18 Jan 2024
FNB Residential Property Barometer December 2023
10 Dec 2023
2023 YEAR END NEWSLETTER - PROPERTY IN FOURWAYS GARDENS ESTATE
What is the current state of the market in Fourways Gardens Lifestyle Secure Estate? What possibly lies ahead in 2024? Below is my view as a specialist in property sales and rentals in Fourways Gardens Estate since 2004
21 Aug 2023
Property Barometer August 2023
1 Aug 2023
Fourways Gardens Estate July 23 Report
Report detailing property activity in this estate.
24 Nov 2022
RATE HIKE COULD LEAD TO LOWER RATES NEXT YEAR
A precis of BetterBond article by the CEO. Rate hikes now could bring about lower rates next year. Also luxury property turnover is steady
18 May 2022
Housing market remains strong as interest rate rises
"With economists predicting that the repo rate could increase by as much as 50 basis points on Thursday, taking the prime lending rate to 8.25%, it's understandable that homeowners are concerned about the impact this will have on their bond repayments," says Coetzee. "Of course, the increase will me
26 Jul 2021
Prime Lending Rate Remains Unchanged
9 Jul 2021
Note to all subscribers
10 Jun 2021
SPCA Gets Much Needed Help!
14 May 2020
Deeds Office Now Open!
15 Apr 2020
Drop In Interest Rate Welcome Relief
4 Nov 2019
Property Market Ready For Take Off
Property market ready for take-off and bond grants rise
16 Oct 2019
Getting The Most From Amazing Summer Blooming Bulbs
Charles Barnhoorn, the 3rd generation son of the family who brought bulbs from Holland came to address our Club on these wonders of nature. His Grandfather and Grandmother moved to SA from the bulb district in Holland and began by selling Gladioli to the Multiflora flower market.
8 Oct 2019
Selling A Property Out Of A Deceased Estate
There are two major differences between the sale of a property out of a deceased estate and a “normal” sale…
1 Oct 2019
You Are What You Eat! How Food Affects Your Moods And Health
Linda Galvad of Sought-after Seedlings, (featured regularly on The Home Channel’s GARDENING 101 and winner of many national awards), came to address us. After 10 years of research, Linda has discovered, and now teaches, the road to optimum health. What she told us was mind-blowing!!
10 Sep 2019
Wonderous Owls - Presented By Ecosolutions
Sara from EcoSolutions and Delina from Owlproject.org came to share with our Gardening Club the work they are doing in Gauteng to increase the natural population of Owls, the natural predators of rats and mice. Their scientific project started 20 years ago, is the only successful urban owl box project of its kind in Africa.
7 Aug 2019
Fixed vs Variable Interest Rates
You’ve finally found your perfect home, made an offer and applied for finance to assist with your purchase. But when you receive the mortgage letter from the bank, you’re left trying to understand unfamiliar terms and concepts including prime interest rates, repo rates, and fixed or variable interest. Here’s what you need to know to make sense of it all.
26 Jul 2019
What's Hot And Trending In Landscaping
The effervescent Melanie Walker of The Home Channel television’s GARDENING 101, the radio show Grounded on Radio Today and podcast channel Solid Gold and featured fixture at Lifestyle Home Garden and previously plenty adventure TV shows shared her findings with our Gardening Club. Our members also snapped up Melanie’s latest hugely informative, creative and colourful gardening book!
17 May 2019
Growing Glorious Aloes In Your Garden
Malcolm from WILDFLOWER NURSERY of Witkoppen Road came to share with us the celebration of the May Festival of Early Flowering Aloes which runs from 17 to 26 May. A second festival, The Big Aloe festival will run from 19 July to 4 August. These take place at Witkoppen Wildflower Nursery, the oldest indigenous nursery in SA at 60 years!
16 Apr 2019
Botany Of Desire – How Plants Manipulate People To Do Their B...
Sue from Garden Shop at Broadacres again held us fascinated as she revealed how plants fight for survival. Unlike humans, who can nomadically wander in search of food and water, plants can’t. One example is the massive trees in Yellowstone Park in the USA, these trees are 2 – 3000 years old and have survived many environmental changes over those years.
8 Jan 2019
The Small Agent- A Gift To Seller and Buyer
Yes, there is a need for the small, independent estate agency
16 Nov 2018
Trees And Their Care - Current Threat To Our Trees From The Shot Ho...
The FWG Gardening Club met for a presentation from Charles Verster on the care and treatment of pests in our trees and about the current major threat to Johannesburg trees from the POLYPHAGOUS SHOT HOLE BORER BEETLE (PSHB)
30 Oct 2018
Your Bond Settlement Amount - A Brief Guide
The sale of a property can often bring with it unforeseen expenses, but this needn’t be the case. To take the mystery out of bond settlement costs, we have put together this brief overview so that sellers can plan appropriately and avoid being caught off guard.
23 Oct 2018
The Right of First Refusal
A right of first refusal is a mechanism in a contract that affords the holder of such right the preference to buy a particular property, should the owner ever choose to sell it. However, it is worth noting that the holder of the right to first refusal is under no obligation to purchase the property should it become available.
17 Oct 2018
Fining A Member In A Sectional Title Scheme
Sectional title schemes rely heavily on its members to ensure the effective functioning and operation of the scheme. While often not the first port of call, should other avenues have already been explored, there are situations in which a member of the sectional title scheme may be fined for contravening management or conduct rules.
8 Oct 2018
Different Forms Of Ownership
There are a number of forms of ownership of immovable property in South Africa, and sometimes prospective buyers as well as homeowners are not aware of the intricacies of each. To take the mystery out of this for you, we have put together the basics on each of the 3 most common types of ownership: full title ownership, sectional title ownership and long-term lease.
2 Oct 2018
Increase your Property value- Enhance your gardens!
Landscaping remains one of the most important ways to increase your property’s value quickly. Studies in USA show that a beautiful landscape design can improve the value of your home by at least 5 to 11 percent. The best part about landscaping is that even though it’s one of the most valuable home improvements you can make, it’s also one of the easiest. If you’re wondering how to turn your landscape into one of your home’s most valuable assets, here are some tips to get you started.
19 Sep 2018
A bank may require notice to cancel a bond
Paying off a home loan ahead of schedule can be beneficial, but paying close attention to the agreement is important to avoid additional fees…
21 Aug 2018
Sawasdee Emporium – An Orchid Lover's Paradise
Gardening Club members were treated to a jaw dropping morning at South Africa’s leading importer of Thai orchids right on our doorstep!
1 Jun 2018
RETURNING FOURWAYS GARDENS ESTATE TO ITS CLASSICAL, FORMER GLORY
Andrew Ward, Director Enviornmental HOA Board and Dan Barwick, MD of Turfnet, our Landscaping Contractor, held our total attention as they unfurled exciting, bold and achievable goals set to upgrade and beautify our Estate. The amount of work they have done and continue to do is quite staggering. Lets look at the main goals they are achieving and setting over the coming 5 years.
3 May 2018
Treating your winter garden
SUSAN - THE VICTORIAN TEA GARDEN, NICHOLAS NURSERY, WITKOPPEN ROAD Susan, who is an ex apprentice at the British Royal Horticultural Society and now a seasoned landscaper in Fourways, talked to us about our winter Garden.
18 Apr 2018
City takes steps to Support Valuation Objectors
Today, I have taken steps to ensure that property owners who objected to their property valuations in the 2018 General Valuations Roll will receive further support from the City. This support will take the form of ensuring that those who have objected to their property valuations, will be allowed to continue paying what they have been paying historically until the objection process is finalised.
16 Apr 2018
SA house price growth off to a 'surprisingly' weak start in 2018
The average South African house price growth “surprised on the downside” for the first quarter of 2018, with the slowdown in Western Cape property prices playing a significant role.
3 Apr 2018
What the rate cuts mean to home owners and buyers
The Reserve Bank decided on Wednesday to cut its repo rate by 25 basis points to 6,5% and the prime rate and home loan “base” rate from 10,25% to 10%.
7 Mar 2018
6 Pricing mistakes to avoid when selling your home
It goes without saying that homeowners who place their property on the market are looking to get the best possible return on their investment. In today’s age of readily available data, he says buyers are savvy and educated with regard to the property pricing and fair market value. “A vital aspect of selling a home is its listing price, so having a sound pricing strategy is essential for sellers in order to find the right buyer for their home,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. “Regardless of whether the market favours buyers or sellers, it is important that homeowners have a plan of action if they want to achieve the best possible selling price for their property.” In today’s age of readily available data, he says buyers are savvy and educated with regard to the property pricing and fair market value. “As such, sellers need to price their property accordingly to ensure that they will attract the right buyers to the home,” says Goslett. Here are six common pricing mistakes that sellers should avoid:
1 Mar 2018
Budget 'not as severe' as predicted for wealthier SA taxpayers
While a direct wealth tax – or super tax on the wealthy – did not materialise during the much-anticipated February 2018 Budget, increases in estate duty, excise duties and donations tax were directed specifically at the wealthier South African taxpayer.
7 Feb 2018
Rent to Buy Agreements
Many bond applications are unsuccessful because of the fluctuating economic climate in South Africa...
5 Feb 2018
Like us on Facebook
Would you like to be able to keep an eye on what’s happening in the property market when you are on Facebook? You can if you like our Facebook Page!
5 Dec 2017
BEAUTIFUL WATERWISE GARDENING IN FOURWAYS GARDENS!
Get the inside scoop from the Fourways Gardening Club on how to be waterwise...
30 Nov 2017
BetterBond Article for SA consumers and home buyers
Article from BetterBond highlighting the mixed fortunes for SA consumers and home buyers, with the positives being a lower inflation rate and unchanged interest rates...
19 Oct 2017
Like us on Facebook
Would you like to be able to keep an eye on what’s happening in the property market when you are on Facebook? You can if you like our Facebook Page!
3 Oct 2017
Tips for Successful Garden Design and Maintenance
Summer is on the way and it is time to get back into the garden. Careful planning and with a little insider advice you can have a flourishing, beautiful, and easy-to-maintain garden!
7 Sep 2017
FOURWAYS GARDENS RESIDENTIAL ESTATE – YOUR BEST HOME OPTION I...
Want to know why Fourways Gardens Residential Estate is your best home option in Johannesburg?
23 Aug 2017
Show Day Tips And Tricks
Selling your house? Maximise your price with these 20 insider tips from Fourways Gardens Estate agent, Francesca Beattie!
11 Aug 2017
Fourways Gardens Gardening Club Meeting
Bees around the world are dying, find out more about what is happening with the bees in our area and what you can do to help.
11 Aug 2017
Vertical Wall Gardens
Vertical gardens provide an opportunity to use every bit of space available, they are also a way to create living artworks.
2 Aug 2017
FOURWAYS GARDENS BLUE CRANES UPDATE
The Blue Cranes of Fourways Gardens Nature Reserve are doing well.
27 Jul 2017
Join us on Facebook
Would you like to be able to keep an eye on what’s happening in the property market when you are on Facebook? You can if you like our Facebook Page!
29 Jun 2017
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM RATES & TAXES BILLING ERRORS
This is how you can minimise the risk of being over-charged on your rates and taxes invoice
3 Mar 2017
THE PROS AND CONS OF BUYING PROPERTY IN A TRUST
A trust is a legal entity created by a trust founder that can be used to purchase and own property. Once a trust is created, all assets are placed into the trust by either the trust founder donating the assets to the trust or the trust buying the assets.
2 Feb 2017
SOARING HOUSE BUILDING COSTS HAMPER DEVELOPERS
It now costs at least 30% more to build a house from scratch than buying an existing home!
26 Jan 2017
Beautify our wonderful estate, Fourways Gardens
Our new Environmental Director, Andrew Ward is an avid gardener and passionate about the successful maintenance and further development of our public gardens and verges.
20 Jan 2017
Finding your passion
In these modern times, our children are being exposed to more and more pressure to perform academically. Some take to it like ducks to water, but some don’t.
11 Jan 2017
2 NB contracts to check in January 2017
It’s a good idea at this time of the year to check up on your short term insurance and your will!
15 Dec 2016
CHOCOLATE AND CURRANT SHORTBREAD RECIPE
How about the kids making a special present for Granny and Grandpa ?
15 Dec 2016
GET INTIMATE WITH YOUR HOME 2 – THE GARDEN
10 POINTERS TO OVERHAULING YOUR GARDEN DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE...
15 Dec 2016
GET INTIMATE WITH YOUR HOME! Part 1
At Christmas time if we don’t go away, we have some precious quiet time to plan for the New Year and to start to upgrade our homes...
14 Dec 2016
What to put in your first aid kit this holiday?
Profmed Medical Aid and ER 24 - Advice for your holiday First Aid Kit
7 Dec 2016
Your Simple Kitchen Garden - Save hundreds of Rands!
In these days of drought driving up the costs of just about everything, you can feed your family fresh veggies, starting with the humblest of kitchen gardens.
29 Nov 2016
Your Holiday Check List
Its coming up to that time of year again where you need to make sure your property and your pets are safe while you are away! What you need to do...
24 Nov 2016
How to propagate plants from cuttings.
In these days of hectically expensive everything, it really helps if you do your own plant propagation and avoid paying thousands of Rands at the Nursery.
15 Nov 2016
Fourways Gardens Blue Cranes are back!
A month or so ago our 4 blue cranes were taken from the nature reserve by the person who owned their certificates who sold them and emigrated to Australia. The estate were heartbroken as he hadn’t even bothered to ask if FWG would like to buy them. One of them was hand reared from an egg by a resident! The matter was all highly emotional and ugly.
8 Nov 2016
HIGH COURT RULING: MUNICIPALITIES MAY NOT HOLD PROPERTY OWNERS LIAB...
(Source: Business Day, 8 November, 2016) To date, a seller may not transfer a property unless he/she has a municipal clearance certificate for the past two years of bills. However older debt arising before the two-year cut-off becomes the liability of the new owner and failure to pay entitles a municipality to attach and sell the property to settle such debt.
2 Nov 2016
MARKET SLOWDOWN (Source: BusinessDay 2 November 2016)
The housing market has held up until recently, not hugely affected by growing consumer concerns about the weak economy and rising household debt levels. In the first 6 months of 2016, House prices were still rising by 5-7%, year on year. However, latest housing data paints a more dismal picture.
2 Nov 2016
Have You Booked Your Energy Audit?
Besides your bond and rates account, energy bills are just crazy. What you may not know is that your energy bill can be drastically reduced.
26 Oct 2016
The Future Of Buying To Let
With rates and taxes rising on average at almost double the inflation rate per annum over the past five years and more, BTL could prove to be “very costly” to your personal wealth. FB Properties looks at whether you should be considering this property move.
12 Oct 2016
FB Properties 20 Water Wise Tips
The whole of Gauteng is in the midst of a water crisis, but did you know how simple it is to reduce your household water consumption, helping the environment and saving yourself money?
13 Sep 2016
Orchids you can grow in Johannesburg
In Johannesburg, the main consideration is the winter temperature. The easiest orchids to grow here require temperatures of 12 to 28 degrees and cannot handle frost. Orchids will thrive in intermediate light, not heavy shadows. In winter they can handle more sun, not in summer. Place them on a north facing site.
29 Feb 2016
Budget 2016
Ghost Digest have prepared a neat summary of how property transfer duties and capital gains taxes have been increased in the Budget.
5 Sep 2015
LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL MAURITIUS!
Attractive new RES property schemes to buy into in Mauritius!
25 Jan 2015
NEW BILL MAKING PRE SALE HOME INSPECTIONS STATUTORY
To be welcomed. The Bill provides for Estate Agents to be required to recommend Home Inspections to all prospective property buyers. All the concerns of the "voetstoots" clause in Offers to Purchase documents will be eliminated.
1 Dec 2014
The New Rental Housing Amendment Act
It is important for Lessors and Lessees to be aware of this new legislation
18 Sep 2014
FOURWAYS MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT COMING
What must be very good news for the value of properties in Fourways is the planned Accelerate Property Fund's redevelopment of the area.