Port Elizabeth - investment opportunity due to pandemic-induced market

Sep 21, 2020 9:43:15 PM Share this:

Real estate in the Port Elizabeth region is a burgeoning market in unprecedented times. As a whole, the property industry has experienced many unforeseen changes due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, including a record-low interest rate. By far the most surprising development has been the dramatic switch to a seller’s market. With many people seeking refuge in quieter cities, as well as a growing desire for simpler lifestyles, investing in the PE property market could provide an ideal solution. 


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Topics: Richard Gray, Harcourts South Africa, Property Investment, COVID-19, Port Elizabeth, Harcourts Beachfront, Nikki Strooh

Residential rental market experiencing COVID-19 induced pressure

Sep 15, 2020 11:38:55 PM Share this:

South African Residential rental market is currently experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 economic situation. The latest PayProp Rental Index for Q2 2020 shows the first indications brought on by the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. With unfavourable effects on rental levels, growth and non-payments in the country, as well as widespread household financial pressure – the rental market is likely to follow this trend into the near future. 


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Topics: Richard Gray, Harcourts South Africa, Interest Rates, Rental Market, COVID-19

The importance of upskilling agents in an ever-evolving industry

Sep 7, 2020 6:30:23 PM Share this:

In an industry as competitive as real estate, it’s integral that estate agents continually work on developing their skills. A devotion to expanding their capabilities, as well as an evolving expertise equips agents to achieve results consistently.


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Topics: Harcourts South Africa, Real Estate Agents, COVID-19, Upskill, Digital Marketing

Optimum Real Estate Market As 100% Home Loan Approval Rises

Aug 21, 2020 1:22:24 AM Share this:

Applications for 100% home loans have seen an increase recently, with a greater extent being approved. At the same time, interests rates have dropped to 7% and are experiencing their lowest level in almost five decades. This climate could potentially offer the perfect conditions for first-time homebuyers, as well as property investors that have the desire and option to invest.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Home Loan, Harcourts Real Estate, Home Loan Application, COVID-19

Post COVID-19 economy could see rise in demand for country living

Aug 6, 2020 11:27:13 PM Share this:

Cities are a hive of capital and innovation, built for the masses, however, this, in turn, is the reason why they become the epicentres during pandemics, such as COVID-19. Since the outbreak, city dwellers have encountered a much different reality than those living in smaller communities and more rural areas.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Harcourts South Africa, COVID-19, Country Living, The new normal

Smart Home Market Experiences Growth Due to COVID-19

Aug 6, 2020 11:15:37 PM Share this:

The COVID-19 outbreak is one of the most significant global events to occur in recent years, halting economic activity worldwide and compelling people to make substantial lifestyle changes


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Topics: Richard Gray, Harcourts South Africa, COVID-19, Working from home, Smart Home

Lowest interest rate in 47 years creates rare opportunity for buyers

Jul 24, 2020 9:13:48 PM Share this:

Harcourts South Africa welcomes the announcement by The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) to cut interest rates by a further 25 basis points, creating a rare opportunity for real estate investors and buyers in general. This takes the total cut in 2020 to 300 basis points, lowering the repo rate to 3.5% and the prime lending rate to 7%. The lowest rate implemented by the Bank in almost 47 years.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Harcourts South Africa, Interest Rates, Buyers and Sellers, COVID-19

Cape Town's Northern Suburbs continue to offer great real estate value

Jul 9, 2020 12:34:08 AM Share this:

In the current economic framework of the country and the effects of the pandemic on the economy, real estate in Cape Town's Northern Suburbs continue to bolster the overall Western Cape property market. We are seeing increased activity in certain regions of the Northern Suburbs and since Alert Level 3 was instituted the interest in real estate in this region has continued to go from strength to strength.


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Topics: Selling, Harcourts South Africa, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Dunn, COVID-19, Western Cape

Digital real estate during lockdown will have long term benefits for property buyers and sellers

Jun 23, 2020 1:18:13 AM Share this:

With the recent move to Alert Level 3, the real estate industry has returned to work and based on current trends, the future looks promising. But what exactly will “business-as-usual” post lockdown look like?


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Topics: Selling, real estate technology, COVID-19, Virtual Tour, Virtual Inspection

Repo cut rate creates unique opportunity for buyers

May 22, 2020 9:54:00 PM Share this:

The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) announcement to cut its repo rate by another 50 basis points to 3.75% on Thursday, taking the prime lending rate to 7.25%, makes it far more affordable for buyers to invest in real estate during these uncertain times. The bank’s repo rate cuts this year totals 275 basis points or 2.75%, as it slashes rates during Covid-19 economic pressures.


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Topics: Harcourts South Africa, repo rate cut, Buyers market, South African Markets, COVID-19