9 things
no one tells you about owning a home
THERE’S a major sense of accomplishment that goes hand-in-hand with buying your first home, but most of the advice for first-time buyers focuses on aspects like saving for a deposit and navigating the purchase process.
There is little information shared about what happens next and what to expect, says Arnold Maritz, the co-principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s southern suburbs.
“Once you’ve signed the contract, made your first repayment and moved into your new home, the expectation is usually that now it’s finally time to relax and enjoy being in your very own home, but the reality is often very different.”
Almost every buyer, he says, feels excitement and pride at having achieved the dream of owning property, but the truth is that owning a home can be
daunting. For this reason, many people also feel a slew of other emotions – not all of them positive. But if you know what to expect before taking the plunge, then moving and settling into your new home will be much more relaxing and the first year far more enjoyable.
Nine things Maritz says you should know:
1. Buyer’s remorse is inevitable There’s almost no way for a new homeowner to completely avoid buyer’s remorse, even if it’s just briefly when the enormity and implications of home ownership dawn for the first time. The good news is that it’s all worth it because, for all its challenges, homeownership can be rewarding, financially and emotionally.
2. It is not easy to just move
When you’re renting, although you have a lease, you aren’t really bound to that property and can
move with relative ease. However, when you own a home, moving is considerably trickier as you have all the same work associated with moving but you also have to sell your home first and navigate the whole process, from marketing to signing on the dotted line.
3. It might not feel like home straight away
You might feel pressure to love your home from day one, but give yourself some time to ease into it. Realistically, when has a new house ever felt like home as soon as you moved in? Allow yourself to miss your old home and neighbourhood because you’ll soon feel settled and begin to make new friends and memories.
4. You’ll probably start spending your money differently Yes, you’ve paid out a chunk in deposits and transfer fees and finally moved into your house, but there is a lot to do in a
new home – things like random repairs, repainting the walls or furnishing an extra room, and they all cost money.
There are also the ongoing expenses that come from owning your own home, including council taxes, and when things are broken, you have to take care of them yourself instead of calling a landlord. But most of these expenses are an investment in an asset that you own, which takes the sting out of most of them.
5. Home repairs are costly
Even if you’ve bought a brand-new home, there are always things to fix and some repairs are costly. The best way to deal with this is to set up a maintenance checklist so that issues can be fixed before they get worse (and more expensive). Also, set aside some money each month so that you aren’t caught off guard by the unexpected. Again, the outlay isn’t frittered away, it’s for a good cause.
6. You won’t be able to do everything at once You’ll have plans for your new home, especially if you bought an older property as a fixer-upper, but you need to be prepared to live with the house as is for a while – or longer. Creating your dream home is a costly business and it can even take years until you’ve completed what you planned.
7. You’ll have to spend time doing things you might not enjoy Unfortunately (or fortunately), you’re now responsible for
everything in your home and will have to perform tasks that were previously taken care of by the landlord. For instance, gutters need cleaning and this should be done at least four times a year to avoid clogging which can lead to serious – and costly – damage.
8. Keep accurate records of home improvements
When you make improvements to the house, they increase your cost basis, and when the time comes to sell, all the costs can be included to offset your tax burden which can be considerable if you’ve owned your property for more than a few years.
9. You are in control of your living situation
No one will raise your rent, decide to sell the property or take it off the rental market.
“And if you want to paint the walls bright purple, no one can complain and force you to paint them white. In fact, you don’t need to ask a landlord for approval for anything anymore and the sooner you embrace this newfound freedom, the sooner your new house will look and feel like home.
“Homeownership is an exciting experience and one that should be enjoyed thoroughly, but it also involves a lot of responsibility, more than a little stress and worry over money so the better prepared you are financially and mentally, the sooner you will get to grips with your new status as homeowner,” Maritz states.
Being financially and mentally prepared for the new responsibility will help give you peace of mind
A place to call your own: What age is best to purchase your first home?
Apart from the personal benefits, investing in property as early as possible will help secure your financial future
BY BONNY FOURIE bronwyn.fourie@inl.co.za“BUYING property at a young age is one of the smartest decisions a person can make,” says Richard Gray, the chief executive of Harcourts South Africa.
“Not only does it provide a sense of security and stability, but it also allows for long-term financial benefits.”
South Africans should start investing in property “as early as possible”, he says, adding that now is the “perfect time” for millennials to take advantage of the real estate market and secure their future.
Those who are able to invest in property when they are young have the opportunity to build wealth through property appreciation and rental income. Owning a property also provides a valuable asset that can be leveraged for other investments and financial goals.
In addition to financial benefits, Gray also emphasises the personal benefits of owning a property.
“It’s not just about the money, it’s also about having a place to call your own and creating a home for yourself. Homeownership provides a sense of pride and accomplishment that cannot be replicated.”
New data from ooba Home Loans shows that the average age of the firsttime buyer for the first quarter of 2023 was 35. And the average purchase price was R1.136 million, an increase of 0.4% from the price during the same period last year.
Chief executive officer Rhys Dyer says: “Q1 ’23 statistics for first-time homebuyers also reveal an average deposit of R109 793 (9.7% of the purchase price), marking a whopping 44.8% year-on-year increase and a 10.2% increase from Q4 ‘22.
“We are pleased to see this market segment embracing deposits as a sign of smart financial planning.”
For young adults who are just starting their property search, Gray suggests they consider their lifestyle and financial goals before making a decision.
“It’s important to think about what you want in a home and what you can realistically afford. You should also factor in the costs of maintenance, insurance, and property taxes when considering a purchase.”
Last year, says Yael Geffen, the chief executive of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, a “massive” 129 318 homes were sold to
first-time buyers who invested R93 306 746 753 in the residential real estate market.
“These numbers are particularly encouraging in South Africa where land ownership is historically significant.”
Female buyers, in particular, are making an impact in the residential property market.
“Women own nearly 60% of South Africa’s residential housing stock, either on their own or as joint title-holders. The percentage of women-only property purchases is also increasing, as is the number of single women entering the market.”
Another trend Geffen notes is the increase in migration.
“Improved quality of life perception is galvanising nationwide semigration to the Western Cape. Last year, relocations to the Western Cape totalled more than semigration to Gauteng and KZN combined.
“And while Johannesburg may be losing qualified buyer semigrants, the residential market gap is rapidly filling with buyers from other African nations; investors seeking a real estate foothold in the continent’s economic powerhouse.”
MILLION
Web Ref: RL12434
EXCLUSIVE
NATACHA NEUBURGER 083 449 9933
VREDEHOEK - R4.15 MILLION
ALEXA HORNE 082 349 7799
FRESNAYE - R12.5 MILLION
EXCLUSIVE
CAMPS BAY - R7.2 MILLION
Web Ref: RL12645
This unit has a modern & sophisticated design, with sleek fixtures & high-end finishes throughout. The open-plan living & dining area is perfect for entertaining guests
RL12592
2-BED APARTMENT WITH SERENE VIEWS
Web Ref:
083
5033
This delightful spacious family home, characterized by its high ceilings, is brimming with character and offers unlimited opportunities
EXCLUSIVE NEW RELEASE
Web Ref: RL12018 LOCATION - LOCATION - LOCATION
IMMACULATE HOME WITH DRAMATIC VIEWS
Watch the sun setting from the large patio of this house situated on the front row of this estate. Upon entering this home, one is met with an abundance of natural sunlight
MICHELLE 082 321 7871 STEPHEN 082 600 5335
ANDI ASHTON 062 664 0296
GREEN POINT - R4.695 MILLION SERRYN 082 770 7680 JAMES 082 485 2702 RL12262
LUXURIOUS 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT
PRICE REDUCED NEW RELEASE
NEWLANDS - R5.95 MILLION NADIA 061 256 0020 MATTHEW 083 645 4583
Web Ref: RL12074 EXCLUSIVE
FOR SALE
R 1 295 000
2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS
SPACIOUS APARTMENT IN DIEP RIVER.
2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in Clarewood, Diep River, a short walk to the station, Martins Bakery and other local amenities, above the railway line.
• Fitted kitchen with electric oven, hob and extractor and plumbing for washing machine.
• Open-plan lounge with parquet flooring
•Two double bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom complete with bath and shower. • Covered Parking bay. • Prepaid electricity
ERF: 1471m2 | HOME: 70m2 | RATES: R 450 p/m | LEVIES: R 1500 p/m
PLEASE CONTACT:
Collin Mbiriri on 071 879 8564 or email cmbiriri@gmail.com or mmnyandoro@gmail.com
RONDEBOSCH R2,2 MILLION
RONDEBOSCH R2,6 MILLION
VIEW
ON
extra features.*Close to Leading Schools, UCT, Shops, Kelvin Grove and Transport.
Security Complex in Pretty Garden! Spacious Three Bedroomed Duplex Apartment (115m²) with Two Balconies and Mountain Views! Lounge, Dining Room, Fitted Kitchen (in need of TLC,) Full Bathroom & Guest Toilet. Parking - first come, first serve. *Walk to UCT, Jammie Shuttle, Shops & Transport.
ROSEBANK R1,65 MILLION
RONDEBOSCH R1,95 MILLION
SOLD BY US
Spacious Three Bedroomed Apartment (123m²) above the Main Road in pretty garden setting. Fitted Kitchen and Bathroom. *Parking Bay. Walk to UCT,
Fitted Kitchen. *Garage. *Walk to Shopping Centres, Restaurants, UCT and Transport.
Charming Two Bedroomed Apartment with Fitted Kitchen (with built-in Oven, Hob and Extractor Fan) open plan to Lounge and Balcony. Two Bedrooms with Ample Cupboards. Bathroom with Shower over Bath, Toilet and Basin. **Plus Carport. Academic Mile - Walk to UCT!.
CONTACT: RHONDA C: 082 448 7795 T: 021 685 2212 E: RRPSALES@MWEB.CO.ZA / WWW.RHONDARAADPROPERTIES.CO.ZA
ONLINE BIDDING:
BID AND REGISTER:
LOT 1: 586 DAAN DE WET
Extent: 5,0744 ha Zoning: Agricultural & special
mprovements:
Main single storey building (± 200 m²) Ÿ Outbuildings (± 70 m²): Ÿ Guard house, shed & quarters
Ÿ 2nd dwelling
Ÿ Vodacom/MTN Tower (T14336)
Ÿ Recycling site
Potential:
Ÿ Ideal for commercial or residential development.
Ÿ Located on Daan De Wet Nel Drive, close to major routes and highway.
Extent: 2,0831 ha Vacant Stand
Improvements:
Ÿ Vacant land
Ÿ Usage category: Residential
Potential:
Ÿ Ideal for residential development.
Ÿ Well located close to schools, residential estates, shopping mall and main routes.
MAURITIUS AUCTION - 20 MAY 2023
12 BRAND NEW EXECUTIVE LUXURY UNITS IN FULLY COMPLETED DEVELOPMENT ON THE BEACH
Ocean Terraces, Poste Lafayette, Rivière du Rempart District ELIGIBILITY TO HAVE PERMANENT RESIDENCE
An opportunity not to be missed - 5 Apartments already sold
Ground floor units – 161m² - 163m² | 4 x First floor units – 156m²-172m² | 2 x Penthouse – 389m² each 1 x Penthouse – 227m² each | All apartments including Penthouse – 3 Bedrooms (Main en-suite and some with wardrobes) | 1 Shared bathroom | Kitchen | Living & dining room | Some with terraces and balconies | All Penthouses – Rooftops and plunge pools | The development is surrounded by luxury hotels such as the Radisson Blu and Le Prince Maurice | 100% completed project | 5 mins away from 9-Hole Golf Course & 10 mins away from 18-Hole Golf Course | Well-known spot for Kite surfing
Harisha: +23 052 501 323 (MU) | Hein +27 83 639 0558 (SA)
ON AUCTION - 18 MAY 2023
INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT
2-4 Halifax Road, New Germany
Extent: ± 7 451 m² | Made up of
INDUSTRIAL PLATFORMED LAND 74/88 Wiltshire Road, Southmead, Pinetown
Extent : ± 66 802 m² | GLA: ± 51 131 m² usable platformed area | Ideal logistics, trucking hub | Fully fenced & secure with access control | Fully concreted yard
5 NEW UPMARKET APARTMENTS IN UMHLANGA RIDGE
Sections 15, 120, 302, 406 & 423 SS Le Boulevard, 47 Aurora Drive
4 Units of ± 78 m² & 1 unit of ± 111 m² | Brand new units | Modern development with high quality finishes | Stylish architecture
FOR SALE
ACCOMMODATION BLOCK
Pearl Heights, 18-20 Dr Langalibalele Dube (Winder) Street, Durban CBD
5 Storey Building | 57 Rooms | Newly painted and refurbished | Communal fitted kitchens & bathrooms, Automated lighting, CCTV Cameras
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION BLOCK
80 Anton Lembede (Smith) Street, Durban CBD
Extent: ± 854 m² | GBA: ± 2 600 m² | 99 Rooms | Accommodates 210 Students | Communal fitted kitchen & Bathrooms | Biometric access system
TM
SECTION 11 (DOOR 7) SS MONTEITH ESTATE, 25 MONTEITH PLACE, DURBAN NORTH VIREND | 071 383 1735
Unit Extent: ± 865 m² | Exclusive Landscaped Garden Area: ± 990 m² | 5 Bedrooms (4 en-suite) | Formal & TV lounge, dining room, modern kitchen | Covered entertainment area | 2 x Double garages | Full automated home (C-Bus Home Automation, Invertor) | Office, recording studio, cinema room | Lift within unit, various water features, generator, JOJO tank filtering system | Sold vacant occupation
OFFERS TO BE SUBMITTED BY 31 MAY 2023
063 500 1652
AGENTS’ DIRECTORY
DOGON GROUP PROPERTIES
Atlantic Seaboard
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Cape Town Office 082 448 7795
Email: rrpsales@mweb.co.za
www.rhondaraadproperties.co.za
SHELLEY RESIDENTIAL
KZN
Office 082 412 4463
Email: hello@shelley.co.za
www.shelley.co.za
DOGON GROUP RENTALS
Sea Point
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DE PLATTEKLOOF
Cape Town 060 960 0100
Email: live@deplattekloof.co.za
www.deplattekloof.co.za
IRENE PORTER PROPERTIES
Simon’s Town Office 021 786 3947
Debbie 073 140 2543
www.ireneporterproperties.co.za
DOGON GROUP PROPERTIES
Southern Suburbs, Claremont Office 021 671 0258
southernsuburbs@dogongroup.com
www.dogongroup.com
PETER MASKELL AUCTIONEERS
KZN
Office: 033 397 1190
Email: info@maskell.co.za
www.bidlive.maskell.co.za
MURAMBI HOUSE
Wynberg Office
murambihouse@telkomsa.net
www.murambi.co.za
Address:
DOGON GROUP PROPERTIES
Western Seaboard
Office: 021 556 5600 or 021 433 2580
enquiries@dogongroup.com
www.dogongroup.com
VAN’S AUCTIONEERS
Gauteng Office 086 111 8267
www.vansauctions.co.za
www.iolproperty.co.za
WIDENHAM RETIREMENT
VILLAGE South Coast, KZN 066 306 0669 / 066 306 0612
www.hibiscusrv.co.za
www.widenhamretirementvillage.co.za