According to statistics from ooba, South Africa’s foremost home loan comparison service, competition amongst the major banks for a bigger share of the home loan market remained fierce during the fourth quarter of 2021 (Q4 21).

Second quarter oobarometer statistics released by ooba, South Africa’s foremost home loan comparison service, show how the fresh perspective on home and work life brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced home buyers to buy real estate that suits their new found needs, at a higher average price. 

Given the vulnerability of South Africa’s economy in the wake of last week’s unrest, as anticipated, the Monetary Policy Committee adopted an accommodative approach by deciding to keep the repo rate steady at 3.5%, which leaves the prime rate at 7%, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

Motivated by the prevailing, historically low interest rates and further incentivised by banks’ lending appetite and sound purchasing opportunities, South African first-time buyers across the country continue to capitalise on the favourable buying environment and demonstrate confidence in the residential property market by acquiring their own homes, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

First quarter oobarometer statistics released by ooba, South Africa’s foremost home loan comparison service, show continued robust growth in the residential property sector despite a year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic fallout.   

During the third quarter of 2020 (Q3 20), South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown moved from Alert Level 3 through to Level 1.

Further repo rate cut would have provided relief for economy and boosted housing market, says Dr Andrew Golding.

So asks Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

The further reduction of the repo rate by 25 basis points to an all-time low of 3.5% takes the prime interest rate down to 7%, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

The second quarter of 2020 (Q2 20) commenced with two months of lockdown for the real estate industry.