Residential properties with studies or home offices are attracting multiple offers from Port Elizabeth buyers - a trend that wasn't on the radar 12 months ago.

When the minister of finance delivered Budget 2020/21 on 26 February 2020, COVID-19 was mostly contained to China (with other countries registering few cases).

As the appeal of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast increases exponentially, home buyers – including those from Gauteng – seeking to make this region their home are edging further northwards, particularly with new schools and commercial developments in the pipeline for these areas, says Pam Golding Properties.

Semigralion to coastal areas continues its momentum, with families and mature buyers reconsidering their life choices. As remote working flexibility increases, more semigrators are signing up

The province of Gauteng has emerged as the preferred location for people owning multiple properties, according to Lightstone

Despite low prices and interest rates, in the current financial climate people are not jumping to purchase second homes

Named by Forbes Magazine as one of the “coolest neighbourhoods” in the world, Kalk Bay is fast becoming one of the most popular suburbs in the South Peninsula.

Plans for Stellenbosch to become the first town in SA to produce its own "green" power and eliminate loadshedding are excellent news for the local property market, says berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group.

Many people only start thinking about home ownership when they are ready to settle down or start a family, but it can really pay to get a start in the property market much sooner.

Briefly rewinding to 2020, many expected the property market in South Africa to suffer in the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic, with contributing factors including a looming downgrade at the time by ratings agency, Moody’s.

The beleaguered wine industry. pummeled by lockdown restrictions on restaurants and tourism and on-off prohibition of alcohol sales has been given a lifeline by digital sales and marketing.

Like many industries, the retail sector suffered substantial financial losses in 2020, especially during hard lockdown.

An early morning dive into property matters

An early morning dive into property matters

After the worst economic downturn in decades, further dampened by the recent tightening of lockdown restrictions in response to the second wave of the pandemic and the...

Semigration to coastal areas continues its momentum, with families and mature buyers reconsidering their life choices. As remote working flexibility increases, more semigrators are signing up

Following the worst recession in decades, further weakened by recent tightening of Covid-19-related blockade restrictions and resumption of load restrictions, economic growth is certainly off the low ground, but still widely expected. It has been. 3% this year.

Data from Lightstone reveals that in 2020, first-time buyers were snapping up properties priced between R700,000 and R1.5m.

Eyeing up property in Pretoria? If you're a first-time buyer, you're not alone. According to Lightstone research, Pretoria is outscoring major city centres when it comes to attracting first-time buyers - and by some distance.

Residential property below 2m is the hottest investment asset right now. We look at what's on offer where

Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful experiences in life. A major part of that is undoubtedly the hassle of trying to get finance.

Many people only start thinking about home ownership when they are ready to settle down or start a family, but it can really pay to get a start in the property market much sooner.

Investors moving their wealth around the world in search for greener pastures, greater returns and more security is not a new concept.

In 2017 and 2018, the Garden Route was devastated by fires which destroyed over 1,000 homes and ravaged huge tracts of land and infrastructure.

Another rate cut would have been better but at least the current low interest rate is still encouraging news for buyers who are looking for a new home with more living space.

As a home buyer, you need to make a conscious effort to turn away from the heart and to think with your head.

For the first time in almost a decade, agents are reporting a spike in enquiries and sales in many areas as record low interest rates and lower prices driver the first-time buyer's market.

The residential property sector‘s 2020 surge in sales and house price growth is set to lose energy in 2021 as economic woes bite. even though properties in the R700.000 - R1.5m price band are likely to remain popular.

After the worst economic downturn in decades, further dampened by the recent tightening of lockdown restrictions in response to the second wave of the pandemic and the recommencement of load shedding, economic growth - while admittedly coming off a low base - is still widely expected to show some positive growth of around 3% this year.

While a further reduction to the interest rate would have been a bonus for aspirant first-time home buyers and existing homeowners with mortgages, the Monetary Policy Committee's decision to leave the repo rate unchanged at 3.5% was anticipated by the majority of market commentators.

After the worst economic downturn in decades, further dampened by the recent tightening of lockdown restrictions in response to the second wave of the pandemic and the recommencement of load shedding, economic growth - while admittedly coming off a low base - is still widely expected to show some positive growth of around 3% this year.

Record low interest rates, a boom in 100% home loans, and a thriving property market have created the perfect storm for buyers. In the wake of these ideal conditions, Gauteng is attracting more first-time buyers than ever. If you're one of them, set your sights on vibrant, centrally located, and affluent Sandton.

First-time homebuyers are entering the residential property market in South Africa in record numbers, a recent data study by analytics company Lightstone has found.

A century—old point of discourse in this industry is freehold vs sectional title vs estates, What are the differences between the three?

The South African property market has shown a remarkable recovery following the Deeds Office closure during the second quarter of 2020, reflecting the same levels of activity pre-pandemic.

After having been excluded from the property market by rising prices in recent years, the record-year low interest rates and the current granting of 100% bonds to first-time buyers has swayed more young people to opt for owning rather than renting.

You’ll be forgiven for being hesitant to make resolutions for 2021, what with 2020 being the year of Plans Turned Upside Down! So how about skipping the usual “exercise more or spend less time on social media” and opt instead for making resolutions for your property.

Gauteng is the province of choice for owners of two or more properties, says Lightstone, providers of accurate property data analytics..

A retrospective of the residential property market over the past few years should in my humble opinion be prefaced with the disclaimer that ‘this has not been a normal year’.

More women are first time home buyers in South Africa than men. That’s an empowering shift from previous trends.

Covid-19 proved to be the kind of global disruption some have been warning could happen. It affected the global economy, the way people work and put tens of millions out of work.

The market saw house price inflation at the end of 2019 at under 2% with the last peak in 2014 at 6,35%. Before the Covid-19 crisis hit, Lightstone estimated that during 2020 national

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable trend of shoppers moving toward destination malls as online shopping lures customers away from the traditional mall environment.

If there ever was a time to make purchasing your first home a new year’s resolution, 2021 would be the year.

Looking ahead, here is our forecast for South Africa's property landscape in the year to come.

Data analytics company Lightstone has published new data looking at first-time buyers in the residential market.

Data analytics group Lightstone has published new data on South Africa’s property market, highlighting the state of the country’s housing market and the cost of buying a home.

SA’s property trends show that the residential sector was helped in 2020 by many buyers taking advantage of low interest rates.

January: The year opens with the ongoing buyer’s market. South Africans also look to make decisions on relocation and semigration. A total of 14 302 properties were sold, with an average purchase price of R1.34 million. Lightstone’s national house price inflation is 1.72%.

Lightstone has introduced an easy, low-cost evaluation service for the individual

Even before Covid-19 struck, the movement towards working from home had been slowly gaining momentum globally, as many corporates looked towards ways to alleviate transportation challenges for their employees, especially long hours spent in traffic, and increase quality time with their families.

Single woman continue to lead the way as the highest number of first-time buyers

The relaxation and advancement of hard lockdown, combined with 50 years of low interest rates and zero transfer taxes paid on real estate up to Ran 1 million, has resulted in high interest rates and significant increases.

The unexpected strength of residential property demand this year, despite the pandemic and very weak economy, came mainly from young buyers and fewer homes that came onto the market due to financial pressures, Pam Golding Property Group chief executive Dr Andrew Golding said yesterday.

Over the past decade, a progressive move towards more compact, low-maintenance homes with small - or no – gardens along with consistent double-digit growth and high-interest rates fueled the burgeoning sectional title market and rampant development of cluster complexes.

Like much of South Africa’s economy, the country’s residential real estate market was plagued by the “new normal” coronavirus.

According to a recent report by global property group Savills – of which Pam Golding Properties is the affiliate for the African Continent – Covid-19 and ensuing lockdowns have severely disrupted the global economy with few sectors unaffected

SA‘s housing market got off to a shaky start this year, with buying activity reportedly at three-year lows. So when Covid»19 hit the country's shores in March, most commentators expected residential property sales and prices to fall off a cliff.

Dit klink amper teenintuitief om te se dat 2021 'n woelige jaar vir die...

In recent years, first-time buyers have been increasingly excluded from the Cape Town market as double-digit growth saw prices skyrocket and property in many areas become inaccessible especially to younger buyers, but a bullish buyer's market and record low interest rates have precipitated a notable shift.

The Covid19 pandemic has laid bare the deep structural inequalities in South Africa, and the extensive vulnerabilities in our housing systems. With millions of South Africans living in insecure housing, the stimulation of the residential property market can not only increase the delivery of adequate housing, it can also play a key role in driving economic growth as part of a Covid19 economic recovery strategy.

In 2020 the lockdown changed home buying trends as homeowners reassessed their requirements of a home. What is the forecast for 2021?

Considering the challenging year we've just experienced, it would seem contrary to say the housing property market is gearing up for a bumper year ahead. However, given five consecutive repo rate cuts, which has dropped the prime lending rate to a record low of 7%, 2020 has been a surprisingly good year for the property market.

A look at residential property prices in South Africa and the interesting difference in inflation

New data from analytics group Lightstone shows which estates in South Africa are drawing the most retirees.

Could living in downtown Cape Town be for you? With a median investment value for residential apartments at R1.8 million in 2019 – and with new investments in the city centre still buoyant – now may be the time to consider swapping suburbia for a cool inner-city work-eat-sleep-play lifestyle.

It seems almost counter-intuitive to say that 2021 will be a bumper year for the housing property market given the challenging few months it has experienced.

Lightstone has made property valuations available to everyone at a low price.

The only similarities between the property market at the start oi 2020 and the end or the year is that buyers had, and still have, the upper hand.

Lightstone, providers of accurate property data analytics together with Tracker today release Black Friday traffic results indicating that South Africans’ spending power has drastically reduced.

Rising safety and security concerns amongst South Africans has driven the demand for homes in gated estates and community living through the roof. Security remains a top priority and is the most notable reason for buying in a gated estate.

Wellington may have been overshadowed by its Winelands neighbours in the past, but this is fast changing as buyers become increasingly aware of it’s charm and excellent value.

Hayley Ivan-Downes sheds light on the trends of buying a second property

Could living in downtown Cape Town be for you? With a median investment value for residential apartments at R1.8 million in 2019 - and with new investments in the city centre still buoyant - now may be the time to consider swapping suburbia for a cool inner-city work-eat-sleep-play lifestyle.

Regardless of what life stage you are in currently, property will always play a part. Whether you’re a tenant or homeowner there is always a future possibility of moving into a different category, namely: Buyer Seller Tenant Landlord.

Media headlines on this year’s anticipated Black Friday called into question how consumers would react to the global phenomenon considering a muted economic effect and Covid-19 concerns.

Location, location, location! The age-old mantra still rings true. Location remains one of the leading factors affecting a property’s investment potential and success.

A bullish buyer’s market and record-low interest rates has resulted in the Cape Town residential property market becoming more accessible to first-time buyers. According to Lightstone, many are going straight for the middle market with the highest number of first-time buyers in Cape Town purchasing in the R1.5m to R3m band compared to the other metros where the most activity is being seen in the R700,000 to R1m price band.

Small malls were less affected, but across South Africa there was a steep fall in in-store shopping on Black Friday, new data from the property analytics firm Lightstone, and the vehicle tracking service Tracker have confirmed.

Sectional title is still experiencing stable buyer momentum. These are some of the sought-after developments in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal

One of the characteristics of post-lockdown resilience in the housing market is the strong demand from young and first-time buyers — with the latter, according to Ooba, comprising 52.4% of residential property purchases for the year to September 2020.

According to a recent report by global property group Savills, Covid— 1 9 and ensuing lockdowns have severely disrupted the global economy with few sectors unaffected, with leisure, ‘ hospitality and retail particularly hard hit by lockdowns and social distancing measures.

The Covid19 pandemic has laid bare the deep structural inequalities in South Africa, and the extensive vulnerabilities in our housing systems. With millions of South Africans living in insecure housing, the stimulation of the residential property market can not only increase the delivery of adequate housing, it can also play a key role in driving economic growth as part of a Covid19 economic recovery strategy.

For almost a decade, South Africa saw double digit growth nudging the Cape Town market further and further out of reach of most first-time buyers but a bullish buyer’s market coupled with record low interest rates is changing this and agents have reported a spike in sales and enquiries.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property, or even just want to find out what the properties in your area are worth, Lightstone Property has introduced an easy, low-cost valuation service for individuals.

While the first-time buyers' market is booming owing to the historically low interest rates, the luxury market in suburbs across South Africa is experiencing a pinch as many adopt a wait-and-see approach to investing over this tumultuous period.

The latest Lightstone market commentary suggests that property investments are still a sound option, even in the face of the impact of COVID-19

The winners and losers on Black Friday: Which malls did better or worse than expected this year?

Data analytics company Lightstone has published data around Black Friday shopping trends in South Africa and what to expect in 2020.

Black Friday is the nirvana of shopping addicts, and consumers spend a lot of money on bargains...

Those with enough savvy and cash are able to pick up once-in-a-lifetime bargains as Gauteng experiences a property heyday reminiscent of the gold rush

Black Friday has become one of South Africa's most anticipated calendar events and although the e-commerce arena has grown exponentially over the last three years, many consumers will continue to opt for the tangible in-store experience - albeit with strict Covid-19 protocols in place this year.

The need for social distancing, future infection fears, crime and traffic congestion are pushing more South Africans towards swanky residential estate living.

Black Friday has become one of South Africa’s most anticipated calendar events. With the ecommerce arena growing exponentially over the past three years, many consumers will continue to opt for the tangible in-store experience despite the strict Covid-19 protocols in place.

Well-priced homes in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are selling well, despite the economy and the pandemic.

A mother, wife and real estate businesswomen guides listeners on the process of selling properties and the importance of having a will

The current economic situation combined with businesses operating virtually, see more families moving to KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, says Jawitz Properties North Coast principal Vernon Vogt. “The KZN North Coast has seen as much as 60% of Johannesburg buyers for new off-plan developments and we’ve had a spike in enquiries from Gauteng residents interested in the greater Ballito area, now that they work remotely.”

Lightstone is a provider of comprehensive data, analytics and systems on property, automotive and business assets. We assist our clients in realising their objectives by bringing information to life.

John Perlman and Hayley Ivins-Downes discuss how single woman in South Africa make up the largest portion of real estate buyers

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic change in the way we live, work and play and its ramifications will still be felt for years to come. One of the changes caused by the pandemic has been how people work and, as a result, where they choose to live.

There are a vast number of factors that influence where and how we choose to live, and one of these is most certainly when we were born, and the context in which we grew up.

The West and East Coast regions are sought-after residential areas offering a slower pace of life outside the city. We look at the latest developments here.

Lightstone property data for the last five years shows that single women first-time home buyers outnumber single male, married couples and multiple buyers.

More than 300 000 South African Millennials purchased property between 2015 and 2017, according to Lightstone Property, of which a third were first-time homeowners suggesting that this category wields significant buying power and impacting current property development trends.

With the interest rate at all-time low, and the market geared to favour buyers, now is an ideal time to consider building on a property portfolio, says Giel Viljoen, principal at Leapfrog Stellenbosch.

This elegant home offers refined living with views from every room across an enchanted garden and the cityscape in the distance

Could a Capitec branded home loan product encourage more low and middle-income customers to consider applying for mortgages?

First-time buyers and buyers across the board are taking advantage of low interest rates and falling house prices. However, wealthy buyers continue taking the wait-and-see how things unfold approach.

The SA property market has shown a good recovery since the hard lockdown levels 5 and 4 which started on 27 March 2020 and were only relaxed to level 3 on 17 June (close to the end of the 2nd quarter of 2020) and to level 1 on 21 September 2020 (at the end of the 3rd quarter of 2020).

The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown has been a catalyst for highlighting the different characteristics - as well as the commonalities of preference - among various generations of home buyers.

Long a trend in the US and UK, food trucks are growing in popularity in South Africa. Food trucks can today be found anywhere from ordinary street corners or at dedicated food truck stops like The Hoods in Sandton, which is Johannesburg’s first food truck stop.

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable worldwide trend of shoppers moving towards destination malls, as online shopping lures customers away from the traditional mall environment.

Why you should invest in the South African residential market now

A healthy real estate sector is highly dependent on home buyer and investor confidence that the country’s economy can be revived and made strong again. How did the 2020 Medium-Term Budget Policy statement (MTBPS) fare in this regard?

More families are looking at buying a home together as a way to save costs and provide care for elderly parents, but things can go wrong. There are several legal considerations your clients should know about.

The Covid pandemic has changed the way we work and where we choose to live – many people are interested in working remotely from a home somewhere on SA’s long coastline.

Despite the impact of Covid-19 and the tightening of economic activity, property remains a sound investment, according to Lightstone's Esteani Marx who at the recent Virtual Property Show emphasised the need for thorough research in a market that was increasingly difficult to predict.

With support from the Cities Support Programme of National Treasury, the Citymark project undertakes analysis of South Africa’s residential property markets, with a particular focus on the lower end of the market.

With support from the Cities Support Programme of National Treasury, the Citymark project undertakes analysis of South Africa’s residential property markets, with a particular focus on the lower end of the market.

Lightstone has published its latest residential property index showing the current state of the South African housing market

Starting from as little as R1, anyone can now access real estate investment opportunities usually only available to wealthy people through fractional property investments.

Northern Paarl, the erstwhile Cinderella of the scenic Winelands town, has recently come into its own, attracting both buyers and developers who have begun to recognise the value and multiple drawcards it offers.

Since 2014, annual price inflation in coastal areas has remained notably higher than inland regions and, with remote working having become the new normal during lockdown, market activity in scenic areas like False Bay is spiking as many of those who can work from home are opting for lifestyle over commuter convenience.

The “feel good” factor is returning to the residential market, although just how quickly it will recover, and to what levels, is still too hard to call.

These are the favourite towns benefitting from the Covid-19 inspired shift to coastal and platteland living

Will the pandemic and subsequent national lockdown lay waste to sub-sectors of South Africa’s property market?

This historic 1912 residence with top modern finishes was designed...

We look at why sectional title is still the best buy in 2020 and where the most popular areas are.

Based on the figures from the Deeds Office, the property market has shown some steady signs of recovery after being brought to a complete standstill as a result of the national lockdown during the second quarter of 2020.

SA is now the fourth-cheapest country in the world in which to buy a house

A few ways you can buy in to the property investment market that make a difference

When the pandemic hit, a lot of people said the was housing market was going to tank and then tank some more and then crash and burn. But that's not the case and here's why.

South Africa has continued to experience a rising demand for retirement homes. How are developers meeting this demand?

South Africa has continued to experience a rising demand for retirement homes. How are developers meeting this demand?

There are certain precautionary measures that must be taken before buying property on a single income. Which ones are these?

In an interview Paul-Roux de Kock, Analytics Director for Lightstone had with Warren Ingham from the Honest Money Podcast, he highlights that despite a dismal few months from a property and auto performance perspective, there is potentially light at the end of the post lockdown, 2020 tunnel.

When comfort, aesthetics, technology, design and health precautions come together smartly in a retirement estate, you’re all set.

Value for money and a low interest rate are spurring on investors and first-time home buyers to invest in Midrand.

Based on the figures from the Deeds Office, the property market has shown some steady signs of recovery after being brought to a complete standstill as a result of the national lockdown during the second quarter of 2020.

Description: Some specialised sectors of the property market have continued to deliver solid returns throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Apart from global logistics and ecommerce, medical office buildings have continued to flourish, as their tenants mostly offer essential services.

One of the post-Covid trends could be that more people chose to live near the coast as thanks to remote working it is no longer a must to live close to the office.

It has been established that women in South Africa face various challenges when it comes to access to finance. How can this be dealt with?

Further positive indicators are that investor buyers are making a comeback in East London, while in Port Elizabeth there is unprecedented buyer activity.

While the full impact of the pandemic is yet to be felt, it is creating opportunities throughout the residential property market – and high up on the list is coastal property.

With support from the Cities Support Programme of National Treasury, the Citymark project undertakes analysis of South Africa’s residential property markets, with a particular focus on the lower end of the market.

Property investing has come a long way in the last few years - partly due to digital technology and the rise of e-learning methods and tools that have helped accelerate the industry.

Estate agencies along the Garden Route, one of South Africa's most scenic coastlines, all say it is fast becoming a favourite destination for people wanting to put down roots, from those with young families to retirees looking for a slower pace of life.

While many think it is impossible to purchase real estate on a single income, Lightstone Property reports that single women make up the largest portion of real estate buyers in South Africa.

Blue Mountain Village in George is onder een van die toptien gewildste landgoedere in Suid-Afrika waar mense aftree.

As the fallout from the pandemic and lockdown continues to hurt the local economy, a similar impact was expected on the residential property market, with experts predicting that house prices could fall by between 5% and almost 15% this year.

There has been a steady increase in women's buying power in the residential property market, according to data analysed by Leadhome.

New data from analytics group Lightstone shows which estates in South Africa are drawing the most retirees.

Over the past two decades the retirement property industry has evolved from limited options to including an array of lifestyle estate options, sectional title or lock-up-and-go as well as the upmarket coastal home.

A century old point of discourse in this industry is freehold vs sectional title vs estates. What are the differences between the three?

The property market is affected by different factors. Is the gender pay gap one of the factors?

Estate living in the Cape Winelands continues to attract interest across the buyer spectrum.

Women are taking firmer control of their financial independence, with more applying for bonds to buy a property. In the last decade, the number of applications from women has increased by 12%, with 40% of all applications received this year being from women. Also, in 2010, only 14% of bond grants were for women, and now that number is sitting at 41%.

Although South Africa is not quite at ‘post-pandemic’ stage yet, data analytics Lightstone have analysed key trends and themes and concluded that encouraging opportunities await in the retail space.

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable worldwide trend of shoppers moving towards destination malls, as online shopping lures customers away from the traditional mall environment.

What started as a whisper of trouble with a virus in the east grew into a pandemic that shut down the world’s leading economies – in a matter of weeks. Read all about the impact of Covid-19 on the property industry.

After another interest rate cut this week, the prime rate is now at 7.25% - from 10% at the start of the year.

South Africans are looking to policy makers to urgently implement measures that could stem the impact of the coronavirus National disaster we now find ourselves in.

Lightstone reveals how the service station industry offering continues to evolve in a demanding environment

Kwa-Zula Natal's best performing areas and investment hotspots

Cape Town property owners are urged to inspect the city’s soon-to-be released valuation roll and object before August 30 if necessary

With petrol prices reaching record highs, water and sewer charges increasing well above inflation, the reintroduction of load-shedding and consumer confidence dropping due to job losses and low economic growth, it seems tone deaf of the Johannesburg Municipality to be taking pride in its recent record revenue collection.

Paul-Roux de Kock presented at the Property Buyers Show talking about the Durban residential property market and all the investment hotspots.

If you are considering buying a home based on current rates of price growth, your best bet would be to buy a home on the coast or one that costs less than R250 000.

There are two mindsets when debating homeownership versus renting, and when weighing up which is best there are many pros, but just as many cons.

Not many people will argue that the first quarter of 2018 was an uncertain period with the announcement of Jacob Zuma’s resignation followed by corruption charges, the inauguration of the new President as well as the start of discussions for government to proceed with land expropriation without compensation.

At the show we presented on the hot psots in the Western Cape, as well as what affect the drought has had on the property market.

The UN predicts that 70% of the world’s population will be urban by 2050. Are local cities on the right trajectory?

The recent City of Johannesburg’s General Valuation Roll 2018 has caught many citizens unaware with high increases of between 40% – 70%. The municipality has further indicated that owners should submit objections to these valuation increases by 6 April 2018 should they find any irregularities.

After a tough couple of years during which Gauteng’s housing market has been a regional underperformer, the relative affordability of homes in the province, coupled with a rebound in demand from first-time buyers and a revival in SA’s economic growth prospects suggest that the Gauteng housing market will enjoy a healthy rebound during the course of 2018.

Onus is on you to prove that your house is worth less than estimated.

As our roads get busier every year, the people are seeking ways to reduce their commute times to improve their quality of life.

House prices and the types of homes people are looking for seem to mirror the country’s economic and home affordability situations as upper end properties sit on the market for longer.

Despite the concerns that the water crisis could put owners off buying homes in the Western Cape, new statistics from Lightstone show that more property sales were concluded in the province last month that during the previous two Januaries.

The industrial property market remains the best performing commercial sector in the country as developers continue to build and see rewards for their risks.

Die eiendomsgroep Lightstone Property het hul jaarlikse syfers vir die duurste straat in die land bekendgestel, en Nettleton-weg in die Kaapse buurt Clifton boer boaan dié lys.

Research and data group Lightstone has published a list of the most expensive streets in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The City was named Design Capital of the world back in 2014, which was just another accomplishment about which we could toot our horn. Soon, thanks to a more relaxed lifestyle in scenic surrounds, our property prices soared through the roof.

With each new year comes new snippets of advice from experts regarding the best investment strategies.

Many people only start thinking about home-ownership when they are ready to “settle down” or start a family, which is why first-time buyers these days are generally in their mid-30s, compared to those in the previous generation who were usually in their mid-20s. “But it can really pay to get a start in the property market much sooner,” says Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet estate agency group.

Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, says that over the course of 2017 sectional title prices saw an increase of 4% on the previous year, while freehold home prices remained unchanged.

Lightstone evaluates commercial and retail data within South Africa and forecasts 2018 trends for business, retail space and industrial zones.

Approximately half of all South Africa’s gated communities are situated in Gauteng, where homes in residential estates remain a popular option despite the slow national economic indicators.

It’s been a tumultuous year on many fronts, with socio-political uncertainty setting the tone for much of South Africa’s economic activity yet despite this and seemingly counterintuitively, the residential property market has held up well.

According to a recent press release from Lightstone, property located in security estates is valued at about three times more than normal freehold property. The national average cost for a property in South Africa last year was R700 000, whereas the average price within an estate was R2 million.

The average time on the market for luxury homes has spiked to the highest in at least the last decade, with houses in this ‘high-net-worth’ segment now spending 23.29 weeks ‘for sale’. This is a sharp increase over the past year, and a nearly 50% jump from the 15.86 weeks on average from 2014.

Money talk on Mix FM. Tumisang Ndlovu interviews Paul_Roux De Kock – abalytics director at Lightstone. 06 November 2017

Stagnation? What stagnation? These areas are on an upward trajectory that looks set to last well into the next decade. Publication: Business Day – Homefront; 03 November 2017

Property remains one of the oldest and most popular investments globally, and property forecasters have recently mentioned that the biggest deterrents for buyers are not only the economy, but having confidence in the location of the property. Lightstone provides analysis to evaluate trends and segmentation within the property sector.

Over the last three months, 36 740 bonds were registered at the Deeds Office, totalling an amount of R38 844 981.

Publication: Finweek - Apart from buying a home, investment into bricks-and-mortar residential property offers SA’s locals a means of growing their wealth portfolios. Or does it?

Contrary to what you think you know, pricing your house according to the listing price of other homes on property portals in your suburb or street is a bad idea. This is because, just like you, your home is unique. No two homes are exactly the same – even the cookie cutter kind are each unique…

These super luxury houses with enormous price tags will induce some serious house envy. A recent study by property group Seeff, based on data from Lightstone and Propstats for the period 2011/2 to 2016/7 revealed that Cape Town is home to nine of the ten richest suburbs in South Africa. Only one suburb in Gauteng, Sandhurst, cracked the top 10 on the list.

In the current property market, where stock is generally limited, sellers should protect themselves from a double commission claim, according to an attorney from a leading law firm. This warning does not apply only to sellers with an open mandate. Even those with a sole mandate are at risk of a double commission claim…

A home sale is likely to be the largest financial transaction you undertake in your personal capacity. With so much at stake, selling your home is understandably intimidating and stressful. Our “How to” guide on selling your property privately in South Africa will relieve some of the stress by providing you with all the help and information that you need.

With ongoing strain in the economy, the housing market is following suit but that’s not necessarily a bad thing according to a new report by Lightstone.

Propert Industry Insight

Property Industry Insight

Experts say demand outweighs supply of homes in the R400,000 – R800,000 price bracket. This trend is expected to continue.

Lightstone Property, good friends and client of CN&CO, are big on data analytics. Recently, Lightstone has provided a report on house price indices for residential property in South Africa.

Cape Town's soaring house prices make it difficult for middle-income buyers and buy-to-let investors to find a decent abode for less than R3m

First-time buyers will benefit from the increase in the exemption threshold for transfer duty, but is it still possible to find a decent starter home in a Gauteng metro for less than R1m?

Property group, Lightstone, has released a report on the effect of crime on property prices in South Africa, with some surprising data on the most crime-affected residential suburbs in the country.

If suburbs with lower crime rates are more attractive to property buyers and tenants, and can attract higher sale and rental prices, why is Western Cape property some of the most expensive in the country?

“Look at the road you’re standing in”, says 27-year-old Yusuf Toefy. “You see barber shops, you see fish and chips eateries, you see clothing stores. Now remember how this place looks and come back in a few years’ time. This road is not going to look the same”. From this pavement in bustling Malta Road in Salt River, where Toefy lives, there are barber shops, fisheries, and the fabric stores. But beyond the shops and houses there is also a community. This is the type of neighbourhood where businesses know each other as neighbours do, and call their customers friends and family.

Property developers and various funds may diversify to cater for student housing demand, while institutional investors will be forced to scale back their exposure to shopping centres

An increasing number of South Africans over the age of 65 are snapping up luxury and super-luxury properties in the Western Cape.

Property Industry insight

At least one in 10 South Africans still choose gated communities when making residential property purchases despite a big drop in new estate developments‚ new data shows. There are nearly 7 000 freehold and sectional scheme estates with around 355 000 active residential properties‚ valued at R800-billion‚ throughout the country‚ according to market intelligence company Lightstone Property. But‚ surprisingly‚ only 21 new estates were developed in 2015 compared with the 458 established during the sector's peak in 2004.

But a report notes that women are still faced with legal constraints‚ employment and income limitations‚ and exclusion from economic policymaking decisions

Technology has revolutionised just about every industry and it’s no different for the property sector. Thanks to advancements in processing capabilities it is possible to analyse large data sets and make new discoveries that can be useful to businesses. Our clients at Lightstone Property are especially proficient when it comes to data analytics. They provide comprehensive data about property, automotive and business assets in South Africa. This information can be accessed on/offline.

New data shows which streets in South Africa are the most valuable in each major metro, based on historic and comparative data.

Market View gives you easier and more accurate market valuation information

Due to a vicious cycle in the economy, one could say there is currently little oxygen in the SA residential property market in general, according to Paul-Roux de Kock, analytics director for Lightstone.

The residential property market won't be able to insulate itself from SA's economic woes for much longer, industry players believe.

Johannesburg - Without a significant positive economic turnaround, national house price inflation this year will drop below the consumer price index (CPI), resulting in a loss of real wealth for the majority of homeowners for the first time since 2011

South Africa’s top 10 suburbs now boast an average sales price exceeding R10 million, with Clifton, in Cape Town, rated as the most expensive of the lot, averaging R20 million.

The news that the largest water park in South Africa is going to be built in the sleepy coastal town of Scottburgh on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal will undoubtedly boost interest in the local property market.

According to recent statistics compiled by Lightstone, the average selling price of properties in the Cape Town City Bowl and surrounds, including Green Point, Sea Point and De Waterkant is between R3 million and R5 million,

Get a comparative market analysis to compare the price you are being asked to pay with other prices in the neighbourhood.

Between Clifton and Llandudno, with the spectacular Twelve Apostles mountain range behind it and the ocean in front, Camps Bay is one of Cape Town's most affluent suburbs

The full swing of the interest rate-rising cycle is expected to cool down a residential property market already exerting mounting pressures. Although the housing market is still impacted by humdrum property valuations, and buyers down-sizing their property ambitions due to affordability issues, it seems like there is some respite for a particular segment of property owners.

Following the success of their LIVE app which won App of the year and Best Android App (Enterprise) at the 2014 MTN Business App of The Year Awards, Lightstone have just released their latest app called Lightstone Property Pro. The app, which is a first of its kind in South Africa, will provide property professionals with immediate access to accurate, credible and verified property information exactly when they need it, on the go.

Sectional title properties are more popular than ever in the Gauteng suburbs, and indeed around South Africa, with the demand for these types of homes continuing unabated despite the inflationary pressures currently being felt by many households.

Head of Commercial Property at data-analytics company Lightstone Property Ndibu Motaung clarifies, “Cost of occupation is a primary concern because of rising municipal costs, electricity prices, fuel and volatile exchange rates, and this is driving large entities like Alexander Forbes, Ernst and Young, Discovery, Webber Wentzel and FNB to occupy more energy efficient and ergonomic offices in Sandton and Cape Town.”

Using a valuation model based on repeat sales and comparable sales, Lightstone has determined that Nettleton Road in Clifton is the country’s most historically valuable street, with an average homes sale value of R27.1 million.

Well-positioned commercial property in outlying areas around South Africa is proving increasingly attractive to local and foreign buyers...

Have between R20m and R80m to spend on a new pad in Johannesburg's Northern Suburbs? No, us neither. But there are, apparently, some exceptions. According to property data company Lightstone,

New data has revealed which street in South Africa commands, on average, the highest prices for homes. The data, provided by Lightstone Property, looks at the average sales transfer prices, calculated per street across South Africa’s major provinces over the past year.

Residential is becoming an increasing focus in mix-use developments at and near the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront in Cape Town

Transaction activity in the South African commercial market appears buoyant despite the impact on local markets of prolonged sluggish domestic and global economic activity.

Lightstone analyses density. Midrand, at the current rate of densification, might be one of the most densely populated areas in South Africa within the next 30 years, according to property services group Lightstone.

a single year of high crime growth in an established residential area can be detrimental to house price inflation for at least two years thereafter, before the effect starts to slowly taper off

Luxury lifestyle estates are increasingly benefiting from a growing number of buyers moving up into the higher-value markets.

A single year of high crime growth in an established residential area can be detrimental to house price inflation for at least two years thereafter, before the effect starts to slowly taper off.

Property prices in areas surrounding the Gautrain stations have increased. Those close to Joburg, Rosebank, Sandton, Hatfield and Pretoria Gautrain stations have seen the highest growth.

Business in Gauteng and leisure in the Western Cape are driving the majority of purchases of South African property by foreigners. According to property analytics company Lightstone, foreign confidence in the local property market is holding firm, although sales by foreigners outnumbered purchases in the last year.