One thing is certain, apart from the overall inflationary impact, the spiralling cost of fuel directly impacts on the demand for conveniently situated, sectional title property in key economic hubs – close to the workplace, schools and all amenities.

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.

After an unexpectedly tough 2018, but with the welcome announcement that the repo rate remains unchanged following this first MPC meeting of the year, the outlook for 2019 is somewhat brighter.

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.

As expected, the Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate stable, with analysts and market commentators ahead of today’s announcement (24 May 2018) pointing to a more hawkish stance amid a weaker rand.

While the number of international buyers in residential property in South Africa remains relatively low, at somewhere in the region of three percent nationally, investors from elsewhere on the continent – including returning expats - retain their appetite for the acquisition of South African real estate for a variety of reasons.

Following a year which was saw South Africa’s housing market rise to the challenge amid tough economic conditions, a number of positives stand out, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

The half point increase in the repo rate announced by the Reserve Bank on Wednesday (29 January 2014) certainly sent a shock wave through markets.

As anticipated, and with an eye on rising inflation, the Monetary Policy Committee left the repo rate unchanged despite the prevailing sluggish economy, says Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group. 

Having rapidly become entrenched at the forefront of the property market in the Plattekloof area since being launched in 2009, Prima Estates, under the leadership of Lani De Lima, has joined Pam Golding Properties.