
accommodations students live in can really impact their studies. events where industry role players such as real estate
Property affects our lives every day, impacting on how we live developers, architects and valuers spoke to students about
and work and interact with each other, so it’s an interesting field various property-related issues to help them on their journey
to work in. Property is also a great investment vehicle because in the sector. “I really enjoyed these events because I got to
it appreciates in value, one can get a second bond on it and it meet professionals who’ve been in the industry for years,” she
promotes generational wealth,” Makgabo says. says.
Young Professionals Forum Opening doors for all

In a bid to continue offering space for the creation of a firm It is safe to say that the vast property industry has
education driven foundation for the rest of the motivated widespread opportunities for every single person, the
black youth in South African Universities, SAIBPP has a forum question is how are you going to use your skill in the sector?
that consists of young black university students, which is Which is not a really difficult one to answer. Like it was with
headed by Makgabo. The Young Professionals Forum consist 24 years old Sinenhlanhla Langa who’s “learnt so much
of approximately 1000 black students studying property- about corporate finance, real estate investments, building
related courses, as well as property entrepreneurs and technology, valuation of property, property laws and so much
professionals. more,” she says.
Langa is from Newlands West in Durban and is a beneficiary
“The forum’s aim is to drive transformation within the of the SAIBPP Bursary Fund. In her Honours year of her BSc
property industry by giving its members valuable skills, in Property Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand,
knowledge and guidance about the property industry. It aims she was attracted to the course because it’s economics and
at driving the careers of its members in various ways such as finance-related and provides numerous career options which
running diverse conversations on the property industry. As pay really well.
part of these engagements are weekly webinars by industry “It’s an interesting, practical, challenging course,” she
experts to promote career growth and management, while says. “I would really like to be part of the management and
providing them with the relevant skills to navigate the sector,” maintenance of these buildings. There is so much that goes
explains Makgabo. into being an Asset Manager at a mall, like managing the
Portfolio Manager, whose job includes ensuring that rentals
With webinar topics ranging from entrepreneurship, and electricity have been paid and managing the facilities
employment and career growth, how to participate in the manager, whose role involves ensuring that the cleaning and
property industry and how to go about buying property security services are being properly carried out,” she says
among numerous other themes. The forum also links Langa loves that there are many avenues in property like
students to property professionals who become their being an estate agent, working in property finance, doing
mentors, clarifying any coursework they don’t understand, valuations on municipal properties and estimating municipal
informing them on how various systems work and guiding rates in an area among so much more.
them on how to handle themselves in meetings among Well, this is something that many people may not know,
numerous other guidance. simply because of not being aware of the ways to penetrate
the property industry, or not being exposed to opportunities
According to Makgabo, support is also provided through offered by companies and corporations in the real estate
property industry players giving presentations to students and property. The youth is the future and feeding the youth
pursuing property-related degrees. Going forward, Makgabo platforms on which they can perform their capabilities and be
plans to run Young Professionals Forums in student chapters rewarded is always commendable. It gives hope and courage
across the country. to a young person that seems hopeful. With the story of the
two successful young ladies, be motivated to keep grinding,
One of the SAIBPP bursary fund beneficiaries, Slindele stay put and be hopeful about the future.
Msibi (24), is from Piet Retief in Mpumalanga. Msibi is
currently in her Honours year of her BSc in Property Studies
at the University of the Witwatersrand, she enjoys how the
course is all inclusive providing knowledge on real estate
development, valuation, entrepreneurship, law and market
analysis among numerous other topics. SOURCE SAIBPP

Books & Apps

BOOKS
THE E-MYTH PROPERTY
REVISITED ENTREPRENEUR: THE
Michael E. Gerber WEALTH DRAGON WAY
This updated edition of
TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL
the phenomenal bestseller
dispels the myths about PROPERTY BUSINESS
entrepreneurship. The author Vincent Wong
points out how common This book outlines the author’s
assumptions, expectations approach to creating wealth
and technical expertise can through property investing for both
get in the way of running a seasoned and aspiring investors.
successful business. Including Emphasising the importance of
steps in the life of a business, treating property investing as a
from entrepreneurial business, the author shares the
infancy through adolescent wisdom of his first-hand experience
growing pains to the mature and his investment techniques to
entrepreneurial perspective. help you navigate the ever-shifting
property market and become a true
PROFIT FIRST property entrepreneur.
Mike Michalowicz
With the intention of RENTAL PROPERTY
transforming a reader’s INVESTING
business from a cash-eating Kevin D Peterson
monster to a Money-making This audio book offers ways and
Machine, Author of cult classics options about how to calculate yield,
The Pumpkin Plan and The capital gain, and get a strong rental
Toilet Paper Entrepreneur offers return. Looking to purchase and profit
a simple, counterintuitive cash from a residential rental property?
management solution that will Real estate is a tough business and
help small businesses break out the field is peppered with land mines
of the doom spiral and achieve that can obliterate your returns.
instant profitability.
APPS
BUSINESS STARTUP – THINK & GROW RICH SUMMARY
ENTREPRENEUR MINDSET This Think and Grow Rich Book Summary App
For any Entrepreneur to be a success, they shows users how to go about become money
require an entrepreneur mindset with the conscious. For getting rich, people should
ability to create business ideas and establish first change their minds to become money
a long-standing success in the business start-up. Learn the conscious. This app shows us how to think ourselves rich,
reasons why it is important to start your own business and how to control our minds and our thoughts so that we can
why you should overcome the fear of getting started. All you become rich.
need are the business ideas.
PROPERTY BROTHERS HOME DESIGN
BUSINESS IDEAS – GET RICH With the brothers at your side, you’ll demo,
This app is helpful in providing renovate, customize, and design spaces with
knowledge for financial success, wealth the same charm and style the twins have
management, business ideas, money become known for. Play along to go behind
saving techniques, best investment the scenes with the brothers, learn their design tips and
opportunities and much more. tricks, and discover fun facts about TV’s favourite design duo.

DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD TECH
(pronounced 'may shee") noun. Japanese Business
Card - a ceremonial tool to exchange information with
counter-party and show respects at the same time.
WHY DIGITAL
Digital cards are the future; nearly 77% of small and medium businesses in the
US believe that a digital presence helps them in customer acquisition.
Digital Business Cards give your clients all Your digital business card is shareable on any
the info they need to make contact with social media or messaging platform. This alone
you in any manner they choose. increases your online presence significantly.
Showcase your business by guiding users Real-time usage tracking provides insightful
to the key elements on your website. analytics to identify opportunities or
weaknesses within your business model.
No more printing of business cards,
and brochures. Conventional business cards are killing
trees. Because we offer a 100% digital
Clients can fill in forms directly through product, your business will greatly reduce
your digital business card. its carbon footprint.
HOW IT WORKS
LONGEVITY SUSTAINABLE
CONVENIENCE & COST BUSINESS
Because mobile phones By being a completely digital Printing cards kills trees and
are a necessary business product, you can rest assured that uses poisonous ink which is not
tool which you always you will never run out of cards to the benefit of nature. Our
have on your person, to share. Should any of your details cards will position your business
your digital business card is change, there won’t be any need to as a front-runner for a green
always ready to share. discard your old cards and order business and promoter of
1 000 more. We will simply environmental sustainability.
update your card at no
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TRACKING & ANALYTICS
DAILY INTERACTIONS
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Aug 27
Aug 29
Aug 31
Sep 02
Sep 04
Sep 06
Sep 08
Sep 10
Sep 12
Sep 14
Sep 16
Sep 18
Sep 20
Sep 22
Sep 24
Sep 26
CONTENT OVERVIEW
Total Views: 1595
Avg Views per Day: 51
MOST INTEREST:
SECTION % OF EACH SECTION
services 40.65 %
profile 59.35 %
PROFILE SERVICES
Email 89 Virtual Showroom 31
Mobile Number 104 Finance Application 47
View on Maps 46 Virtual Showroom 39
Website 64 View Our Presentation 86
LinkedIn 14 SnapScan 8
Facebook 9 Let’s Chat 14
Save to Contacts 54
WhatsApp 39
ADD-ON SERVICES
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A SMART WAY OF DOING BUSINESS THE OBJECTIVES ARE
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It is also very important that we look at the impact of

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Financiers developers and property investors need to look

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The phenomenal success of Century City, a 250-hectare,

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Neale Petersen John Rabie

High yield, capital growth & guaranteed ROI

“ In all my 40 years as a developer,

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The impact of the Coronavirus on the daily functioning of the

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“There is hope for a homeowner who has

Stay ahead of the game

Today, the definition of technology can be altered to range

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Real estate recovery

The world finds itself at a crucial juncture in the combating of

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The fairly dramatic recovery of the equity market is also

Lower interest rates are now acting as a disincentive for

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In the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa,

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The rise & rise

Property trends prior to the nationwide lockdown showed

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The Melrose Arch mixed-use precinct in Johannesburg

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Sandton Central is not only South Africa’s financial capital, it’s

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