The recent protests at universities and colleges across SA have caused many to question the wisdom of investing in student accommodation - but it still remains a highly attractive option provided you buy the right kind of property in the right location, says Bill Rawson, chairman of the Rawson Property Group.

The sun might be setting a little earlier than it did at the beginning of the year.

Durban’s sophisticated suburb of Musgrave has long been a favourite with affluent families and successful entrepreneurs, but recent trends indicate an increasing demand for student accommodation in the area as well.

There are several pitfalls one may encounter when attempting to rate VAT at 0% for a commercial property transaction.

The small KwaZulu-Natal town of Verulam lies just 27km north of Durban, a stone’s throw away from the Gateway shopping centre and Umdloti Beach, and a few minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport.

The area of zero-rated VAT for a commercial property transaction can be confusing and must be properly understood if one wishes to avoid confusion and delays.

Port Elizabeth has a reputation for being “the friendly city”, and its great schools, sandy beaches, salt-scented air and relaxed pace of life have certainly won the town many devoted residents.

Established just over 60 years ago to provide housing, schools and other amenities for the employees of Sasol’s first coal-to-oil refinery, Sasolburg is still a “company town” in the sense that its economic wellbeing is still largely dependent on a few big manufacturing plants.

When purchasing a property from a company or close corporation (CC) it is essential to ascertain whether the selling entity is currently registered with the Companies and Intellectual Properties commission or CIPC, previously known as CIPRO.

Commercial properties can host a variety of different tenants. What makes the property successful for both landlord and tenant will be whether the tenant mix works for everyone.