Buying a home is probably one of the most important - and expensive - purchases many people will make.

If the past year has taught us anything, it is how important our homes have become to us.

The current, exceptionally low interest rates in South Africa have sparked off a sudden and unexpected call for residential property bonds.

Initial predictions regarding the future of the residential property market as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown have painted a sombre picture: significant drops in house prices, more supply than demand, and people unable to afford their home loans. 

Registration is now open for SA’s incisive one-day REIT event that brings together hard-hitting global and local influencers from the listed property sector.

With more than 300 delegates drawn from 30 African and international countries; this year’s conference theme is, “Realising Affordability in Global Markets”

Sentiment is a key driver of investor confidence and the residential property market is no different in this regard.

Bondspark CEO, Marcel du Toit says that there are several reasons behind the overall improvement of the local property sector this quarter.

The laborious bond application process is even more painstaking for the self-employed and it’s critical that these buyers take the time beforehand to familiarise themselves with exactly what is required and the criteria to be met as applications can easily be delayed - or even declined - due to simple omissions or errors.

The R155 million first phase of the new Sky City Mall, catering for the residents of Waterval, Palm Ridge and Kathlehong some 35km south east of Johannesburg in Gauteng’s Ekurhuleni Metro, is trading well since opening its doors to scores of shoppers on 18 April.