The changing face of commercial property management

[Marc Edwards] The role of commercial property managers in South Africa has changed and continues to evolve. The increased vacancies and debtors of the last few years has resulted in asset managers and property managers working more closely together not only to ensure that the day-to-day cash flow of properties is protected, but also to look for income-adding opportunities of strategic value for clients' properties and portfolios. 11 Jun 2012 13:11

Nedbank, Collins Group sign R354 million agreement

Nedbank Corporate Property Finance recently announced the successful conclusion of a finance agreement with the Collins Group that will enable the Durban-based property developer to construct a 51 000m² distribution facility in Willowton, just outside Pietermaritzburg. 11 Jun 2012 11:12

Red tape halts future property development

Property developments in South Africa are being severely hampered by bureaucracy and red tape, prompting at least two major development companies to end their commercial and retail property development plans in this country, according to a report in Business Day. 8 Jun 2012 10:58

Why rental homes are a good investment

In recent months, Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has repeatedly said that private investors should now be buying up as many single family homes to rent out as they can afford. 5 Jun 2012 07:10

Property will sell, at the right price - FNB Property Barometer

The South African property market today is a far cry from its 2007/8 heyday. Prices have come down significantly, homes are often on the market for longer and buyers are far pickier due to the increased selection they have to choose from. 5 Jun 2012 06:44

Govt in race to meet housing demand

PRETORIA: The government has remained upbeat that it will meet its housing delivery commitments amid a soaring demand for houses in the country. 1 Jun 2012 16:52

Homeowners' responsibility to comply with safety standards

The increased use of electrical appliances during winter significantly enhances the risk of an electrical fire occurring in South African residential homes. As a result, homeowners must ensure all electrical appliances, usage and supply comply with safety standards and that all insurance policies are up-to-date to cover possible financial losses before the colder months begin. 1 Jun 2012 16:27

Sotheby's International opens office in Israel

The expansion of the Sotheby's International Realty global network continues with the recent signing of a master-franchise agreement for Israel. The owners of Israel Sotheby's International Realty are Tomer and Isidora Fridman and Orna Gotslak, who already have an office in Tel Aviv and plan to open a second outlet in that city later this year, followed by additional offices in key markets across Israel over the next few years. 1 Jun 2012 13:44

GBCSA launches Green Lease Toolkit

The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has announced that the Green Lease Toolkit, which they co-developed with the South African Property Owners' Association (SAPOA), was officially launched at the SAPOA International Convention & Property Exhibition in Durban. 31 May 2012 12:47

Leapfrog welcomes unchanged interest rate

"As a leader in the South African property market Leapfrog Property Group welcomes the decision by the Reserve Bank to maintain the interest rate of 5.5%," says Bruce Swain, MD of Leapfrog Property Group. 28 May 2012 09:49

Networking, a necessity for property agents

Property professionals have the opportunity to sell what rates amongst a buyer's most prized possessions, a home. Along with the home, the buyer also buys a haven of security, happiness and peace of mind, which requires a significant degree of trust, as well as a good rapport between the seller and buyer. 28 May 2012 07:45

Investing in Africa - SAPOA Conference tackles issues

Property opportunities in Africa are hot topics for the local industry and these are one of the issues to be tackled at the 44th annual SAPOA International Property Convention & Exhibition on 30-31 May 2012 at the Durban International Convention Centre. 25 May 2012 07:11

Repo rate needs to remain steady to boost confidence

In anticipating that the Reserve Bank would keep the repo rate steady, Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group stated, "Inflationary pressures are noted and, while recent reports of reduced consumer indebtedness are positive, South Africans, including homeowners, are faced with ongoing fuel and utilities price hikes, as well as increases in property rates." 25 May 2012 06:45

Refurbishments at Jewel City completed

Phase two refurbishments to Jewel City, a high-security district in the eastern part of the Johannesburg CBD, were completed with the addition of 137 dedicated visitor parking bays adjacent to the visitor sign-on station. Jewel City is home to about 300 diamond dealers, jewellers, diamond laboratories and industry schools and the base for the SA Diamond Regulator and State Trader. 24 May 2012 15:09