Lights out or bright ideas?

2008, like any other new year, started out as a year of cheer – that is, until people became sucked into Eskom’s power cuts and media reports of doom and gloom. A combination of rolling blackouts, bad government publicity, heightened awareness of crime, high interest rates and the NCA has created all kinds of negative reaction. The pending talk of a US recession as a result of subprime lending and poor global equity markets has intensified negative inve

Invest in yourself first – learn to make money when you buy

Gordon Mackay is an investor, businessman and public speaker with a passion for helping people. He has more than 37 years of experience in property, and has made millions from his property investments.

Born of Humble Parents

Gordon was born [In what year? years are referred to throughout the article, so it would help the reader to have a starting point.]in Johannesburg and grew up in the middle-class suburb of Berea. W

Safe investment opportunities with strong rental demand

The Jacaranda City, South Africa’s administrative capital, offers investors some interesting investment opportunities. Real Estate Investor Magazine investigated the investment climate in this vibrant city.

Pretoria, or as it is now known, the City of Tshwane, has been one of the most reliable investment areas for many investors in the past decade, offering possibilities in all sectors.

Take heart - real estate investment success does not require you to play landlord!

Real Estate Investor Magazine is about helping our readers find, save and make money in real estate. We have found more paths to real estate investment success - requiring less effort - than we first believed.

Our sister publication, Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine (published in the United States), began life as a magazine for individuals who value real estate as an investment tool. In South Africa

What residential property works best for the investor?

As a property investor if you are looking to start or even expand your portfolio you have to decide between selecting the type of property to invest. There is a wide array of choices from residential freehold property, cluster or estate property or sectional title flat, townhouse or semi-detached in a new development. Before you decide, here are a few things to consider.

Townships – hot property?

Far from the image of dusty streets winding through lopsided shacks, South Africa’s townships are transforming into vibrant neighbourhoods. Property sales and property inflation in the townships outperform other areas, but is township property a viable investment?

South Africa's formerly Black townships are home to 2.28 million households – 20% of households in the country. Historically, tenure security was weak in these areas, but since 1994

Property investment can be made easy with the right team

Coert Coetzee was born and raised from humble beginnings in the town of Olifantshoek in the Northern Cape, and finished his schooling there. He developed most of his business skills in the short-term insurance business, where he spent a large part of his early career.

Understand the legalities to avoid the pitfalls

Ownership of property in sectional title schemes has become increasingly popular over the last few years. While there are many advantages, investors need to have a clear understanding of the legalities and issues around sectional title ownership to avoid the pitfalls.

A sectional title scheme makes it possible for various owners to each own a portion of a property or building. Schemes are governed by the Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986 and

Look at the meat of the deal before committing to major renovations

There are two extremes in the renovation and ‘investment improvement’ business. On the one end of the scale is the ‘fix and flip’ investor – this type of property buyer wants in and out as fast and as cheaply as possible. At the other extreme is the hard-core ‘renovator’, who wants every home they renovate to have a restaurant-quality kitchen and finishes that rivals the most exclusiv

Trusts - the only true vehicle for wealth creation and wealth protection

But what is it?

What is a trust? A trust is not a legal entity and is definitely not a natural person. So what exactly is it? A trust, in essence, is a contract, a piece of paper recording an agreement that has been reached between parties.

Now what is surprising is that although our law does not see a trust as a legal entity, one can trade through a trust and a trust can hold assets as if they are legal entit

It’s all about the value now

Sellers may be tempted to resort to desperate measures if the sale of their residential property has been slowed by factors like the National Credit Act and rising interest rates. A lot of sellers will not get the capital growth rates that they were promised when they bought their properties. According to Mark Meyer of Engel & Völkers Johannesburg, the focus of the South African residential property market has shifted. ‘After years when prope

Evaluate the rental opportunity

With the huge demand for property investments in the current market, many crucial aspects are overlooked in the rush to secure a property. Here are some of the important basics that will assist securing the best property deal

While it is easy to be swept up in the excitement and attractive potential returns of venturing into the commercial rental market, investors need extensive research and substantial information to make the right decision.

Seaside properties in general will rise in value faster than average

A hundred years ago, in 1900, the Western World was essentially an agrarian society.

In the United States, for instance, a significant proportion of the population worked on the land, producing 80% of the food consumed (the deficit was imported from abroad).By the year 2000, only 4% of the population worked on the land, producing more than 120% of the food consumed (the surplus is now exported).

Own your share of tropical paradise

Mozambique is fast becoming the new playground for South Africans with a plethora of developments springing up along its pristine coastline, providing attractive investment opportunities as well as an altogether enticing getaway destination.

Great opportunities in the land of Oz
Australia, with a lifestyle similar to that of South Africa, an excellent climate, political and economic stability, a growing population, and a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) on par with most European countries, offers property investors some very interesting opportunities.

Australia in a nutshell:


• Land area: 7 617 930 km2
• World’s smallest continent 
• Sixth largest country in the wor
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