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South Africa, 2 December 2021 - With their warm winters, hot summers and Blue Flag beaches, it's no wonder holiday spots like Shelly Beach, St Michaels, Uvongo, Ramsgate and Margate are enjoying renewed popularity. There’s so much to do in these seaside towns, from swimming and surfing, to pleasure cruises alongside dolphins and whales or deep-sea fishing. More water-based adventure can be had at Water World, where the slides offer thrills and spills for young and old. And then there are the luscious forests, rivers and mountains of surrounding areas like Lake Eland and Oribi Gorge, where adrenaline junkies can enjoy abseiling and white water rafting. There’s quad biking and adventure golf and horse-riding down those long beaches. And a range of restaurants to suit all tastes. Or you could just relax under that wide blue sky and do nothing at all. There’s truly something for everyone on the South Coast. The best time to visit? “Well that depends on the reason you’re coming!” laughs Lea-anne Homan, head of Just Property Margate’s holiday-letting department. “Compared to other coastal holiday destinations, peak season accommodation prices on the South Coast are very reasonable. During December it can be rainy but you almost need the relief after all the perfect beach days. “Of course, in the off season you get quite astonishing value,” she continues. “This includes February, when the weather and the sea are at their warmest and many visit us for a romantic Valentine's getaway. March and April are happy, festivity-filled months and May is our best-kept secret - the days are beautifully mild and windless while evenings are perfect for braaing.” But how do you choose where to base yourself? Lea-anne gave us the inside track on great options at her favourite South Coast resorts: Uvongo Lea-anne recommends renting close to the sea and her first choice is Saints View, which is in the heart of Uvongo on the beachfront. “The three-bedroom units are a good size …

South Africa, 23 July 2021 - “Disaster risk, natural and man-made, is something that is part and parcel of the world we live in. In our times we are also increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change, with scientists predicting that it will increase extreme weather events, which will intensify the impact of disaster events…,” writes Lizé Lambrechts in “The Knysna Fires Of 2017: Learning from This Disaster”, a collaborative research report between Santam, the University of Stellenbosch and CSIR. Even a mild winter brings with it downpours that can turn into floods, and summer in South Africa always comes with the risk of fire. “It is important that your house is maintained on an ongoing basis,” stresses Ona Steyn, BetterSure Financial Consultants Director. “Losses due to poor maintenance are not claimable under any insurance policy and can be very costly.” Steyn points out that being a responsible homeowner goes beyond making sure you meet your bond repayments each month. “Regular and ongoing maintenance of the property is crucial. Not only does this limit the chance of damage from bad weather or a natural disaster, but it will also contribute to the value of the property.” So, what should homeowners be doing, as a matter of course, to protect their properties from worst-case scenarios? Just Property, is one of South Africa’s largest letting and sales real estate companies. Along with their industry partners, BetterSure Financial Consultants, they have this advice: “We don’t like to think about disasters, and subconsciously think ‘It won’t happen to me’. But the unexpected does happen, and fires or flood can affect anyone, almost anywhere,” says Just Property CEO Paul Stevens. “No province is immune to fires and floods, which in the past two years have left thousands of people homeless. Property owners need to be prepared for natural disasters. There are many things that should be done to prevent accidents in homes but in terms of natural …

South Africa, June 2021 - According to Stats SA, millennials (aged between 24 and 39 years old) account for almost 30% of our population and are the largest generation to enter our workforce (51%). For years research from around the world has suggested that millennials preferred to rent and didn't want to buy homes. Yet the 2019 Deloitte Global Millennial Survey showed that 67% of millennials in South Africa had the ambition to buy a home of their own. Lightstone Property data from the beginning of 2020 showed why they weren’t buying: millennials faced paying up to three times more on their first home than Generation Xers had. And then came Covid-19. The South African Reserve Bank cut interest rates five times, lowering the prime rate to 7%, its lowest level since 1966. Add to that 0% transfer duty payable on properties below R1 million and the rising success rate of applications for 100% bonds … and South African millennials seized their chance. Data from the Deeds Office shows that buyers below 35 years of age now account for 43% of residential sales. Five Millennial Must-Haves So, what are their expectations, values and what will seal the deal? Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property says these are the non-negotiables they're hearing from young buyers (and renters). They’re “always-on”. "Millennials were our first digital natives," says Stevens. "It goes without saying that the majority work, play and socialise on their devices, from those in their first jobs to those about to hit their 40s. They will expect/demand always-on high-speed internet access. "Load-shedding is likely to be with us for the foreseeable future. Considering the above, a UPS that can keep their Wi-Fi going for a couple of hours will be a great attraction. Back-up energy systems, though more costly, would definitely add value and credibility." They’re environmentally conscious. They’re focused on their own impact on the environment, and their home will have to meet the high …

South Africa, May 2021 - Statistics SA released its Q4 Quarterly Employment Statistics December 2020 on 30 March 2021. According to the key findings, “full-time employment decreased by 565 000 or (-6,2%) year-on-year between December 2019 and December 2020”. “Between March and June 2020, employment in the financial intermediation, insurance, real estate and business services industry decreased by 170 000. But Q4 figures showed a small but significant increase of 4 000,” says CEO of Just Property, Paul Stevens. “If you look at the stats, an interesting figure emerges. Full-time employment was down quarter on quarter by 14 000, but part-time employment was up by 18 000. South Africans, as they have always done, are making a plan.” Stevens notes that these are just the kind of people the real estate industry in South Africa needs. People with a can-do attitude and a good work ethic, who love helping people and working in a competitive team environment will thrive in the property industry, says Stevens. “The current ‘buyers’ market’ may present a once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy a home or investment property at prices and interest rates not seen for many years. There is definitely an opportunity for ambitious recruits.” Stevens confirms that there are no income guarantees but adds that “the earnings potential of rookie estate agents far exceeds what they might earn in other entry-level positions”. In terms of the industry regulations, trainee agents need to complete a 12-month internship under the supervision of a fully qualified agent. There are also formal qualifications to achieve: Further Education & Training (FET): National Qualification Forum (NQF) Level 4 Real Estate and Professional Designation Exam Level 4 (PDE4). “These can be acquired while you undertake your internship”, says Stevens. So how do you choose an agency to do your internship with? Stevens advises prospective real-estate interns to evaluate their options by researching the …