23 Jul 2013

Property & Real Estate

We're living in taxing times

I suppose it's good that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has initiated a far-reaching and fundamental review of SA's tax system. It is going to look at a number of issues around taxation. A major issue is simply that there is a relatively small tax base and many might reckon that tax base is being overtaxed.

Allied to any revisions in the tax regime, must come a genuine, no-hold-barred, no-sacred-cows approach to combating corruption, mismanagement and wasteful spending.

The average taxpayer understands the need for taxes, but when we see our hard-earned cash being flushed down the toilet or stolen, instead of being used properly, forgive us for becoming a little miffed.

Time is money, so it would be as well for those charged with issuing of radio licences to up their game where necessary and help local businesses. It seems license delays in SA are prompting communications companies to look elsewhere. That's a gain for "elsewhere" and a loss for South Africa.

Mandela Day has come... but there's no reason why it should have gone. Instead of making it a day a year, we could all try to make Mandela Day last 365 days. And there are people doing that... take a look at our CSI portal and see where you too can do your bit.

Finally, Bizcommunity and Recruitgroup have launched the BizCareers Column. On offer is sound recruitment advice for both job- and candidate-seekers.

Read and learn - and submit any questions you might have to careerquestions@bizcommunity.com.

Rod Baker, Content Director

Submit your company news to propertynews@bizcommunity.com. Exclusive contributions may be sent to contributors-property@bizcommunity.com.

Weekly top stories


Property & Real Estate
Golding remains optimistic after repo rate decision
From a national property perspective, Pam Golding Properties remains optimistic, as housing sales by the group have continued to increase steadily year on year, with monthly sales averaging at over R1 billion. This follows the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting to keep the repo rate stable, announced yesterday 18 July 2013. Read more >>

Bizcommunity, Recruitgroup launch BizCareers Column
[Issued by Bizcommunity.com] In collaboration with Juliette Attwell of the Recruitgroup, Bizcommunity.com is launching a regular BizCareers Column that will offer sound recruitment advice for both job- and candidate-seekers. Read more >>  visit press office >>


Commercial
Tower gets solid capital support
[Nick Hedley] Amid a volatile and difficult period in the listed property market, Tower Property Fund received good investor support for its capital raising prior to the fund's listing on the JSE last week, the fund's chief executive Marc Edwards says. Read more >>

Morula casino move could cost billions
[Marc Hasenfuss] Sun International could face a huge development bill, equivalent to roughly a quarter of its market capitalisation, if it's allowed to move Morula Sun casino from Mabopane to the more vibrant surrounds of Menlyn in Tshwane. Read more >>

Office rentals - outlook remains bleak
[Nick Hedley] Weighed down by pedestrian economic growth, the office property market continues to be the laggard of SA's commercial property sector, while industrial property remains "in equilibrium" and retail property continues to perform well. Read more >>

Blue-chip tenants help property companies
[Nick Hedley] The performance of commercial properties in SA is highly dependent on the size and quality of tenants, given pedestrian economic growth and cash-strapped consumers, according to Paragon Lending Solutions' chief executive Gary Palmer. Read more >>

Green means more than you think
[Stefano Contardo] The term "green buildings" is often bandied about, but what exactly does that mean for prospective tenants seeking real value out of this ubiquitous term. Read more >>

Hyprop closer to buying Somerset Mall
[Nick Hedley] Hyprop Investments is a step closer to buying the Somerset Mall in the Western Cape. The purchase would be one of the most significant retail transactions in the local commercial property market. Read more >>

Sotheby's new site goes live
[Issued by Synergize Online] The much anticipated launch of Sotheby's International Realty's new website has been generating a great deal of hype in the property industry over the past few months. Read more >>  visit press office >>


Residential
'Oldies' continue to drive residential sales
In the FNB Estate Agent Survey, one of the questions asked of survey respondents is to provide an indication as to the key reasons for selling. Read more >>

Check that the property complies with approved municipal plans
The best advice that can be given to a prospective purchaser of a residential property is to check, firstly, that the dwelling is built in accordance with the approved municipal plans. Read more >>

Buying a home should be a top priority
Middle class South Africans, said Mike van Alphen, national manager of the Rawson Property Group's bond origination division, Rawson Finance, were once known for the conservative lifestyles and their ability to "make do" during harsh times. Read more >>


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