Property Advice

Constantly evolving regulations, a fluctuating market, ever-changing neighbourhoods… the property market is a constantly-moving industry that requires expert insight and knowledge. Private Property provides the latest news and advice on everything property related for all sides of the spectrum. In our one-stop Property Advice portal, you can find:

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Beware the “buyer” who arrives alone
Property Advice

Beware the “buyer” who arrives alone

It's not unusual for a buyer to view a home more than once before making a decision. However, sellers need to be aware that there are “buyers” who are far more interested in pinching the family ...

Bonds: 20 years or 30?
Property Advice

Bonds: 20 years or 30?

Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for aspirant house buyers to apply for 30-year home loans. Before doing so, however, it would be wise to do the math and consider the long-term financial ...

Property Advice

Down time? Up your property preparation

Besides the braais, the office parties, and the breakaways to the beach or the bushveld, the summer holiday period is always a good time to take stock and plan for the year to come. And if it’s property you’re wanting to buy – ...

Property Advice

Painting ‘aint special at all

When it comes to special levies, residents in Sectional Title schemes can end up feeling confused and even resentful. In a bid to clarify the issue, Whitfields Residential and Commercial Property Administrators recently issued ...

Property Advice

First come, first served?

What should you do when you receive more than one offer on your home? Sounds like a bit of a stupid question – you accept the highest offer, right? Well, maybe not. When it comes to selling a property it’s not all about the ...

Property Advice

Giving permission for commission

When sellers sign a mandate for an estate agent to list their home they aren't simply agreeing to allow an agent to sell the property: they are signing a legally-binding document that will, among other things, record the amount ...

Property Advice

Check it; it makes cheque-book sense

You probably wouldn’t buy a used car without having it checked professionally – but as many as 99% of buyers of used homes sold in South Africa buy without professional advice about the physical condition of the ...

Holiday homes: yay or nay?
Property Advice

Holiday homes: yay or nay?

According to a recent report issued by John Loos, Household and Property Sector Strategist at FNB, holiday town property markets are beginning to pick up once more. Albeit it off a low base and after years of lagging the ...

Property Advice

Sell – whatever the season

I’ve come to realise over the past few years that South Africans hibernate during winter. Once the chilly season sets in, any thoughts of an evening braai go up in smoke, social events are generally poorly attended and it feels ...