Midteam Real Estate is excited to announce the Midteam Home Show Bonanza will take place on 9 – 10 October in Midstream Estates. 

This popular home show, in collaboration with developers and real estate agents, will showcase properties and residences available in the Midstream Estates area – ranging from luxurious apartments to beautiful family homes and gardens, as well as retirement units.

Midstream Estates – established in 2003 – is a popular and sought-after residential estate that offers a village lifestyle while conveniently located between Pretoria and Johannesburg with easy access to major roads. There are 5 security estates within the greater Midstream Estates, and offers residents a choice of excellent schools, a large variety of recreational activities, two shopping centres and medical facilities such as the state-of-the-art Midstream Mediclinic and Medical Centre. It prides itself on its “zero tolerance” policy toward security, and residents’ secure living remain a top priority. 

During the Midteam Home Show Bonanza, prospective and interested buyers will have the opportunity to view available properties and have a chance to peek into a day in the life of a Midstream Estates homeowner. Buyers are invited to browse through the boutique shops, enjoying a beverage in one of the restaurants, and enjoy the safe and friendly hospitality of the estate. Midstream Estates has become one of “the” estates to live in – where families are free to relax and enjoy their time spent at home. 

Family values and a healthy style of living is what makes Midstream Estates so popular. Surrounded by evergreen parks, the estate offers a variety of real estate options that will suit singletons and families alike. 

For existing property owners, the Midteam Home Show Bonanza gives buyers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the real estate market in the area, as well as determining where their current property compares in terms of current market worth. 

Midteam Estate Agents
Midteam Real Estate is the best real estate agency with the greatest variety of properties in the area. Established in 2004, the agency is located in the heart of Midstream Estate. The agency specializes in Midstream exclusively and prides itself in having developed extensive knowledge and understanding of the greater Midstream Estates market and specialises in the sale of residential and development properties in the whole of Midstream Estate.

Now is the time for investors and property buyers looking for newly constructed properties to purchase greenfield developments. As from here on out, it is going to get significantly more expensive due to soaring raw material prices. This is according to Chris Renecle, the MD at Renprop, a Johannesburg based developer and rental manager.

“On new builds or future builds there will be an inflationary increase so buy now at current prices. In the coming years, you will be paying significantly inflated prices,” says Renecle. He adds that more and more inflationary pressure is going to be brought to bear on new residential property builds in the future thanks to much higher input costs due to the fallout around the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Construction prices have already increased dramatically with raw materials prices, such as concrete and steel, all on the up. In fact steel prices have gone up some 50% in the last year, despite demand for new builds in the residential market being generally low,” says Renecle.

According to the CRB Commodities Index1, steel rebar prices were 60% higher on May 12, 2021, than they were the same time last year. They were sitting nearly 30% higher on June 27, compared with last year.

American-British information provider, IHS Markit2 predicts that steel prices will remain elevated and supply chain disruptions will delay price declines into the second half of 2021. Steel of course is just one of the raw materials that is expected to come under increasing inflationary pressure.

Renecle says there is also a shortage of bricks, aluminium, and glass because of production slowdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic. All of this creates a price premium with the costing of all recent development tenders for Renprop being considerably higher than they were previously.

Mining vs construction

Another problem for the construction sector is that it is competing with the mining industry for raw materials such as steel.

The mining sector, which is experiencing a boom at the moment, is snapping up all the available steel that comes to market, while at the same time there has not been enough local steel production to keep up with the demand.

While there has been little activity as far as new developments in the general commercial property sector is concerned, residential real estate is still experiencing pockets of demand. 

“But even though demand isn’t where it should be at the moment, this won’t keep prices from rising,” explains Renecle.

His advice to those wanting to get into the residential market is to do so while they still can. This is particularly true for those wanting to purchase investment properties as expected higher prices are going to eat into any potential future returns.

As it stands, Renecle says the properties that are best placed at the moment to provide strong rental returns for investors are those priced between R800,000 and R1m, particularly two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments with open planning living.

Renecle says this price range is the sweet spot at the moment, based on rental demand and generally provides the strongest rentals for investors.

New developments

Renprop, which recently introduced a rental guarantee product that delivers an 8% net return to investors that beats money markets, says there is healthy demand at two of its new developments, which are both in the R800,000 to R1m price range.

These include Fern Valley Apartments in Ferndale, which borders Bryanston, where two-bedroom units are selling from R799,000 and Brooke Manor in Rivonia, where the group is selling two-bedroom units from R979,000.

“Both new developments have rental guarantees in place, which offer comfort to investors in difficult times. This means the developer guarantees a rental income for an investor buying a property. Typically this is set between 6-12 months depending on the value of the property and mitigates the risk for investors wanting to enter the buy to let market.  At the same time investors do not have the hassle of finding their own tenants with Renprop securing them and making sure investors earn rental income from day one after transfer,” concludes Renecle.

References:

1. https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/steel
2. https://ihsmarkit.com/solutions/steel-forecast.html

A property developer is helping South Africans earning under R22 000 a month access an “underutilised” government housing subsidy to assist those wishing to become first-time homeowners. 

The government’s Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) helps qualifying first-time buyers caught in the “gap” sector -- those who historically earned too little to buy property – with financial support. 

Property expert Toni Enderli, said FLISP subsidies, combined with the lowest interest rates in 50 years, transfer duty relief and higher home loan rate approvals, mean many families who rent may now be able to buy into the affordable housing bracket for the first time. 

Responding to reports of bureaucratic challenges in accessing FLISP subsidies, Enderli says International Housing Solutions (IHS) -- developers of the entry-level, innovative and eco-friendly, gated community, Ihlathi, in Parklands, Cape Town -- has appointed dedicated FLISP agents to help. 

“Many who qualify are not accessing FLISP funding due to various challenges. Our FLISP team is helping them buy their first home in Ihlathi by taking away the administrative pain,” said Enderli. 

Realtor of Excellence’s development sales director, Wayne Lawson, said: “Low interest rates, no transfer duty or fees, higher loan rate approvals, attractive entry-level offerings and FLISP subsidies offer unprecedented opportunities to prospective home buyers.

“Monthly repayments for one-bedroom units (priced from R699 999) at Ihlathi are under R5 500 per month, compared to R7 500 a month to rent a similar space.” Two-bedroomed units start from R779 999 and three-bedroom units from R1 249 999, he added.

IHS’s SA MD, Rob Wesselo, said Ihlathi is Green Building council-certified, includes solar geysers, fibre-ready internet, and 24-hr security monitoring. “In addition to affordability, you’re buying into a safe, secure and ideally located community on a green belt. This value is unprecedented,” he added.

To see if you qualify, call Ihlathi’s FLISP specialist, Ayeshia on 082-871-6799 or visit http://ihlathiparklands.co.za/, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• For sales, call Samantha 064-684-5507 or Bronwyn 082-770-0463 or Jason 079-625-5057 or Liezl 066-347-1686.
• For media queries, contact Bianca on 064-658-2799 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Craig on 083-463-1827.

Johannesburg, May 2021 - Multinet Home Loans have seen a rapid increase in first-time homebuyers since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The unprecedented low cost of borrowing coupled with the major banks’ appetite to take on low or no deposit loans have created an ideal buying environment, particularly for first-time buyers. During the first quarter of 2021, 80.7% of applicants successfully obtained home loan finance, 61% of these applicants received a zero-deposit loan.

The current approval rate across first-time buyers who required a zero-deposit loan is 79.3%. This is a clear indication that property ownership is more accessible to first-time buyers who previously could only afford to rent a property. Renters are now able to pay a monthly mortgage which is far lower than what they were paying on a rental. 

The MultiNET Home Loan team is making it even easier for first-time buyers around SA to step into this new dawn of home ownership. Their technology: expert advice and dedication to their client’s need is what gets the home loan deal that suits their pocket. 

Home ownership makes so much sense in the long run; here are 3 reasons why: 

1. Owning a property is an investment into an asset 

While you may have taken out a rather large home loan in order to purchase the house, you are essentially putting that money back into the property and will probably sell it for more than you bought it for. It is important to realise though that you do not need to immediately go for your dream house. Start small, and work your way up to the house you’ve always wanted. 

2. Property ownership helps develop sound financial management 

The strength of many wealthy people is their ability to budget and save their money. Owning a house means you are forced to make monthly payments. When it comes to drawing up your budget, make sure that the home loan repayment is one of the top priorities 

Eventually the good will outweigh the bad 

Initially the capital outlay for a house may seem excessive, however as the years go by, the loan will decrease and the appreciation in value will increase. 

• If you buy a house worth 1.2 million in 10 years’ time you will owe the bank R750 000.00, and your property will be worth R1.86 million (this is an inflation growth of 4.5%) 
• In 15 years, time you will owe the bank R388 000.00, and your property will be worth R2.3 million 
• At the end of your 20-year loan period your property will be worth R2.76 million and you will have paid R 1,032 million in interest to the bank. 
• If we assume that inflation will average 4% over your 20-year loan period and your house price growth grew by 4.5% your home value in 20 years’ time at today’s value will be R1.319 million.

Andrew Carnegie, entrepreneur, business leader and a man often described to be one of the wealthiest people of all time is quoted as saying, “90% of all millionaires become so through owning real estate”. Although he made this statement over a decade ago, not much has changed.

Property investment is still considered to be one of the biggest investment opportunities of all time. Buying a property can leave a dent in the bank account, but do not see it as a grudge purchase instead see it as an investment. “

Recent reports have shown affordable properties in major metros to be the fastest appreciating property investments in South Africa – a trend likely to continue, making buying a home one of the smartest ways to invest in your future.” says Shaun Rademeyer, CEO of MultiNET Home Loans. 

“And as more first-time homebuyers in SA turn to their sights on property ownership, the more MultiNET Home Loans will support them every step of the way, making it easier for them to get the property and the future they have always wanted” says Rademeyer in closing.  

For first -time buyers, it important that they get sound advice and MultiNET Home Loans together with their affiliate partners can assist with all home loan requirements.

 Johannesburg, 27 August 2020 - Remember the old saying, a woman’s place is in the home? Well this Women’s Month, WeApply, the new innovative home loan team on the block are saying goodbye to these stereotypes and hello to a world where women continue to break the rules! One of the many ways women are breaking through the glass ceiling is in the home ownership game, moving from simply being in the home, to actually having their names on the title deed. In fact, more single women are owning their own property than single men – 1.5 million more women have their own piece of property than men. According to House Beautiful, a “2018 report by Bank of America found that 73% of women value home ownership above getting married and having children, compared with 65% of men.”

So much for the Prince Charming on his white horse whisking women off to his palace. Now women are taking property matters into their own hands and WeApply is making it even easier for women around SA to step into this new dawn of home ownership. Our technology, expert team and dedication to what our clients need is what gets them the right home loan deal. “From what we’ve seen, women are selective about where the property is situated, what type of return on investment they will get and most importantly what can be done with the property from an aesthetic point of view to add comfort and create value.”

Home ownership makes sense in the long run and here are WeApply’s 3 reasons as to why this is so: 

Owning a property is an investment into an asset

While you may have taken out a rather large home loan in order to purchase the house, you are essentially putting that money back into the property and will probably sell it for more than you bought it for. It is important to realise though that you may need to start small, and work your way up to the house you’ve always wanted. 

Property ownership helps develop sound financial management

The strength of many wealthy people is their ability to budget and save their money. Owning a house means you’re forced to make monthly payments, but you also know that these will go to you in the long run. So, when it comes to drawing up the budget, make sure that the home loan is one of the top priorities. 

Eventually the good will outweigh the bad

Initially the capital outlay for a house may seem excessive, however as the years go by, the loan balance will decrease and the appreciation in value will increase. 

 “And as more women in SA turn to their sights to property ownership, WeApply is excited to journey with them every step of the way, not just in August, but every month, making it easier for them to get the property they have always wanted,” says WeApply’s Bruyns in closing.          

More About WeApply  

Welcome to WeApply, the 21st century answer to home loan solutions! WeApply is an innovative, tech-savvy, online home loan application solution created by ex-bankers, home loan software developers and experienced home loan specialists. 

This group of consummate professionals believed that the existing process was confusing and outdated, so a new model was needed to make the process for clients simple, easy and above all, understandable. 

There is no better feeling than becoming a homeowner. In so much, the journey to that ownership should be just as exciting and shouldn’t be paved with hurdles.  As South Africa’s premier fully-digital home loan provider, WeApply harnesses the power of technology to make fast lending decisions via a digital, seamless and transparent portal the best way to deliver quicker answers and an improved user experience. 

WeApply is the quintessential fast, free and straightforward home loan experience that has innovated technology and simplicity into an industry that has up to this point had very little. It’s a sleek and modern platform that uses clean data and automation, that offers a simple and honest solution to apply for the best home loan available. 

For more information visit weapply.co.za

Global property portal allows agencies to target international buyers and reduce their overheads with free property listings

• Free to list Commercial & Residential property portals now live across ​five countries​ (South Africa, UK, UAE, India & Nigeria)
• Over ​350,000 listings worldwide​ – Aiming for 1 Million by Q4 2019
• Major agents include Annenberg Property Group, Baker Street Properties, Broll, CCH, Chas Everitt and Meridian Realty
• Imminent launches planned for Mainland Europe, China and the Middle EastTwo up-and-coming global property portals Commercial People & Residential People are helping to provide a beacon of hope for real estate agents across the country with their free listings and international coverage

Currently operating operates across South Africa, the UK, UAE, India and Nigeria, Residential People (and its commercial property equivalent Commercial People) are uniquely positioned to attract both local and overseas buyers & investors interested in purchasing property throughout South Africa.

The free to list portals which will also launch across France, Germany, China and other key markets in 2019, is threatening to disrupt the Property24 & Private Property duopoly, offering support for agents across the country struggling to pay the high costs of membership with a radical free to list solution.

In just a few months since their launch, both Commercial & Residential People have attracted some of the biggest names across the property sector including the likes of Broll, CCH, Chas Everitt and more.Commercial & Residential People Co-Director Christopher May says: “We are targeting both merging and established markets alike,“Alongside South Africa, we are currently operating across the UK, UAE and India, and despite our brand infancy, we are well on the way to being one of the biggest portals in the UAE and on the way to becoming one of the largest in India as well.

”“Our USP is simple. Every agent we’ve spoken to is concerned about the rising costs of property portals; Commercial & Residential People are both a free to list global property portal that helps to eliminate some of the expenses agencies face,

”Since launching, Residential People has found that a growing number of searches on its UK site come from prospective overseas buyers looking to relocate here or investors keen to enter the market, this figure is replicated across the South African market as well, with a particular interest in Johannesburg and Cape Town

Mr May continues: “One of our key selling points is that we are international. It is a fact that thousands of properties in certain areas – especially commercial and new build apartments are not being bought by locals but international buyers.”

“In the UAE, for example, after only a few months, we have a 75% market share of all properties.”With the global reach of Residential People, any local South African estate agent can tap into the growing foreign investment across the country, gaining more exposure on their listings for free not only from potential customers in the UK but also from successful expats across the UAE, and soon China.Mr May concludes: “We want to make it abundantly clear that our aim is to work with agents and build an alternative to some of the portals that exist today. While we understand that international attention doesn’t appeal to every South African agent, our nationwide coverage can ensure increased exposure for the local market as well.“ With agents’ support, we are hoping to disrupt the status quo and give agents an alternative to the current duopoly.

South Africans, fearful of a declining rand and uncertain property laws, could consider investing in Switzerland where one of the world’s top ski resorts offers safe and attractive returns and an idyllic getaway, says a leading SA property expert.

Toni Enderli said Andermatt ski resort -- rated among the best in the world for its incredible year-round lifestyle and recreational facilities, significant tax incentives and attractive returns -- has drawn a flood of global interest, including from South Africans.

Enderli, a Cape-based property entrepreneur, said pricing in Andermatt is on par with the Atlantic Seaboard and recorded an almost 90% surge in sales last year. The diverse property options include “headache-free ownership” and a guaranteed 3% annual net return on fully managed and serviced, one-bedroom apartments.

He said the resort, which is undergoing a R22-billion redevelopment, is ideally located, 1.5 hours from Zurich or two hours from Milan – both just a 12-hour flight from SA.

“For me, Andermatt is arguably among the world’s top 10 investment and lifestyle resorts, offering 180km of skiable slopes, an 18-hole golf course, and some of the finest biking routes in the world – in addition to almost every other sporting or recreational activity available – all in the spectacular Alps.”

“The village centre is car-free with beautiful hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions contributing to an incredibly safe, friendly and communal environment,” he said.

Enderli said Andermatt was exempt from restrictive foreign property ownership laws, resulting in a deluge of new investors from Italy, Germany, the UK, the Middle East, China and recently, South Africa.

“I invite South Africans to take advantage of this incredible opportunity while it’s available,” he added. 

Contact Toni Enderli on 082-497-4302, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or for more info, visit http://andermattswissalps-summer.pagedemo.co.

Do you have a Plan B for a safe and secure future for your family?

Australia and the UK are Plan B's With Australia being very expensive and in the middle of nowhere..

And the UK being very expensive, with a cold, wet and miserable climate!...

We would like to introduce you to our Plan A... The Costa Del Sol region in Spain!

Voted the Best Lifestyle in Europe, and 1 of the most affordable!

If you have an EU Passport we can help you.

If you don't - we can assist you to get residency through Spain's Golden Visa program. Invest EU 500 000 into the property market, and qualify for residency.

For more info call Greig on 074 211 5670 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With attractive yields and reliable tenancies, the appeal is obvious. Student tenancies are often arranged early, well before the start of the academic year and while chasing rent from a group of young people with no income can be off-putting, invariably, collection is easily arranged and students come with guarantors in the shape of their better-off, more-reliable parents.   "Landlords of good student houses have a guaranteed market that remains predictable whatever is happening in the economy and the wider property market," says Charlotte Vermaak Chas Everitt Nelson Mandela Bay principal. "In Summerstrand for instance, gross yields can be in the region of 10-11 per cent and many people are using a student portfolio to create income in retirement rather than rely on pensions."   Even if the student market is the best option it takes a lot of work to get the property and the location right. Start investigating sold house prices and speaking to local rental and estate agents to get a clear idea of rental yields and tenant profiles. “You need to understand local economy drivers and tenant demand before finding out if there are any upcoming changes that could impact future demand for student accommodation from private landlords,” adds Vermaak.  

What to look for

Newer or modernised properties are easier to maintain and functional is the key word. So think plain paintwork, hard-wearing flooring and basic, robust furnishings.   Position is less important to students, so while being close to campus and easy access into town is crucial, being on the best road and in the best area isn't. “Students won't reject houses because they're on a busy road, or have a bad view, they will reject them if they're difficult to get to, or cost more than the norm," adds Vermaak.    

What’s available

A five-bedroomed townhouse in Summerstrand is on the market for R1,450,000. NMMU accredited student accommodation, the property currently generates R14,000 in rental income per month. A freehold property with levies, it is well-secured and situated close to the beach and local amenities.   To find out more, speak to Kwame Nicol 078 053 1462 from Chas Everitt Nelson Mandela Bay. 

The second development phase at Somerset Lakes, a 42-hectare residential estate in Somerset West, will be released to the market in mid September. The first phase sold out rapidly, with 114 sales being recorded within just six weeks of the launch. Construction of the first phase is well under way and occupation is expected to take place in mid 2015.

The new phase, Waterford Green, comprises 48 freestanding double-storey houses, selling from R1,3 million including VAT, no transfer duty. These two and three bedroom homes offer spacious, contemporary, open-plan living areas and private gardens. All homes include at least two bathrooms, one being en suite, and the three-bedroom design offers a garage and an optional guest toilet.

According to Dave Harris, Sales and Marketing Manager of Somerset Lakes, the new product has been specifically designed to help meet the growing demand for affordable, quality housing in the popular Somerset West area.

“We’ve been inundated with requests from buyers looking for houses,” Harris said. “People want freestanding homes with gardens, views and security, in close proximity to the centre of Somerset West, and that’s exactly what our latest product at Somerset Lakes has to offer.”

Designed by Schabort Associates Architects, the new development phase is located alongside the six-hectare lake that gives the estate its name.

“This unique feature is a huge attraction,” Harris commented. “It’s ideal for swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing, and home to a rich variety of water birds. A magnificent community clubhouse on the shores of the lake, The Summer Club, will enhance the appeal of this fantastic recreational asset, providing residents with play areas, boat sheds, a sandy white beach, and a swimming pool and deck area with stunning views of False Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountains.”

The developers, Omwieco (Pty) Ltd, a consortium of highly experienced development professionals backed by financial giant Investec, have devoted no less than 40% of the estate’s total area to green, open space for the recreation of residents. This includes the lakes and other water features, a mature forest of stone pine trees, landscaped parks and gardens, and kilometres of walking trails and mountain biking tracks.

An indigenous fynbos nursery has been established on the estate, which was recently awarded the prized 2014 SALI Gold Award for landscape design by the South African Landscapers Institute.“No expense has been spared to implement the most technically advanced security system at Somerset Lakes,” said Harris. "These measures include electrified perimeter fencing with 70 high-definition surveillance cameras, which are monitored around the clock from the hi-tech guardhouse, 24-hour guarding and patrols, and an on-site rapid response team. Other advanced features include biometric fingerprint access control."

All homes in the estate will be hardwired with fibre-optic cabling for superfast internet access, DStv and VOIP telephone connectivity, which will allow free telephone calls within the estate.

A Curro Castle School is being constructed on the estate and is due to open its doors in 2015.

Convenient access to the Somerset West village has been provided by the developers through the R16 million construction of Reunion Drive, which links the main entrance of Somerset Lakes to Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road under a specially constructed railway bridge. Just a few hundred metres from this entrance, an upmarket new shopping centre is now under construction, where Checkers, Woolworths Foods and Clicks will be the anchor tenants.The Vergelegen Mediclinic and the Somerset West CBD are less than two kilometres away, while popular Somerset Mall shopping centre is just 3,5 kilometres from the estate.

“When you consider the amazing lifestyle advantages Somerset Lakes offers, the security, the convenience of the surrounding amenities, and the incredible natural beauty of the estate, I have no doubt our second phase will sell as fast as the first one,” said Harris.“I strongly advise anyone interested to register online for an invitation to a pre-launch sales opportunity, ahead of our public launch in mid September, to avoid disappointment.”

For further information visit www.somersetlakes.co.za or phone 021 202 2200.