Herschel Jawitz, CEO of Jawitz Properties, Chris Renecle, MD of Renprop and Dr. Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group, do all agree that the residential market is in for an interesting time in 2019 in South Africa.

The value of outstanding credit balances in the South African household sector increased by 5,7% to R1 630,2 billion in 2018 after rising by 3,8% in 2017.

2018 was a challenging year for the South African property market, with negative real price growth in the residential property market and slowing market activity.

Third quarter (Q3 18) statistics released by ooba, South Africa’s leading home loan originator, show that year-on-year from Q3 17 to Q3 18, the growth in the Average Purchase Price effectively remained static with a 0.1% increase. This continues the trend of negative real price growth (growth less inflation) in the residential property market.

Property statistics for the second quarter (Q2 2018) released by ooba, South Africa’s leading home loan originator, indicate that banks remain positive about the home loan lending environment despite continuing negative real growth in average property prices nationally.

With VAT increases and generally soaring prices taking their toll on South African pockets, it’s no wonder most people have been buckling up for tough financial times ahead. The cost of living is certainly climbing, but as it turns out, it’s not all doom and gloom on the horizon.

Buying and selling property is a complex process, made all the more daunting by a multitude of potential pitfalls that can compromise a sale, but even more perilous is the proliferation of brazen fraudsters whose increasingly sophisticated scams are not only fleecing buyers and sellers but also property practitioners.

While the South African business sector is faced with many challenges, particularly as a result of uncertainty around the future leadership of the ANC, there is significant opportunity for growth sectors of the local industry during 2018.

Third quarter statistics (Q3 2017) from ooba, South Africa’s leading bond originator, show nominal positive growth of 3.3% on Q3 2016 in the average House Purchase Price.

“In our experience some of the banks are deciding where buyers can and cannot buy by declining home loans on certain properties (and in certain areas), where I know another bank will grant a mortgage.