Instant Property is a new commercial real estate platform, transforming the way that the industry engages with properties, tenants and brokers. Using innovative technology and data analysis, the platform provides a seamless and stress-free solution to the challenges around sourcing, renting and managing commercial property.

“Instant Property has been tailored to suit the specific requirements of each type of user – landlord, tenant and broker,” says Instant Property Director, Wayne Berger. “It is the first solution of its kind in South Africa with advanced features and capabilities and a broad portfolio of properties that span the country.”  The platform grants landlords free access to list vacancies and promote them to an impressive network of specialist brokers and tenants. From November 2017, landlords will also be able to list properties for sale or auction and buy properties online.

“It’s a fast and easy system to use and it is ideal for quick leads on commercial and industrial properties,” says Joshua Pelkowitz, Executive, WH Properties. Tenants can use the seamless search function to locate and compare more than eight million metres squared of business space, and get in touch with specialist brokers who can escort them to the property and provide them with expert support.

Tenants have plenty of search options without the stress or the price tag, and landlords find tenants who fit their requirements so they can earn back on their investments. For the broker, Instant Property gives them access to a branded brokerage tenant management system and vacancy mailing solution which allows them to service tenants in seconds.

"The vacancy mailing system has totally transformed the speed at which I search for property stock and allows me more time to engage with my clients to secure the best property solution for them. After over a decade in the commercial industry, Instant Property is a breath of fresh air and game changer like no other,” says Bonolo Gueye, Maikae Consulting. The system has been designed to provide the capabilities of a national brokerage in an easily accessible and manageable online space. It has also been broken down across commercial and industrial brokerages and sales brokers to allow for richer functionality and support. Listed property fund or Commercial and Industrial brokerages can white-label and customise services that extend from websites and native mobile phone applications to sale and leasing management.

“Our property-centric technology transforms how real estate professionals do business,” says Berger. “Property funds gain access to data and meaningful reports that help them to improve customer experiences, identify trends and make industry moves ahead of competitors. Whether sales, commercial and industrial or leasing based, you want access to people, management tools and support, and that is what Instant Property does.” The Instant Property platform has been designed to boost performance and customer engagement for landlords, brokers and property funds, providing access to a network of potential tenants and cutting back on time wasters and unnecessary costs. It is easy to use and has been optimised for mobile, allowing users to stay connected 24/7.

“We have created a free solution that makes commercial and industrial space easily accessible to tenants and easily manageable for brokers and landlords,” concludes Berger. “Leading organisations have been working with Instant Property since our inception, and they have seen measurable results and benefited from our big data reporting capabilities. We are continuing to add features and functionalities to the site to support our mantra – commercial real-estate made easy.” 

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.