MAIN IMAGAE: Brandon Janki, Nedbank head of sales: Gauteng
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Brandon Janki, Nedbank head of sales: Gauteng, began his banking career at Absa in 2006, working in many frontline positions. He joined the Absa Graduate Programme in the coming years before moving to the Global Barclays Talent Mobility Programme. He was seconded to Zambia as head of the National Liabilities Product Team. There, Janki worked on new product developments, specifically focusing on youth, student and Islamic banking product suites, and overseeing daily product-management tasks.
In 2016, he made the move to Nedbank as a regional sales manager in Home Loans, looking after the City of Tshwane and the provinces of North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Northern Cape and Free State. In 2018, he was promoted to head of sales at Home Loans and in 2023, he took on the position of head of sales at Home Loans: Gauteng.
Janki shares his insights into the Gauteng property market with us:
Recent data shows that the Gauteng property market is resilient and shows growth after the first repo rate cuts towards the end of 2024. What do you see happening in the Gauteng market overall?
We are beginning to see changes in the Gauteng property market following another interest rate cut in January and a stable rate in March. This reduction in interest rates is driving up property demand as more buyers take advantage of the opportunity to secure home loans at favourable rates, especially in the emerging middle market and among first-time buyers.
According to Lightstone data, Gauteng continues to be the largest housing market in South Africa, representing nearly 35% of the country’s 7 million homes and 38% of the total R7 trillion in value. The City of Johannesburg remains the largest metro housing market, attracting people from all over South Africa to this economic hub. As we enter 2025, positive market trends and industry sentiments are setting the stage for a year of growth in the residential property market.
Let’s get suburb-specific. Where are you seeing the most demand for property, and what are people looking for—like freehold, sectional title, etc.?
Some suburbs in Gauteng North to look out for would be Sandton, due to upcoming infrastructure projects and new developments attracting residents. Many organisations want their employees back in the office full-time, which will further increase property demands in areas like Sandton, as workers want to be close to work.
Water scarcity is the next issue facing the country, specifically Gauteng, with predictions of ongoing issues during 2025. Are you seeing an increase in homeowners opting for water-saving solutions? I’m thinking here of your water-scarcity products.
Gauteng is grappling with a serious water crisis, largely due to aging infrastructure and major water shortages. The City of Johannesburg is particularly affected, facing significant problems with its water system, such as infrastructure failures, water restrictions, financial difficulties, and management challenges.
Nedbank has launched Avo Water to offer clients alternative water storage and finance options, no matter what size system clients need. Currently, Avo Water is available in Gauteng only. You can find Avo Water on Avo SuperShop and browse our range of all-inclusive packages that make installing and maintaining an alternative water supply simple on any budget. These packages include the equipment, delivery, and installation needed to make the whole process hassle-free.
What do you predict will happen in the Gauteng property market in 2025?
South Africa has positively received the inception of the government of national unity (GNU), leading to a significant boost in business and investor confidence in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng, the economic hub. Since 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic, semigration, load-shedding issues, and service delivery and infrastructure challenges have caused many South Africans to move from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
However, recent data indicates a reversal, with many homebuyers now returning to Gauteng, reflecting renewed confidence in service delivery and stimulating increased market activity. This sets the scene for a much-anticipated bullish residential property market in Gauteng for 2025.
Do you have any tips to share with estate agents about helping a buyer secure a home loan?
- Know your market
It’s essential to have a deep understanding of your local area, market trends, industry dynamics, and macroeconomic factors that influence your sales ability. Leveraging of digital property listings can offer expert insights into whether the market favours buyers or sellers. Use resources like Lightstone to stay informed and empowered.
- Effective communication
Proactively guide clients through the entire application process from start to finish. Being readily available to clients builds their confidence and reassures them that they’ve chosen the right agent. Use the communication channels your clients prefer, such as WhatsApp, email, or text.
- Be prepared
First impressions are crucial. Arrive on time for viewings, have all relevant property information at hand, and be ready to answer any questions. Understand what your prospects are looking for in a property to meet their expectations effectively
- Networking
Understand the key players in your industry, especially from a banking relationship perspective. Connect with your home loan specialist or mortgage originator consultant to discuss deals and brainstorm solutions for obtaining approvals.
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