Today’s repo rate reduction of 25bps (to 6.5%), coupled with early indicators of recovery in the South African residential property market augur well for the balance of the year and underscore the opportunity for home buyers to capitalise on the current favourable market conditions before the market enters a decisive upturn.

As anticipated, the MPC kept the repo rate steady, taking a conservative approach against the backdrop of rising fuel prices, and with a wary eye on CPI inflation, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

The generally market-friendly election outcome will in all likelihood create a degree of certainty and stability and go some way towards addressing the issues currently affecting  confidence in the South African economy - and as a consequence have a positive effect on the South African residential property market, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

Well positioned in close proximity to the City of Ekurhuleni’s Aerotropolis, which is being developed around OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg East has emerged into the spotlight as a strategically well-positioned location for home owners and businesses alike.

No quick fix for SA’s Budget, but there’s some hope….

Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group, says that the very detailed State of the Nation Address dealt with all of the economic and social issues that are currently of concern to the real estate industry, including the need to rebuild investor and consumer confidence in SA, stimulate economic growth, accelerate job creation and eliminate widespread corruption.

The Firstrand economic team expects a 25 basis point interest rate hike this week when the SARB (South African Reserve Bank) MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) meets to deliberate on interest rates.

With inflation still within the target range, but with concerns following a round of fuel price increases and other potential inflationary impacts, as was anticipated, the Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged following this week’s meeting, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

In the 2nd Quarter 2018 FNB Estate Agent Survey Buy-to-Let demand is perceived to be slower of late, along with moderating near term expectations amongst agents.

May 2018 saw the FNB House Price Index growing by a faster 4.6%, year-on-year, up from the previous month’s 3.8% in April, and from a February 2018 low of 2.8%.