Given Majola

Property Journalist

Mowbray Golf Course redevelopment: We're watching you, Ndifuna Ukwazi warns COCT

Given Majola|Published

Without clear affordability measures, long-term protections, and racial redress, the Mowbray Golf Course redevelopment risks becoming mere ‘affordable housing tokenism'. ...

Electronic Deeds Registration System (eDRS) launched: transforming land registration in South Africa

Given Majola|Published

Land Reform and Rural Development said the Electronic Deeds Registration System (eDRS) aims to ultimately replace the manual registration processes with digital ...

Watch VideoCrisis: Young South Africans can't afford homes as first-time buyer age soars to 37

Given Majola|Updated

If affordability challenges persist and younger buyers are locked out of the property market, the country risks increased pressure on rental markets, less long-term ...

South Africans need more than just improved salaries to get onto the property ladder

Given Majola|Updated

Many South Africans are adopting a wait-and-see attitude in an uncertain environment, with multiple headwinds. This means salary earners might opt to be conservative ...

'Please support students amid housing crisis' NSFAS urges accommodation providers

Given Majola|Updated

NSFAS calls on accommodation providers to collaborate in supporting students as it announces improvements to the accommodation claims process.

Cape Town's price tag: Can you afford the dream?

Given Majola|Updated

Price tags leave many South Africans who moved to the city in shock.

Exploring the connection between year-end bonuses and homeownership trends in SA

Given Majola|Published

Existing homeowners, especially those with variable-interest rate bonds, could find it harder to keep up with bond payments, increasing the risk of foreclosures. ...

A crisis in the making: budget cuts threaten South Africans' right to housing

Given Majola|Updated

Budget cuts plus land invasions and contractors abandoning projects all impede efforts to deliver houses for all.

Employees need at least 5% salary increase just to maintain spending power - tax expert

Given Majola|Published

As rising taxes, stagnant income brackets, and the lack of an interest rate cut squeeze household budgets, experts warn that South Africans need salary hikes just ...

Employees need at least 5% salary increase just to maintain spending power - tax expert

Given Majola|Published

Given the recent Budget's impacts on South Africans plus unchanged interest rates, consumers are in for a hard time.

South Africa joins Japan, USA, England, China, Sweden in keeping rates unchanged this month

Given Majola|Published

Global trends were to keep rates unchanged. Only the Swiss National Bank (SNB) bucked the trend and lowered its interest rate once more.

Disappointing news for South Africans as interest rate remains unchanged

Given Majola and Vivian Warby|Updated

South Africa followed America's lead and kept the interest rates unchanged. A big blow for homeowners with bonds and home buyers, plus other debt holders.

Will South Africa follow the US on interest rates? Anticipation grows for a cut today

Given Majola|Published

The US kept their rates steady. Will South Africa follow suit? Battered homeowners and property experts are hoping for and anticipating a cut today.

Finally, South Africa's electronic property deeds registration system almost here

Given Majola|Updated

Registering deeds electronically will enable the efficient registration of high volumes of deeds and documents, the introduction of security features, enhanced accuracy, ...

How interest rate cuts can lower capital costs and boost the property sector

Given Majola|Published

Lower interest rates will reduce the cost of financing homes, thus enabling a higher affordability at a given monthly financing payment.

Will South Africa's interest rates echo Trump's policies? Key insights ahead of the announcement

Given Majola|Published

The President of the USA, the world’s biggest economy said with the oil price going down, he will  demand that interest rates drop immediately and likewise they ...

The importance of land reform in upholding human rights in South Africa

Given Majola|Published

The right to land extends beyond ownership as it includes the ability to productively utilise land to improve the livelihoods of people.

Will interest rates be cut this week? Experts say yes, at least 25bps, but 50bps would be better

Given Majola|Published

Another interest rate cut this week, together with the lower transfer duties announced in the budget last week, will add further impetus to the market, especially ...

A VAT increase could transform South Africans into lifelong renters, change property market

Given Majola|Published

The recent VAT increase in South Africa's 2025 Budget may reshape the property market, influencing buyer affordability and rental demand.

Rising rental prices in Cape Town's northern suburbs amid economic challenges

Given Majola|Published

The rental market in Bellville, Durbanville, and Parow is thriving, driven by increased demand and a slight VAT increase, according to property experts.

Inner-city property owners slam Expropriation Act for hijacked buildings as a farce

Given Majola|Updated

Inner-city property owners are caught in a precarious situation as they navigate the challenges posed by the Expropriation Act and the growing menace of hijack syndicates. ...

Financing issues in the 2025 National Budget raise concerns, says real estate expert

Given Majola|Updated

Explore the implications of the 2025 National Budget's VAT increase on South Africa's economy and property market.

BUDGET 2025: transfer duty threshold increase good news for buyers, VAT increase not

Given Majola|Updated

A mixed bag for property and a warning that an increase in VAT will impact already cash-strapped consumers, particularly those who can ill afford it.

Property market picking up but requires another interest rate cut this month, say experts

Given Majola|Published

The last 25 basis points drop in the repo rate has played its part in a mild stimulation of residential property market activity, but more is needed.

Budget 2025: property market needs economic stability, job creation, access to finance

Given Majola|Updated

The real estate sector is looking forward to key policy announcements in Budget 2025 that could provide much-needed support for homebuyers, property investors, and ...