Property technology or proptech isn’t a new concept, but what started as a trickle with the introduction of online search portals a decade ago, has since become a wave of disruptive solutions and cutting-edge technologies that have steadily been transforming the way in which real estate business is conducted at every level.
Property is attractive to money launderers for the same reason it is attractive to any investor: it is a stable, high-value and secure asset and, unfortunately, South Africa is appealing because of the impression that the local industry is slack in applying due care.
In many countries the real estate industry offers an opportunity for anyone who is hard-working and ambitious to make a good income. South Africa has been no exception, yet the number of registered estate agents is on the decline. Why is so hard to find new estate agents?
Major metro developments performed well during 2018, defying the downward trend of the property landscape and without a doubt this will continue throughout 2019 says Richard Gray, Harcourts Africa CEO.
At face value, prefabricated, container homes would appear to be the perfect solution for South Africa: quick turnaround times; economically viable; and perhaps most importantly, eco-friendly. So why has this trend not gained traction?
These could be challenging times to sell high-end properties and should an estate agent find it in a mess or empty, then home staging might just be an option to consider.
Having an ageing workforce combined with a high drop-out rate among young interns in a rapidly evolving work environment – SA’s real estate industry really has no choice but to commit to the training of interns says education and training expert Ronel Bornman.
You saw the launch of Jawitz Properties #RealLifeRealEstate, whereby Lucas Radebe, a Jawitz Properties client tackled the emotionally-compelling story of ‘what makes a house a home?’. This year, Lucas is back asking South Africans ‘what home means to them’?
Property experts welcomed the recent announcement that the interest rate will remain unchanged – here’s why this and other factors are improving the outlook for 2019.
Zubeida Hendricks is 81 years old. She has lived on Goldsmith Street in Salt River, Cape Town, for 51 years. She shares the house with her son, his wife and two children.