Private Property recently launched its first franchise office in Soweto,
headed by Tshepo Masitenyane, a born and bred Sowetan who currently lives in
Diepkloof. He believes strongly in the concept that it makes more sense to sell
your home privately.
Tshepo sees benefits to buyers and sellers in this market. A seller pays only a
small upfront fee and stands to save thousands in estate agent's commission.
Registering as a buyer is free, and those without Internet access need only
phone the national call centre to log their details. "Whenever a new property is
listed that matches their search criteria, registered buyers will automatically
be sent SMS and email notifications alerting them of the new property for sale.
An interested buyer can then phone the call centre or check the website for more
details. If they wish to view the property they can then contact the seller
directly. There is no middle man and delay," says Tshepo.
Although the township market has been slow to catch up to other areas, there has
been a vast increase in demand over the last few years. Driven mainly by
professionals such as teachers, nurses and police officers who want to live
close to their place of work, the demand for housing far outstrips the supply.
"In fact, research shows that there are up to seven potential buyers for each
house that comes onto the market in Soweto. It takes only three weeks on average
to sell a property in Soweto compared to three months in other, previously
'whites-only' areas," says Tshepo.
This property illustrates clearly the demand for homes in Soweto, as it sold
before we could even go to print.
To find out more about buying or selling your property privately, contact Tshepo
Masitenyane on 011 476 7503.