Property remains a viable asset class in which to invest and still forms one of the most important investment cornerstones for South Africans. For those who are currently looking at investing in a property, the timing couldn’t be better.

Since buyers’ market conditions prevail, those who do their homework thoroughly and follow sound investment advice are sure to reap solid returns in the long run.

There is no doubt that South Africans are spoilt for choice when it comes to property investment options. From bachelor flats and apartments to game farms and small holdings and everything in between, buyers have a range of property types from which to choose.

However, location remains the most important factor when purchasing a property – no matter what type of property it is – and so buyers need to select the area in which they invest carefully. Buyers also need to take the time to investigate the relevant properties on offer in their area of choice and compare the costs per square metre, the fittings and finishes etc.

When looking to invest in a residential property as a primary home, buyers need to consider what their needs are and identify which accommodation options best suit their requirements. Those buyers looking to invest in leisure or rental property will have completely different requirements to buy-to-live purchasers and those who are looking to buy vacant land.

For example, first time, single buyers looking to get their foot in the door should consider investing in an apartment while townhouses, on the other hand, are an ideal property type for young couples or those wanting to scale down for retirement.

Those purchasing a property in a sectional-title scheme or apartment building should check the rules and regulations governing the building or scheme, particularly ones regarding pets, visitor access, parking and maintenance.

While single detached dwellings are by far the most common form of housing in South Africa, gated communities are another popular option of freehold property, because homeowners often have access to a range of facilities and amenities within the estate. These kinds of properties are very popular among families or young couples who want to start a family in the near future. This is because of the lifestyle elements they offer where children are free to ride their bikes around the neighbourhood, play in the communal parks or play areas with the security of the estate to ensure residents safety.

No matter what type of property buyers are considering purchasing; there are some questions buyers need to ask before making one of the biggest financial commitments of a lifetime.

These include:

Why is this a good area in which to invest?

• Are property values appreciating in the area? By how much?
• Is the neighbourhood well maintained?
• Is the neighbourhood safe?
• Are more and more houses being built or bought in the area?
• Is the area mostly zoned for residential properties?
• Are roads well maintained and is there a proper infrastructure in place?

Other important location considerations include:

• Is the area zoned for heavy commercial development?
• Are there noisy highways, airports, or railroads nearby?
• Is there heavy traffic in the area?
• Are future highways or developments planned within the area?
• Are there wastewater plants or landfills nearby?

When buying vacant land, buyers should ask the following questions:

• Are sewer and water lines available?
• How much fill removal or fill replacement is necessary?
• The cost of removing large rocks and boulders in order to build?
• Is there proper drainage on the land?
• Is the soil suitable for construction?

At the end of the day, a good investment can only be assured if a buyer has done all the necessary homework and comparisons and is sure that the investment they are making is worth the financial commitment they are laying down to acquire it. While the recession has meant that property is not appreciating at the rate it once was, astute property investments still have the ability to provide investors with solid gains.

Please contact us if you require any further information or would like to apply for finance:

Complete this short form online

011.327.4489 / 0861 1111 93

morne@mortgagepluscc.co.za

www.mortgagepluscc.co.za

Home loan advice for first-time buyers

Looking to buy your first house, flat, or other type of residential property? Be sure to read on for some critical advice on buying a house and applying for your first home loan…

Do your homework properly – www.propertymax.co.za
Informed buyers get better bargains. If you familiarise yourself with the property market and get a feel for what properties cost in a certain area, you will recognise a good deal immediately, while simultaneously ensuring that you don’t end up paying too much for a property that isn’t worth it.

Be realistic about what you can afford – Affordability Calculator
A good property doesn’t come cheap, and a good property buy is more than just a house – it’s also the location that counts. Yet everything comes at a price, and you may find that you have to sacrifice on space or an extra bedroom in order to buy a property in a more sought-after area. Don’t be disheartened – the challenge is to get into the property market and buy wisely. The last few years’ rapid growth in the property market seems set to continue, which should help you to afford a bigger, more valuable property as time progresses and property growth continues. But first, you have to make inroads into the market as a buyer!

Location is everything
If you wish to buy a property with good investment potential, the neighbourhood you buy in will be a key consideration. If you are looking to buy a family home, it may also be worth your while buying a house close to schools, crèches, etc.

Also attempt to find a home that is situated relatively close to your place of work, as traffic congestion and increasing commuting times can also influence a residential property’s price.

Read – and understand! – the fine print
Buying any property comes with a fair amount of administration. As a first-time homebuyer, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the mortgage application process, so be sure to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Also have your mortgage contract documents and application forms explained to you in detail, and keep copies of all signed documents in a safe place.

Choose a home loan that best suits your needs
Unsure of which bond solution to choose? If you’re a first-time buyer, why not talk to one of our qualified home loan consultants. Who can advice you on how to meet the home loan requirements of first-time homebuyers.

Allow for interest rate increases
When calculating your budget, it is important to bear in mind that the prime interest rate will influence your monthly home loan instalments if your bond features a variable home loan rate. Unless you opt for a fixed rate home loan solution, any adjustments to the prime rate will directly affect your home loan interest rate.

If prime is lowered, your monthly instalments will in turn be lower, and visa versa. If it increases, however, your monthly instalments will increase by substantial amounts. As such, it is advisable to allow for potential interest rate hikes when calculating your budget – even before buying a house! Be sure to use our
bond calculators to see how big a loan you could qualify for, and also to assess how much you’ll need to allow for potential interest rate increases.

By choosing Mortgage Plus for a loan, you will get that continual service to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.

CONTACT US

Speak to a home loan consultant about financing your new property or reviewing your existing mortgage. We are able to assist in lowering your bond repayments and securing attorney discounts.

Complete this short form online
Call us on 011.327.4489
Email: morne@mortgagepluscc.co.za

www.mortgagepluscc.co.za