Now’s the time to buy

HOUSE PRICES are up all over the country, and with inflation and interest rates also on the rise, aspiring newcomers to the property market need to buy now.

This might mean their first home will be smaller and cheaper than they originally planned it to be, says Gerhard Kotzé, managing director of the RealNet estate agency group.

Fortunately, many people are able to work from home most of the time now, so they can consider a property that is further from the centre of town, where properties are generally less expensive.

He says those who still need – or prefer – to be close to a city centre will find developers are back in the market with small apartments that are relatively affordable.

“But whatever your preference is – and this actually goes for repeat buyers too – it is time to buy before rising costs make it difficult, if not impossible, for you to finance your home purchase.”

ASPIRING homeowners should buy a property as soon as possible, even if it is smaller and cheaper than they had initially planned. PICTURE: MICHAL JARMOLUK/PIXABAY