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LOCKDOWN LEVEL 3
Now is the time to buy

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CONTENTS
TRENDING
03 Editorial View
JUNE/JULY 2020 #124
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief Neale Petersen
General Manager Nichola Loock

04 Ask the Experts
06 Master Investor Copywriter Sidima Mfeku
14 Tech Story Events & Social Candace Petersen
RESIDENTIAL Operations Manager Marisa George

Contributors
18 Restructure Rental Agreements Alexandria Procter, Ina Burger, John
Jack, Dean Wright, Palesa Ramaisa,
20 Virtual Property Transactions Andrew Jefferson, David Seinker,
Gary Palmer, Sean Thomson, Jaco
22 Resilience During a Recession Grobbelaar & Alysson Watt
24 The New Way to Buy & Sell ADVERTISING
28 Support for Property Managers
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40 Tenant-Landlord Disputes
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46 Property Portfolio Structuring
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06 MASTER INVESTOR 50 INSPIRATION consult their attorneys, advisors or accountants.

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2 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine
EDITORIAL VIEW
JOHANN RUPERT
How Covid-19 & the ‘new

normal’ has changed the
real estate world
Covid-19 has caused global upheaval and disruption in our working and the norm of video conference meetings via Zoom,
businesses, investments and lives. We would all like to have a crystal Skype, Google Hangouts. Thirdly, placing online orders and making
ball gaze into the future as to what it holds for us, but nobody really purchases via the app method has become an essential way of
does know the future despite many so-called experts out there. transacting rather than just a luxury before, now making it the ‘new
‘Normal’ as we knew it, is now a distant memory along with our normal’. This allows old tech operators to reconsider their businesses
2020 new year resolutions. The‘new normal’of doing business is still if not already in that space. Fourthly, physical working space is still
evolving and already it has changed the way of how we work and deemed important and will not disappear completely as a result of
invest in the short -term, however there are still a lot of unknowns. remote working - as interpersonal relationships are regarded critical
for success. We will see changes in the reconfiguring of office spaces
People are searching for solutions as to how they can apply this and also in the demand in residential space needed for remote
new normal in their home and work environments. These changes working.
directly impact how we invest, buy and use our real estate space. To
lift the industry knowledge and mood, REImag is embarking on a COVID-19 is not going to be a short-term blimp on the radar with
digital journey with weekly thought leadership webinars called REI everything reverting back to normal. Social distancing is here to
Talk. The weekly webinars engage with leaders in all facets of the stay until a vaccine is found which is medium-term at least. The
real estate sector to help the investor, property buyers and property way forward for investors/landlords and industry is to collaborate
practitioners navigate how they tackle the new norm. and work closely together. Investors and landlords need to offer
tenants rental relief options, while banks in turn need to work
What we have learnt is that when the world is in an economic crisis, with landlords to restructure loans, while all property practitioners
as we are now, it always creates massive investment and business offering aligned services need to consider the changes and adapt
opportunities. There will be winners and there will be losers. We their modus operandi accordingly. The last missing piece is to get
have already seen investors in retail, office and hospitality coming the municipalities to start reducing their charges.
out as short-term losers, while certain sectors of residential real
estate are starting to show green shoots. Napoleon Hill once said one of the most common causes of failure
is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.
Commercial real estate service provider CBRE Excellerate has Every person is guilty of this mistake at one time or another. We
produced a very useful report: COVID-19: Assessing the impact believe that COVID-19
on the real estate sector. This includes the economic impact and
options to consider for the next 6 months and 12 months for Stay safe and successful investing
occupiers, investors/landlords, developers and customers in the
office, industrial and retail sectors. It includes evaluating the impact NEALE PETERSEN
on property valuations based on rental, cash flows and cap rates in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
the future.
There are certainly positives as a result of lockdown and COVID-19.

Firstly, multiple interest rate cuts have brought the prime interest
WARREN BUFFETT
“
rate (and mortgage lending rate) to 7.25% for the first time since
1966. Secondly, we have seen a spike in the adoption of technology “There will be interruptions, and I don’t
and increased digitalisation by the market resulting in remote know when they will occur, and I don’t
know how deep they will occur, I do
know they will occur from time to time,
and I also know that we’ll come out
better on the other end”
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Direct your property investment question to editorial@reimag.co.za, go to our Facebook
page or participate in our regular Facebook LIVE interviews to ask your questions
Affordable Student
Accommodation Investors
Q I am new in the student

accommodation industry and my
business suffered a huge shock
due to the lock down. The Covid-19
pandemic caught me off-guard.
ALEXANDRIA PROCTER What are some of the mechanisms
Co-founder of DigsConnect I can use to keep my business a bit
stable, especially now that there are
possibilities of schools reopening.
A
“That’s a really good question! A lot of landlords had However, the most important thing you can do as a
quite a shock when the lockdown was announced, and landlord is, of course, to list your property on marketplaces
many of them saw the majority, if not all, of their tenants including DigsConnect.com! it is important that as
cancelling leases pretty much overnight. It was a scary student accommodation service providers to constantly
time for a lot of people, and we still don’t have the full communicate with students across South Africa so that
picture of the extent of devastation this has caused. we stay front of mind with them for when it comes to
DigsConnect conducted a survey to gather some data on looking for accommodation again.
what happened, and you can read the survey results here.
We also need to expand and broaden our operations
During Blade Nzimande’s speech, he announced the in the next few weeks to include a bigger segment of
phased reopening of student housing in Level 3, which the market. It is another way of maximising business
started on 1 June 2020. With 33% of students (final years, development in the affordable student accommodation
clinical and lab students) allowed to return to campus, industry.
their res’s, and private accommodation. On Level 2, 66%
of students return to campus and on Level 1, 100% of
students return to campus. So that’s a good sign.

PROPERTY ADVICE
Lockdown Restrictions in
the Property Sector
Q My current lease is expiring during

the lockdown and I am expected/
want to move. Am I able to move?
INA BURGER
Associate at Watson Attorneys
AD
uring level five of the lockdown you would You are however required to obtain a permit from your
have been unable to move. Here is a break- nearest police station in order to be able to move. It is
down of how the restrictions have been eased therefore a good idea to phone them and inquire about
during the various lockdown levels. the steps surrounding obtaining such a permit. If you
need to move across provincial borders it’s best to ask at
As the lockdown levels are starting to relax and the police station whether that is currently allowed as this
economic activity restarts, you are able to move. During will be dependent on the current level of lockdown.
level four there were strict conditions under which you
were able to move and a timeframe in which you were Persons who are victims of domestic violence are
allowed to move. Later regulations however did away allowed to relocate. Businesses are also allowed to move
with the time period and loosened the conditions under premises. It is advisable when contacting your moving
which you are allowed to move. These conditions include company for arrangements regarding your move that
having a new lease agreement that was entered into you confirm that they have the necessary permits in place
before lockdown or that transfer of your property took to operate on the day of your move.
place before/ during lockdown.
Q I am not my receiving rental. What

now?
AT
enants are required to pay their rental during
lockdown in accordance with their lease agree- If the above is however not the case and you cannot
ment. And you remain entitled to your rental / or are unwilling to wait for rental payments or the
for this time and as long as the tenant remains in the
tenant has been in arrears for some time before the
property.
international pandemic, you should take immediate
action to limit your damages. This would include sending
If you are in a fortunate position to not need your
out a letter of demand for the arrears, proceeding with
rental to survive and the default in payment is only a
the obtaining of an eviction order or summons for the
recent occurrence, it may be in your best interest to
arrears. These actions however take time and especially
renegotiate your lease with your tenant. It could very
during these times can take even longer. Not all courts
well be that they are just currently experiencing a
are currently issuing new processes and it is therefore
cashflow problem. Good tenants are worth their weight
best to have your documents drafted, signed and ready
in gold and delaying, reducing or extending your rental
for when courts start accepting new documentation. It is
terms may be in your favour in the long run, especially if
advisable to start the process as soon as possible.
you are unsure when you’ll be able to get a new tenant.
You must however be very specific when renegotiating
the terms of your lease agreement to avoid disputes
with your tenant at a later stage.

MASTER INVESTOR
Innovate, Lead & Deliver

With Wayne van der Vent &
Karen Miller
SIDIMA MFEKU
The duo behind the major real estate and property player,
Quoin Online, Wayne van der Vent and Karen Miller, have
needed to constantly reinforce the importance of technology
within the sector. As many businesses scramble to become
tech savvy during social-distancing, Quoin Online are leaders
of the industry with their innovative online transactional
tech solutions.

WAYNE VAN DER VENT & KAREN MILLER
J
ust when you think you have seen it all and found your
groove, things change and it’s time to move from your WAYNE VAN DER VENT
comfort zone. The current Covid-19 pandemic is an ex-
ample. While I’ve been in the industry for almost thirty years, Position: CEO & Co-Founder
and have managed my way through many changes, this
current time presents a completely new frame ofreference, Company: Quoin Online
and opportunity to further test our ability to find creative
solutions. Years company has operated: 5
”Quoin Online’s Wayne van der Vent, entered the property Age: 55
industry in the 1990s as anin-house legal counsel at Monex
Development. It was the first of his many other interventions Marital Status/Family: Married, 3 children
and projects in the property sector, as his involvement in the
industry was a case of being “in the right place at the right Books currently reading:
time,” as he puts it. With lockdown, everything & anything
“While it is important to use

KAREN MILLER
tech to improve efficiencies,
Position: Principal & Co-Founder
a big part of property is also
Company: Quoin Online
entrepreneurial, and tech
Years company has operated: 5
cannot replace that.”
Age: 44
“Two days after joining Monex Development in 1991 as an Marital Status/Family: Married, 2 daughters & a
in-house legal counsel to focus on leases and such, I was sent to son
Port Elizabeth to assist with the redevelopment of Cleary Park
shopping centre, in the northern areas of PE. At the time I didn’t Books currently reading:
realise I was playing a small part in making retail property The book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop,
history as this was among the first large shopping centres to be Desmond Tutu & Douglas Abrams
built in a previously disadvantaged community,” he says.
Life Motto:
“From there my interest grew in the sector and I joined I have two: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone &
Property Asset Managers andbuilt portfolios of township Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own
shopping centres on behalf of Futuregrowth Asset inner voice – Steve Jobs
Management.I remained with Futuregrowth and grew the
fund to 48 township shopping centres, across the length and financial and operational aspects of various corporate,
breadth of South Africa.” institutional and government travel accounts and in-house
travel agencies. A friend enticed me into the property industry.”
“On a personal level, I consider one of my most significant
professional achievements the development of a funding “I started with Seeff in residential property at the V&A
product to develop shopping centres in townships and being Waterfront Marina in Cape Town, which is Cape Town’s most
the first to offer a socially responsible property product to the exclusive real estate. After selling the last block of 30 luxury
pension and investment industry” apartments built in the Marina directly from the developer (V
& A) to an international investor, I realised I there was not much
Ready for a new challenge Wayne joined the Public further growth for me in this sector.”
Investment Corporation in 2005 and grew the portfolio to R50
billion in five years. At the same time he became Chairman of “When the investor chose to convert the apartments
the commercial board for the Airports Company of SA and into serviced five star luxury accommodation and expand
managed therebuilding of all the airports in preparation of the their portfolio to include commercial property, I opened and
2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament.“ headed up their office in Cape Town. I knew very little about
commercial property, but with a lot of reading and research, I
I’m proud of having spearheaded the acquisition of the V&A taught myself enough to start what was the beginning of my
Waterfront from Dubai World, an endeavour which taught me exciting journey in this sector. That taught me that with the
that patience is key, and that anything is possible if you have right skills, motivation and tenacity, anything is possible.
the will and means to do it.
”Indeed, anything is possible when you seize opportunities
But, for Wayne van der Vent’s partner in business, Karen and have the right partner at your side. Especially when these
Miller, her entry into the property sector came a little while opportunities arise in the most unlikely of places. Miller says:
after completing her degree in tourism management. “After “Wayne and I had daughters in the same class, and when
having completed my honours in Tourism Management, I was he resigned from the PIC, we joined forces. We both realised
employed for 9 years by American Express Travel as a business that there process of marketing, assessing and purchasing
development manager, implementing and managing the

MASTER INVESTOR
properties needed refinement. The lack of detailed due “Before virtual meeting spaces and no-contact interactions
diligence and financial information made available to buyers, became a requirement to make the world a safer, healthier
often resulted in poor offers being made. This information place, we saw this as the future of conducting efficient,
underpins an investment and is the minimum requirement in convenient property transactions. So, when the lockdown
order for buyers to make an informed decision on price. was enforced, rather than having to roll out completely new
systems, we simply had to make minor changes to processes
“The need for integrity of information, coupled with the already in place.”
transparency of the system, inspired us to create a platform
which has over the past 5 years been utilised by several listed “We have needed to be patient and even when the industry
and institutional funds.” is reticent to embrace technology, to constantly reinforce and
prove its worth. With the right team and motivation, we have
Innovate, lead & deliver been able to punch way above our weight class, having used
our systems for the disposal of some of the largest funds and
Often disrupters are software developers who attempt institutions in SA.”
to digitise a sector of an industry. According to Miller, some
disrupters often lack the understanding of the basic principles Quoin Online focuses on the transactional element of
or the opportunity for technology to solve problems within sales and leasing and is among the few platforms on which
that industry. every part of the property sales and leasing transaction can
be completed online, from start to finish. “While there are
“Our software development team, who have been the software solutions available to the Broker market, we believe
market leaders in the advent oftechnology in the online that landlords should be utilising technology to showcase their
vehicle auction space in South Africa, are partners in our vacancies to let and properties for sale directly to tenants and
business.” This partnership provides innovative skills, in tech investors.”
as well as property, thatensures the ability of Quoin Online to
provide customers with cutting edge solutions by constantly In the pipeline
re-engineering the business offering in pursuit of creating
more valuable solutions for customers. To date, the majority of sales at Quoin Online have been
through their own digital platform with Quoin Online acting
“Tech moves fast! Having our team in-house, allows us to as a broker. As digitisation has evolved, the company has
be nimble. We can adopt and integrate new innovations and recognised the need for landlords to be in control of their own
offer bespoke add–on solutions quicker than companies who sales and letting online, utilising the Quoin Online software,
outsource. It is our core capability to translate business needs and promoting technology-based transactions, in line with
into digital processes paired with industry insight. Effective current trends.
software solutions need to be designed, built and maintained
by an expert team of developers guided by leadership with With skill and motivation, everything is possible and we
deep industry expertise.” have it is bucketloads. QuoinOnline has developed a bespoke,
white-labelled, marketing, and transactional platform for sales
Tech Innovations & Covid-19 Lockdown and vacancy management. The platform is branded to client
specification and, as it extracts information directly from the
Customer behaviour and preferred interactions have management system of the landlord, it provides accurate
changed significantly and while they will continue to shift, the information, eliminating errors and the need for manual
use of digital services during the existence of the Coronavirus intervention.
is here to stay. Many using digital channels will continue to use
them when things return to “normal”. “We are currently piloting the white labelled platform and
plan to roll out the system during the course of the year.”
“Technology can, and will, be an important factor in the
property industry going forward and the early adoption “The limitations placed on mobility have seen customers
thereof will not only enhance sustainability and continuity, review both their use of products and the access thereto. We
but contribute to efficiency, transparency, cost saving and have been ahead of this curve with the development of a
profitability.” comparator site, where tenants may view all vacancy listings
withinan area, price range and size. This is an important
If one looks at how businesses are being forced to operate aspect in allowing tenants both the flexibility to view multiple
under the current lockdown and the proverbial ‘new normal’ options, but also supplying the information needed to make a
brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Quoin Online has correct and informed decision.” The comparator site will serve
arguably had a head start. as a marketing tool, and upon submission of an offer, will be
made via the individual landlord’s site.
“The commercial property industry is often slow to
embrace new ideas, particularly interms of technology. In The new normal
many instances, Excel spreadsheets and the use of a property
management system are the highest level of tech that you will The world as we know it has changed. People and businesses
find in a property company. The opportunity for innovation have had to adapt in the way they socialise,work and live. The
and tech-based solutions is rife On the flipside, however, while property sector is no different.
it is important to use tech to improve efficiencies, a big part
of property is also entrepreneurial, and tech cannot replace According to the team leading Quoin Online, “The property
it. No matter howmuch data computers gather by analysing sector will need to change rapidly to accommodate the needs
our clicks and searches, artificial intelligence cannot – and will of clients post Covid-19. In the residentialspace, the ability for
never be able to - replace a ‘gut feel.” people to work from home has amplified the need for reliable

WAYNE VAN DER VENT & KAREN MILLER
and fast connectivity and communal workspace areas in To succeed during this trying era, companies will need to
security complexes and apartments blocks. ensure that their digital channels are on par with, or better
than, their competition to succeed in this new environment.
This will mean that property companies will not only need to
“The property sector will rethink their product offering but also the manner in which
they market and transact their product.
need to change rapidly to “We want Quoin Online to create a platform which is not just
a product, but by leveraging our technology it solves problems
accommodate the needs of & maximises efficiencies. Our core capability and commitment
is to innovate solutions in the online commercial transactional
clients post Covid-19.” tech space, to continue to lead the change in the way the
industry transacts and to deliver unparalleled service to our
customers.”
“The office sector may need to look at more flexible leasing Providing structural strength and permanence to the walls
arrangements, not only offering space but services. It may be of the digital life of the property sector, Quoin Online’s vision is
necessary for landlords to adopt the same methodologies as to provide quality, innovative tech solutions to the commercial
the shared office operators. Here again technology can play property industry. “We are not developing a product, we are
an important role. Using the Quoin Online rental platform will developing a system which solves a problem.”
allow landlords to manage multiple flexible leasing options
seamlessly. All these areas will harness technology to enhance
product offerings in a more efficient, streamlined, and cost- SOURCE Quoin Online
effective manner.”
Investment Tips
1. Don’t rush. Determine what your needs are and what you wish to acquire.
2. Don’t make long term decisions, like buying or selling, based on short term conditions.
3. Turn a crisis into an opportunity.
4. In times of economic uncertainty people head for the safety, security and solidity of bricks
and mortar.
5. Location is not everything. Choose the sectors.
6. Learn how to build a diversified portfolio. Diversification can help mitigate the inherent risk of
investing.
7. No longer only selling a space - selling a product. Product offering is important to attract
clients.
8. Invest into new technology - do not buy a product, buy a solution to a problem you have
9. Before investing in something, invest in time to understand it.
10. Invest first and spend what’s left. Don’t spend first and invest what’s left

COVER STORY
Perfect storm
for real estate buyers
Property emerges under Level 3
to best buyers’ market
SIDIMA MFEKU

A
s the country enters into level 3 of Lockdown, the real and businesses is exactly what our country needed at this
estate industry re-opens as the best buyer’s market in time,” says says Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of
decades. While it is difficult to predict how the market Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett. 
may play out in the coming months, right now, the market is
especially favourable for the low to mid-market range. With Goslett advises: “South Africans would be wise to use this
interest rates at the lowest levels in 50 years, plenty of good cut to pay off debt as quickly as possible. If you can afford to
inventory to choose from and with rental demand set to do so, keep your repayments at the same value before the cut.
keep rising – the perfect storm is brewing for buyers. If you were paying R10,000 per month, then continue to pay
this amount so that you can shorten your loan term and save
on interest charges. If you cannot afford to do this, then use the
“If you are still wondering when the best time to buy is, this money you save on interest charges to avoid purchasing items
is it,” says Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group.  on credit and getting yourself into further debt.” 
“As real estate emerges from Lockdown under Level 3 and the
support structures of real estate transactions head back into Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate
operation, we also enter the best buyers’ market in my over 35 concludes: “Industries and consumers who are under a great
years in the industry,” he says. deal of financial pressure due to the ongoing lockdown will
welcome the second major repo cut – as will the property
“The latest rate cut has taken the total decline in the interest sector. The 1% repo rate cut means that it will be somewhat
rate to an unprecedented 2.75%, taking the repo rate down to easier for South Africans to qualify and pay off their home
3.75%, below 4% for the first time since introduced in 1998 as loans, once things return to normalcy.” 
the Reserve Bank’s main policy instrument. The prime interest
rate (and mortgage lending rate) now stands at 7.25% for the “The decision to cut the repo rate by a further 1% shows us
first time since 1966.” the seriousness of the virus’ effects on the economy and the
earnest efforts the Reserve Bank is making to ensure that our
“These rate cuts have created an unprecedented economy keeps going.” 
opportunity for buyers to take advantage of what is now a
near five-decade low reducing borrowing costs and improving Extended buyer’s market
affordability,” says Seeff.
 Besides the considerable saving on monthly mortgage
payments, affordability has increased drastically. If you had
“If you are still purchased a R1 million property at 10%, i.e. before the rate
cuts, your gross monthly income requirement was at around
R33 000 per month. It has now reduced by over R5 000, a
wondering when significant benefit for buyers to take advantage of the interest
savings and transfer duty exemption.
the best time While it is difficult to predict how the market may play out
in the coming months, Seeff says that right now, the market is
to buy is, especially favourable for the low to mid-market range to R1.5
million (R3 million in some areas) where we are seeing the bulk
this is it.”
of activity. Buyers who are financially able to buy now have
more property to choose from as stock levels are higher than
what they have been for some time.
In many low to mid-price areas it is almost cheaper to buy

Repo rate cut than rent now, he says. Investors can also use the low interest
rate to their advantage. Sellers in the low to mid-price ranges
“The decision by the Reserve Bank to cut the repo rate by should still be able to sell faster. Additionally, says Seeff, price
a further 100 basis points to 4.25% (bond rate to 7.75%) is to growth in this sector is also likely to fare better compared to
be applauded and absolutely necessary for the economy the higher price bands.
and property market,” says Samuel  Seeff, chairman of
the Seeff Property Group. 
  Plan Ahead 
“This rate cut takes the interest rate to a new historic low.
Together with the previous cut, this is vital for when the country “We foresee an extended buyers’ market kicking in in the
comes out of the COVID-19 Lockdown and the recovery next six months, and we anticipate it to last between 18 to
starts,” says Seeff. The two rate cuts provide a saving of about 24 months”, explains Grant Smee, Managing Director of Only
20% for property buyers and is a significant boost for demand.  Realty and Founder of EPiC South Africa. 
“Though this decision will have negative consequences “While the interest rate cut is favourable in the short-term,
for the rand, I believe that the upside benefits outweigh the buyers need to plan and budget for an expected increase in
downside risks that this cut poses for our economy. The the medium to long term”.  Some estate agents and property
immediate relief this decision provides to both consumers

COVER STORY
advisors will be quick to encourage buyers to take up an offer, property prices tend to go down during recessions; and that
but the low interest rates will not last forever. “It is vital that interest rates also tend to be lower, which makes bank finance
buyers take their affordability levels into consideration and more affordable.” 
budget for future interest rate hikes,” explains Smee. 
And finally, he says, you will set yourself up for decent capital
growth in the longer-term. “For example, many investors who
Property Projections  had the courage and foresight to buy property straight after
the 2007/ 09 financial crash have seen the value of those
When looking to the future of residential property, Smee properties increase by more than 50% over the past 10 years.” 
says that various factors need to be considered, these include
price, type, demographic, location and local economy - “These days, with technology making it possible for many
ignoring pockets of excellence.   more people to work from home full-time, there is also rising
demand for rental homes in country towns, where property
He notes that the decline in housing prices will also be purchase prices also tend to be much lower than in the cities.” 
affected by critical factors such as the length of the lockdown,
the extent to which industries are limited in their operations For those who don’t have the cash to buy an investment
and the amount of relief provided.  property outright, he says, there are many options for pooling
their resources with others who are interested in doing so, or
obtaining bank finance. “Crowdfunding is the most modern
“Many investors method of raising cash, but South Africans may be more
familiar and comfortable with a ‘stokvel’ set up with people
who had the courage they know and trust, and our banks are also used to assisting
these savings groups. 
and foresight to buy “Alternatively, you may wish to invest together with just
a couple of friends or members of your own family, and in
property straight general SA banks are quite amenable to granting home-loans

for such joint purchases, provided there is a clear agreement in
place about who will be responsible for the bond repayment.
after the 2007/ 09 This agreement will need to be drawn up by a professional,
and once that is done, investors are also advised to consult a
financial crash have

reputable mortgage originator and obtain pre-qualification for
a home loan so they know exactly how much they can afford
to spend.” 
seen the value of those Next, says Everitt, you will need to decide on the type of
properties.”
property you wish to buy and where, go through the online
listings for these areas to identify the best prospects, contact
the agents involved to arrange viewings, and start negotiating
price. 
“In the affordable housing market, we expect to see a 5 to “You should also look out for new developments in your
10% decline. Some areas may be less affected but broadly preferred areas, because there is also no transfer duty on units
speaking, the economy, the affordability of buyers and the purchased directly from a developer, and because you stand
amount of supply will ultimately lead us into an extended to see rapid capital growth by the time an off-plan unit is
buyers’ market.”  actually built. In addition, newly-built units come with certain
construction guarantees and generally require much less
Real Estate Investment maintenance for the first five years of ownership. 
Astute investors have traditionally turned to real estate in “And whether you decide on a pre-owned or a new
tough times – for several reasons, starting with the fact that the property, you should not delay buying now. Interest rates are
demand for rental homes always increases when consumers already at the lowest levels in almost 50 years, there is plenty
are under financial pressure.  of good inventory to choose from at the moment, and rental
   demand is set to keep rising as people respond to the fallout of
“This means that if you buy wisely in an area that is well- the Covid-19 pandemic by making changes to their lifestyles as
located and well-priced, your rental property or properties will well as their budgets.” 
seldom be vacant and you will have a steady stream of rent
coming in to cover costs,” says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas
Everitt International property group. 
SOURCES Seeff Property Group, Greeff Christie’s Interna-
“Other reasons to buy when the economy is in trouble tional Real Estate, RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Only Realty,
include the facts that real estate is also a tangible, lower-risk
EPiC South Africa, Chas Everitt International property group
asset like gold; that your acquisition costs will be lower because

TECHNOLOGY
How to stay safe in

cyberspace
Protect your data from
opportunistic hackers
SIDIMA MFEKU
The world is in a standstill. Interpersonal interactivity and

movement, whether for business or other intentions, is
restricted. The need for digital connection has created a
breeding ground for tech innovation. But as an end user you
need to keep cognisant about how your data is being used
and increase vigilance online.
Since the enforcement of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions lead a company to better and more productive decisions.
in South Africa and other parts of the world, sustainable “Technology is enough, but innovation is not, and innovation
economic and business development has been unpredictable always comes during a place of disruption,” says Shawa.
and unfortunate. More so because business operations have
been threatened by the various ways of curbing the spread of He adds: “Given the pandemic, a very heavy and economy
the coronavirus, including social distancing. It has resulted in threatening situation, we need to do things differently. This
some businesses shutting down and some running at a loss. calls for a more efficient and cost friendly way of doing things.
Given the current restrictions, there is more need for digital
There are widespread tech inventions for business owners connection innovation as opposed to the norm. Think about
and real estate investors to take advantage of during these how else an entity can connect to clients and still make them
difficult times. Equally so, there are abundant tech solutions for feel in charge and like they are next to you.”
businesses to utilise either for marketing purposes or for the
internal productivity of their staff. Technology really does run the world. Extreme functionality
of companies without tech innovations is redundant. It is
Innovation exceedingly difficult to find a company who does not have a
social media account, website or online presence. Real Estate
Technology is an enabler of businesses. Technology alone agents and developers have increasingly relied on social
is not efficient; minds and thoughts need to come together media to connect with clients. But this will not be enough. To
for a prosperous use of technology. Something that Mark stimulate business growth there is a need for the diversities
Shawa, Vodacom Tech Cybersecurity Specialist, believes would brought by technology.

In a time where all businesses are resorting to online when logging to a site, people should be on the lookout for
operations, many people have been raising concerns about sites that start with HTTPS, this is a secure port which certifies
whether cyberspace will suffer from the saturation of many that in the event where one is hacked, their data is encrypted
entities clouding the space. Shawa says no one really and cannot be interpreted in plain text but in codes. “We are at
anticipated the sudden impact of the coronavirus. “Even home, crime has dropped, but cybercrime will be at its peak”
though the transition to the 4th Industrial Revolution is widely
observed, it is not coming as sudden as the coronavirus has.
Going digital has not been in the utmost interests of every There is no complete security on the
player in the business industry, because then, operations have internet
been free and not under threat.
The real estate sector deals with large sums of money
Better navigation locally or internationally. A single day of inactivity in real estate
business is a major loss for the company. So, during these times
sitting back and waiting for the ease of restrictions before
Innovation excites, especially when you are aware and have
getting back to work is not an option.
knowledge about it. It excites you when you are well informed.
The lockdown has brought diversified inception of IOTs making
Being hacked during these times, while working remotely
them stronger than before and other businesses are inventing
and relying on digital communications, is prevalent everywhere
brand-new innovative ideas. Enforcing these can be beneficial
and there is no one who is entirely safe on the internet. As
to major real estate businesses, but what about the treatment
proven by the South African government’s ministerial zoom
of their contracts, signatures and cheques?
meeting which was hacked. “The first thing I tell anyone is to
never assume that you are 100% secure. Your security is only as
“From a cyber security point of view, you need to understand
strong as your weakest link,” says Shawa.
that the internet is a space where data is widespread, it is called
a network because it’s a WEB. You can get stuck in places and
Whoever you are linking yourself to must be certain that
find yourself chewed up by bigger guns that exist there. This is
the platform they are using is safe and they must be aware
because what everyone is looking for on the internet is data.”
of the platform’s weaknesses. For their weakness might affect
you and the safety of your online transactions and business in
“Now people are losing money, the world economy is
general.
struggling, and all there is to rely on at this point, is data.
Therefore, as an end user (whether you are in property,
According to Shawa, there are various ways of continuing to
medicine or in any other field or industry) the protection of
maximise your wealth and keeping your business active during
data on the internet is something you need to lookout for.
these times. The little information that is available to our eyes
gets surpassed because of the deficiency of knowledge. It is
Security practices when navigating

the internet “Technology alone is not
Often when surfing the net people tend to pay more
attention to what they are to benefit from the webpage or
efficient; minds and thoughts
website they are using and worries not about whether their need to come together
data is protected in the process or not.
for a prosperous use of
Shaw says: “As an end user you need to keep cognisant
about how your data is being used, you need to be aware technology.”
that when I go to a site, is it a secure site? Is it a reputable site?”
While these flags can be spotted, many people overlook them
all with the assumption that there is no harm in this. important that people get as much knowledge as possible
about their business dealings. Because “cyberspace is not
“A simple example of bad practise that people often do is not merciful, it is ruthless.”
reading the terms and conditions of contracts they subscribe
to on the internet, because they are extremely long, and it just There are particularly good, unconventional hackers that
seems tedious. The assumption from the side of the end user is easily make a lot of money from hacking major industries like
that ‘this account is not trying to crook me’ while accepting the the real estate sector. There is no absolute trick to defeat these
terms and conditions. People need to check these often. End people. “So, keep practising caution and vigilance on the net,”
users need to be educated about internet behaviours and how concludes Shawa.
much damage overlooking these contracts can cause.”
Shawa believes that most end users do not know much

about safe sites and the indicators of one of those. He says

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RESIDENTIAL
18 20 26
Restructure rental Virtual property Conveyancers during
agreements transactions coronavirus
The pandemic has made it near Industries that rely on face-to-face Conveyancers should use the potential
impossible for parties to meet the communication have been heavily downtime under Lockdown to ensure
obligations of their agreements. Many impacted by the Lockdown. The they are well prepared for a post Covid
landlords & tenants will need to amend real estate industry has responded world. There are five windows of
existing agreements going forward. by trying to change its traditional opportunity within the sector.
business model virtually overnight.
TOP TRENDING FOR RESIDENTIAL ONLINE

Visit www.reimag.co.za for the latest updates online.
Rental arears - further Property sellers - prepare Tips for late paying tenants
decline expected overstocked market The global pandemic has left
The first PayProp Rental Index for The economic fall-out of Covid-19 many in financially challenging
2020 has been released, and with it will be that more property listings positions. Many landlords may
a disturbing statistic. During March will flood the market as many find themselves in a predicament
2020, just over 20% of tenants were property owners will be forced to sell where their tenant is no longer
in arrears, increasing to almost 24% for financial reasons according to the able to pay monthly rent.
in April. Seeff Property Group.
LEGAL
5 Predictions for the market

going forward
And how to restructure your rental
agreements accordingly
JOHN JACK & DEAN WRIGHT
John Jack of Galetti Corporate Real Estate together with

Dean Wright of Schindlers Attorneys share their thoughts
on market trends going forward. They also share tips
for the restructuring of rentals and specific clauses that
should be included in contracts to safeguard both tenants
and landlords, in case of extraordinary events such as the
Covid-19 pandemic.   

The extended lockdown has sparked major uncertainty Rental reduction & tenant income declaration
around the future of our economy. Regardless of what your
cash flow looked like before Covid-19 struck, most businesses “Tenants are starting to approach landlords for a reduction
are now tapping into every available resource to stay afloat. in rental amounts, in turn, landlords are asking for income
John Jack, CEO of Galetti Corporate Real Estate says that declarations, documents and proof of loss of income to allow
innovative landlords have created additional funding pools for meaningful negotiations surrounding this.”
tenants to access to continue to pay rentals at very low interest
rates. Rental deferment agreement
Five predictions for the market “These types of agreements temporarily suspend the
tenant’s obligation to pay the full rental amount for an agreed
going forward period of time, as well as dictate how these payments are to be
caught up in the future”.
1
Companies or regulation will enforce an employee dis-
tancing protocol which will require a larger office for Specific clauses that are being discussed and rethought
a similar number of employees or the same office for are the “force majeure” and dispute resolution clauses in
less employees. Overflow will look to serviced flexible work- agreements.
space providers to cater to the requirement.
2
Force majeure & impossibility of performance
Corporates will increasingly use flexible workspace to
service their office requirement.
Although there is some misconception around these
types of clauses, generally they aim to ‘excuse’ a party’s
3
non-performance in terms of an agreement, as a result
E-commerce will be a necessity for business going for-
of a circumstances that were not within the reasonable
ward, if you are building a business now that can’t be
contemplation of the parties.
run online. Stop.
4
Typically, either the agreement will specifically include these
Landlords will have to offer flexible lease terms much
types of clauses (however we are seeing that these are rarely
shorter than the standard five-year lease contract. It
worded to cater for the effects of Covid) or one would have to
will come at a premium for the tenant but it will be
look to the common law where the defence of impossibility of
better than the liability of a long-term contract.
performance is relied on.
5
Banks will have to align with landlords factoring in far
“It is important to note that Covid and its effects are
shorter lease terms and the requirement to fund the
undoubtedly now within the contemplation of contracting
CAPEX portion of the relocation.
parties, as such, non-performance due to Covid will more
than likely fall out of scope of these types of clauses in the
“Going forward, we foresee employment contracts being
future, and the parties will now have to specifically regulate
renegotiated based on flexible terms and approximately 70-
their obligations that may be hampered due to Covid in their
80% working from the office at select times, on select days”.
agreements”.
Dispute resolution clause
How to Restructure Your Rental “With the uncertainty of how court-based litigation may be
Agreements affected post Covid and lockdown, agreements that contain
alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are being utilised
Many lessons have been learned during these extraordinary more in the event of a dispute arising. It is important to check
times. One that stands out and makes news headlines regularly whether the dispute resolution clause makes provision for
is that of restructuring rental agreements. According to Dean alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration,
Wright, Partner from Schindlers Attorneys and Notaries, the adjudication or mediation.”
pandemic has made it near to impossible for parties to meet
their obligations of their agreements, particularly those “Given that these types of dispute resolution mechanisms
relating to the rental of properties. are consent based, parties are still at liberty to agree to follow
them despite not specifically being included in agreements,
Wright says that many landlords and tenants are now however it is suggested that an attorney be consulted to assist
entering into negotiations to amend/supplement existing in the preparation of such agreement.”
agreements. The most common of these are as follows:
In terms of settling disputes, parties are carefully
Deposit utilisation agreements considering their position before embarking on the standard
litigation process to resolve their disputes. “Many are opting
“Here, the tenant agrees that their deposit held by the for mediation (private and court-annexed) or arbitration. By
landlord can be used to cover any rent shortfalls for a certain following these avenues, disputes can be settled without
period of time, and this deposit amount will be replenished by compromising longstanding business relationships.”
the tenant by a certain date”.

FINDING
Virtual property
transactions
Can a traditional industry really make the move?
Industries that rely on face-to-face communication, such

as the residential property sector, have been heavily
impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown. The industry
has responded by trying to change its longstanding,
traditional business model virtually overnight.
G
rant Smee, Managing Director of Only Realty and able to leave their residences to view properties”.
Founder of EPiC South Africa says that the residen- Smee says that the traditional marketing principles will
tial property sector has implemented new measures always apply to the industry and that an online strategy is an
to attempt selling and renting homes digitally. “Tours of interim solution. “Physically viewing a property, meeting a
homes, paperwork and meetings with prospective tenants prospective tenant/ owner and liaising with the current owners
and owners are now being conducted online”. This trend fol- forms a fundamental part of our business. Site inspections are
lows an international movement with 58% of current buyers crucial and virtual tours, although great tools as part of the
in the US market taking part in virtual house tours (National overall Agent offering, puts the new buyer/ tenant and the
Association of Realtors). agent at risk”.
Built on traditional marketing principles, Smee cautions that “While the reduced repo rate is attractive in the current
reinventing the industry poses great threat. “The residential climate, not being able to physically view a property or meet
property market is at level 2 of the country’s risk adjusted a tenant/ owner remains a major stumbling block. Adding to
strategy. The deeds office opened on level 4, although the this, evictions cannot be executed, renovations and valuations
opening of the Cape Town Deeds Office has been delayed, cannot take place, transferring of properties will be delayed
and most of the industry is simply managing properties to stay due to backlogs at the Deeds Office, and in addition to this,
afloat.  The market will remain slow if not stagnant until both tenants & homeowners are not able to move during this
Agencies are able to operate again, and buyers/tenants are period,” he adds.

2
  Looking to the long-term survival of the industry, Smee Is there sufficient segregation of duties?
believes that this is another devastating blow for the embattled “With all-digital file storage and sharing, is there
industry. “In the current climate and in-line with the pandemic, sufficient segregation of duties? Or is there a risk
we believe that it will take about 18-months to two years for that an individual has too much access to or control
the industry to get back to where it was most recently,” he over any particular aspect of a transaction? Davel says that it
explains.  is best practice to ensure that no one employee, especially
someone that works with trust funds, is left to manage an
“Right now, agents entire transaction from start to finish.
3
Are suppliers correctly verified?
and companies need Was there genuinely an essential service rendered?
Why is this payment only being processed now?
to work together to
Responsible people must use common sense and
accept nothing at face value. “It’s always vital that the supplier’s
banking details are confirmed, as well as the amount to be
determine a long- paid,” says Davel
term solution rather

4
Are you keeping a close eye on financial
transactions?
Agency principals and directors should keep a close
than looking to a eye on all financial movements to check the accuracy

of all details including recipients. Distraction is a real factor for
all people working from home, and whether intended or not,
quick fix.” mistakes can be made.
Davel says in this climate, even debit notes and credit notes
And although the integration of technology will accelerate should be double-checked for accuracy. “It’s important to
due to the lockdown, it is not the silver bullet that industry understand the reason for each ‘correction’, as well as any other
might hope it to be. The key would be allowing buyers & financial movements, and check it against an applicable source
tenants to once again visit and look around homes they might document, like an invoice.”
5
want to buy”.  
How could you support your team
Smee says that the local industry will benefit greatly better?
by learning from and adapting international trends, post Technology provides the tools needed to support the
lockdown to the local sector. “Countries like New Zealand are new remote working structure. Davel says PayProp is
now sitting on zero Covid-19 cases and are looking to reignite designed to be used from anywhere, on any device and with
the residential property market. Gaining insights from around direct integration into the banking system, it keeps principals
the world will prove crucial to rapidly reaccelerating our sector”. up to date with all transactions.
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR ESTATE AGENTS “Employees get live access to real information on the
platform and with PayProp’s indelible audit trail, principals are
PayProp CEO Jan Davel says that due to lockdown, agents able to maintain visibility and control over their workflows,
are not necessarily able to follow their normal processes and including which tasks have been completed and which
protocols, which more often than not include shared hard copy haven’t,” says Davel.
files and printed paperwork. In addition, with teams working
together remotely, the usual office collaboration, including “The likelihood is that estate agents will continue to work
spontaneous information sharing and hallway chats, is harder under these same circumstances for some time yet,” says Davel.
to achieve. “My advice is to find innovative new methods and processes to
oversee operations, which will likely benefit the business in the
A decision maker’s attention is further also split in long run. I expect that many estate agencies will, like us, retain
substantially more directions. “Spouses, children, deliveries and some of the new, lockdown-induced, methods and processes
other factors make it increasingly difficult to be as productive once the lockdown has been lifted.”
or engaged when working from home”. Davel suggests that
estate agents ask themselves the following questions to keep
their ships on course in this uncertain time:
1
Is there sufficient communication
amongst colleagues?
“Without physical proximity, there is far less face-to-
face communication between colleagues, which could
result in far fewer checks and balances if the right tools aren’t
used,” says Davel. Use the tools and processes necessary to
check in as often as needed – as a group and individually – to
keep information flowing.

INVESTOR INTELLIGENCE
Resilience during a recession

What to expect from a post-Covid
property market
In the wake of the pandemic and ensuing economic crisis, the

real estate sector is going to have to fundamentally change
in order to adapt to new conditions and environments in the
future. As with all global crises, Covid-19 will leave a
long-lasting legacy on the real estate industry.

“While the current global pandemic may or may not This means that well-capitalised buyers will find great
ultimately deliver a complete ‘global reset’many commentators opportunities to acquire assets at discounts to 2019 prices, but
are postulating there can be little doubt that Covid-19, like they will likely be wary of even these pricing levels, as Shaw
many previous global crises, will leave some kind of long- believes we haven’t hit the bottom of the economic curve yet.
lasting legacy. The residential property market is one sector “Sellers may drop prices further to entice transactions, which
which is likely to feel those lingering after-effects,” says Dr will result in lower property valuations, which in turn has a
Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property knock-on effect on rental prices.”
group.
Remote working & buyer behaviour
“The South African Reserve Bank has cut the repo rate to
a record low of 3.75% since the beginning of this year, with Dr Golding says: “Faced with significantly more time spent at
the hope that this will help alleviate the anticipated sharp home, amidst a shift to remote working or simply as a result of
contraction in South Africa’s economic activity. While this is any possible future lockdowns, homeowners may well begin to
welcome relief for financially stressed consumers as we start reconsider the suitability of their current homes.”
the slow easing of hard lockdown restrictions, will this be
enough to kickstart our economy, and how will the residential “In addition to a possible desire for more generous living
rental property look after the Covid-19 pandemic is over?” says spaces, even more multi-generational living with shared costs,
Ben Shaw, CEO of HouseME, the prospect of more time at home may well increase the
attractiveness of access to private outdoor space, no matter
“A global recession is inevitable post-Covid-19. ‘We’re how compact. While the imminent return of load-shedding
not sure whether the shock will prove to be systemic or not. may increase the desire for a greater degree of self-sufficiency
Stimulus packages may assist economies in the short-term, at home, such as solar panels, boreholes or even an urban food
but the slowdown – particularly in emerging markets – is too garden.
widespread to be contained to just a few months,” adds Shaw. Dr Golding adds: “In recent years, the combination of
worsening congestion and rising house prices has seen many
Real estate fundamentals are strong, but sector will take a South Africans opting to sacrifice living space for homes closer
knock “Property is a far more resilient asset class than other to their places of work or transport hubs - a trend which has
industries and provides the opportunity to unlock value for fueled the rapid development and densification in business
foreign direct investment when investor confidence returns. nodes and commercial hubs across the country. The
Buying or renting South African property in GBP or USD right question is, for the abovementioned reasons, will Covid-19
now offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” says Shaw. slow the pace of densification in our residential markets? And
could it accelerate the move to smaller towns across South
He adds: “However, population growth, which should be a Africa?”
driver of increased value, is countered in South Africa by poor
affordability, overdevelopment and a massively damaged “Others have opted to move to suburbs on the periphery
economy. Because of this, retail and commercial sectors are of major metro areas or, increasingly, to smaller towns and
expected to be hit particularly hard as businesses roll out villages - particularly those located along South Africa’s
likely-irreversible remote work policies, and residential units extensive coastline – many of which have traditionally been
are increasingly used for work purposes for many of the middle viewed as retirement or holiday destinations but which now
class.” beckon as permanent residential locations.”
Sandra Gordon, Pam Golding Properties senior research

“The shift towards greater home analyst says: “At present it appears possible that the recent
trend towards densification in business hubs will slow, as social
sustainability appears distancing and remote working become more mainstream.
The desire for more generous personal living space may well
to be an example of the Covid-19 accelerate the trend towards more de-centralised living.”
crisis accelerating trends that Gordon adds: “Longer-term, developers will undoubtedly
werealready underway.” adapt to the long-term effects of the pandemic and growing
concerns around climate change. In the same way that better
sanitation was introduced in the wake of the Spanish ‘flu a
century ago, post pandemic innovations for commercial and
residential developments are likely to emerge in the years
Added to this, Shaw says that the economic contraction will ahead. The key challenge for developers in future will be to
drastically lower disposable income for buyers and renters, combine density with safety, creating spaces which create a
which places pressure on bonded landlords. “Theoretically, we sense of community yet also ensure the health of residents.”
would see capital flow out of leveraged assets into more liquid
instruments and in order to mitigate this to some degree, the Dr Golding concludes: “Bearing in mind that at present, we
repo rate reductions are a proactive measure to assist landlords remain in the early stages of this pandemic and therefore have
in meeting their loan obligations, the majority of whom are no idea as to its full extent and its likely long-term implications,
bonded,’ he says. ‘For those who are no longer able to afford it is also likely that the longer it drags on, the greater its impact
their bonds, or for those for whom liquidity is more important on the way we live and work will be.”
than their property investment, we expect to see an increase in
properties available for sale.” SOURCES Pam Golding Property, HouseME & Lightstone

ACQUIRING
The new way to buy &

sell
Bidstream sees launch of SA’s first locally
developed online property auction platform
W
hile the Covid-19 pandemic has seen an uptick in agents to work. “The virtual auction model is ideal for social
businesses adopting digital technology, innovative distancing so we predict growth in the segment.”
property company Bidstream.co.za, South Africa’s
first homegrown developed online property auction web- “The economic maelstrom created by adding pressure
site, had already moved to offer buyers and sellers an addi- from Covid-19 to our already ailing economy means that some
tional property sales channel. commercial properties that wouldn’t have come on market
will now be available, as companies move to sell off non-core
The online auction company was founded by Craig property assets to free up cash. By transacting on BidStream.
Cooper, MD of national commercial property brokerages CRE co.za, property sellers have the ability to reach a far wider
Africa and Warehouse Finder, and has offices in Cape Town, market in a secure and transparent environment. The days
Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria with a dedicated team of of live auctions are numbered as the market looks for more
more than 40 property professionals. efficient, convenient and secure ways to transact.” Cooper said.
Launched in February, Bidstream.co.za has four multi-

property auctions under its belt, which saw a collective 31
properties go under the hammer across residential, retail,
“Property sellers
commercial and industrial classes in locations such as Gordons
Bay, Ballito, Klerksdorp, Margate, Pretoria and Johannesburg. have the ability to
Cooper says gone are the days that auctions were only used
for distressed properties. “Informed sellers have seen a change
reach a far wider
of thinking as traditional sellers look at using the auction model
to sell their properties,” he said. “The process is much simpler as
all the buyer’s due diligence and financial facilities have been
market in a secure
arranged before the auction date. This means that there are no
more ‘subject to’ sales with us. After the reserve price is met and and transparent
environment.”
the auction comes to an end, the property is considered sold.
Our sellers find this refreshing as there are no waiting periods
for the buyers to obtain financing after the auction.”
The team’s extensive experience means BidStream.co.za
Bidstream.co.za boasts the country’s first native property can handle simple transactions like home sales to complicated
auction app, as opposed to a third party white labelled app commercial property portfolio sales and disposals. Through
used under license from an overseas company like others on best-of-breed database systems, the company is able to match
the market. The BidStream.co.za backend was developed in sellers with the right qualified buyers.
conjunction with a local IT and applications development
company. By virtue of its digital nature, Bidstream.co.za offers access
to a much wider market than a traditional auction. Held at no
Cooper said Covid-19 had encouraged people to look cost to the seller, prospective buyers must register, upload
at other ways of buying and selling properties. With all the FICA documents and pay a refundable R25 000 registration
current economic challenges, estate agents need to look at fee before they are approved to bid. This protects the buyers
new and innovative ways to sell property. and sellers from fictitious bids. All the bids are time-and-date
stamped and are anonymous to other bidders.
“The lockdown has been challenging for residential estate
agents, of which there are more than 40 000 in South Africa. As “Once the auction goes live, bids can be placed from
a result, they have begun to look at new ways of transacting, anywhere in the world either via the BidStream.co.za website
resulting in serious interest for our services.”These numbers are or the BidStream iOS or Android mobile app,” Cooper said.
expected to increase as Level 3 allows for residential real estate

WHERE WILDLIFE & NATURE LIVE. This 4-bedroom luxury home in Simbithi Eco Estate in Ballito will be on
offer on Bidstream.co.za on June 17. The opening bid is R3,5-million.
UPDATE YOUR OFFICE SPACE. This newly-built 894sqm office in Moreleta Park, Pretoria is accepting bids
from R10-million, on Bidstream.co.za’s June 17 auction.
All relevant due diligence and Know Your Customer In cases where bidders are unable to get access to the
procedures are completed on both purchasers and sellers. The auction platform, Bidstream.co.za provides a service whereby
timed auctions run on a set date for a number of hours, and a consultant is appointed as the proxy bidder on behalf of the
registered buyers can logon to the Bidstream.co.za to tender buyer. “In these cases, bidders would still have to go through
their bid. Unless otherwise specified the properties will have a the KYC procedures and pay the registration fee or bidding
reserve price that protects the seller from being forced to sell deposit upfront.”
at a much lower price than intended. The entire process is easy,
transparent and secure.
Bidstream.co.za’s next multi-property auction will be
The Bidstream.co.za platform is also able to host private, held on June 17, offering more than 30 properties
or closed, auctions. “This feature allows sellers to have their across residential, commercial, industrial and retail
properties auctioned to select buyers, who are then invited classes. Following this, auctions will be held weekly,
to bid on a property. These bidders would be the only ones on Thursdays.
to have access to participate and view that auction.” Cooper
said this service was useful to companies who were looking to
offload strategic properties to buyers of their choosing. SOURCE Bidstream.co.za

LEGAL
Conveyancers
during Coronavirus
Are you prepared for life after lockdown?
The Coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown “Recent history and experience have proven that there
continue to place a strain on businesses and the greater is always a rebound after a crisis and property transactions
economy, even as restrictions are eased. Conveyancers can be expected to pick up again after this economic
should use this potential downtime to ensure they are well turmoil. Conveyancers and budding conveyancers should,
prepared for a post-Covid-19 world and can minimise the therefore, use this potential downtime to ensure they are
long-term impact on their operations. well prepared for a post-COVID-19 world and can minimise
the long-term impact on their operations.”
While the current situation may lead to some doors
closing, there are also windows of opportunity for property
professionals over this period acording to Head of Software
“History and experience have
Release Management, Online Training and Facilities and proven that there is always
Infrastructure for LexisNexis South Africa, Peter Raine.
“There will be life after lockdown and we want to support a rebound after a crisis and
professionals to ensure that their long-term survival and
success helps our economy to recover once the lockdown property transactions can be
is over.”
expected to pick up again.”
“There is no denying that this is a dire situation. Globally,
the pandemic has led to a drop in real estate transactions Five windows of opportunity for
due to restrictions on movement and business operations the sector
that have been categorised as non-essential. Locally,
1
a positive step forward is the reopening of the Deeds Get creative
The national lockdown has seen the acceleration of
Office as an essential service under Level 4, which could
certain industry trends and practitioners need to get
see the limited reopening of other role players, such as
creative as they embrace these shifts and evolving working
municipalities.” habits, including operating remotely and making greater
use of online tools and new technology that facilitates
electronic transactions.

2
Plan ahead To circumvent the hassles of physically signing a
Those within the conveyancing sector can use this document during lockdown, electronic documents and
time to develop their business and career goals and to e-signatures can also be facilitated through platforms such
devise recovery plans that will allow them to be quick off as Lexis Sign, which use advanced digital software that
the mark once things return to normal.
provides total security, document integrity and indisputable
3
authenticity.
Invest in yourself
5
Individuals can also use any idle time to invest in
themselves, exploring opportunities for e-learning
Anticipate an upswing
With interest rates presently at historic lows, brick and
during the lockdown. Working individuals keen to increase
mortar assets are an attractive
their skill sets can benefit from online courses.
option and the post-Covid-19 period is going to be an
Entry level secretaries with limited exposure to the field
opportune time to scoop up bargain properties at record
of conveyancing and those new to conveyancing, or
prices, creating a pipeline of opportunities for conveyancers
school leavers with matric qualifications eager to pursue
and other property professionals. Financial institutions
a career in this space, can benefit from the six-week self-
may relax lending criteria and there could be a flood of
paced e-learning course from, A brief introduction to
properties expected to hit the market.
conveyancing in South Africa.
4
 
SOURCE LexisNexis South Africa
Go digital
There is an opportunity for municipalities to
make greater use of digital platforms to fast track PETER RAINE is the Head of Software Release
the processing of clearance certificates and overcome Management, Online Training and Facilities
administrative hurdles. Options include Lexis Rates and Infrastructure, for LexisNexis South Africa.
Clearance, which facilitates the speedy and efficient LexisNexis South Africa is a leading provider of
turnaround of the critical rates clearance figures and content and technology solutions. Their purpose
certificates issued by the local municipality, through a is to advance the rule of law around the world.
simple and secure online user interface. Publishing laws and enabling access to justice is
at thier core.

MANAGING
Let somebody else take care of

things, for a change
Intelligent support for real estate managers
As the owner or manager of a residential or commercial Property managers can then pay the municipalities on
property, you are likely keeping numerous balls in the air, all at time without having to chase tenants for money or engage
the same time. From managing the upkeep of the property to in payment disputes. Another advantage of the sub-metering
juggling tenant needs to resolving unexpected problems, the solution is the online portal. Property managers can use the
role is challenging and demanding. Right now, it’s a tenant’s portal to generate reports that offer insights into various
market and property owners and managers need to find ways
meters and can potentially identify a problem before it
of differentiating their offering in a crowded market.
becomes expensive.
“The need for relevant and consistent tenant care has
become incredibly important for the real estate market,” says “The need for relevant and
Michael Franze, Managing Director at Citiq Prepaid. “The need
for reliable consumption data and meter readings is also
consistent tenant care has
increasing as tenants want closer control over their spend and
their environments.”
become incredibly important
for the real estate market.”
This need for richer control over utilities is being driven, in
part, by the move towards energy efficiency and more aware
“With our solution, you’re giving your tenants exceptional
environmental approaches. For commercial property rentals,
experiences when it comes to utility payments and usage,”
green credentials are important for governance and for the
concludes Franze. “People don’t want to have to argue over
business ethos, for residential property it’s an attractive value-
estimated bills or shared costs with other tenants, they just
add in a market.
want things to be easy. This is where we come in – we make life
easy for you, the property manager, so you can make life easy
“Sub-metering is also incredibly useful reducing the admin
for your clients.”
load experienced by property managers,” says Franze. “With
Citiq Prepaid, property managers can relax when it comes
Citiq Prepaid’s sub-metering solutions include both
to utility payment and management because our solution
electricity and water and have been designed to tick two very
ensures that every part of the process is managed for them.
important boxes – simple and easy. Simple to buy, easy to
The tenants control their usage and spend through the
install. Simple to manage, easy to control. With these market-
meters and Citiq Prepaid deposits the funds into the relevant
leading prepaid solutions, property managers can cross one
management account on time.”
thing off their To Do list with confidence.
SOURCE Citiq Prepaid

IMPROVING
Unpacking how
colour affects your
state of mind
PALESA RAMAISA
I Out of the blue

n 1976, Rikard Kuller uncovered that colours affect the
outer layer of the brain and the entire central nervous
system, proving they can play a role on your mental state,
and why you might be yearning for a fresh shade of blue in Have you ever experienced a feeling of sudden serenity
your life. when surrounded by shades of blue? Well, according to
the experiments of American colourist, Faber Birren, blue is
Over the past two months, many of us have spent more considered beneficial to the mind and body, and has been
time in our homes than ever before. This has opened shown to help balance hormones, lower breathing rates,
our eyes to various things that we’d like to change in our slow down the metabolism, and reduce blood pressure.
properties and revealed some elements that we’ve grown  
to love or found a new purpose for. Ramaisa recommends starting your day in a room filled
with soft shades of tranquil blue like powder or sky blue
This need to refresh elements in our home is about more because it’s easy on the eye and can help bring you the
than merely updating a space, it’s about how it makes you inner peace.
feel. It could be the look of that freshly organised kitchen or
a certain paint shade that just lifts your mood. Dulux South If you’re looking for a bit of variety, the beautiful colours
Africa Colour Expert, Palesa Ramaisa, takes a closer look at that hover between blue and green have long been valued
how colour can impact your state of mind. for their special qualities. Turquoise, a gem which combines
blue and green with a touch of yellow, was believed by the
ancient Persians to ward off the evil eye. They wore the blue-
“Rikard Kuller uncovered that green stones as a protective charm.
colours affect the outer layer “Teal, a mixture of blue, green and a touch of grey, is
simply a darker shade of turquoise. Both teal and turquoise
of the brain and the entire radiate the peace, calm and tranquility of blue and the
central nervous system, balance and growth of green. Consider using turquoise in
the bedroom to create a sweet feminine feel, while darker
proving they can play a role teal shades add lively sophistication to living rooms and
hallways.”
on your mental state.”

office might inspire your next stroke of genius. If you are
“When you’re in the presence using a dual space like a common area nook or guest room,
neutrals are still the best shades that one can opt for.”
of orange you increase the She adds: “For those craving colour on a budget, adding
pops of colour in a shared space by use of a pillow on your
oxygen supply to the brain, chair, an interesting rug, or candle on your desk will still
provide the colour benefit”
which stimulates mental
Looking for a boost
activity.”
While some find pleasure in colours that wind the mind
down, many are interested in shades that could help
Creating your own green room stimulate the mind or boost creativity. If you are after an
edge, orange is a power colour to be reckoned with. Some
theorists maintain that when you’re in the presence of
The close link between pale soft greens and nature means
orange you increase the oxygen supply to the brain, which
the colour is often perceived as a soothing shade that helps
stimulates mental activity. It’s also thought to encourage
to alleviate stress and aid negative feelings. But green has
sociability, by energising people and lessening their
also been said to promote concentration. Ever wondered
inhibitions.
why TV studios have a ‘green room’, where performers
can retreat to relax before their next appearance? In fact,
“If bold orange walls aren’t your thing, subtle colour
if you take notice, green is a popular colour choice for
is just as successful in creating a stimulating, sociable
spaces where people benefit from mental clarity, such as
environment. You could try soft, earthy hues like nectarine,
conference rooms and classrooms.
coral, orange rose, sunset, rust and saffron. Work them into
a study and you might just give yourself the mental edge,”
Ramaisa recommends that you consider using green in
she concludes.
your home in areas where a calm, focused mind is needed,
like the study.“Perhaps pale sea green walls in your home
SOURCES Amdec Property Development, Lightstone,

Deloitte Global Millennial Surve

COMMERCIAL
34 36 40
Use commercial property Location matters in times of Meet your tenants halfway
to unlock value uncertainty Experts predict a significant
In economically stressful times, Amidst Lockdown & social deterioration in rental tenant
there is a significant opportunity distancing, businesses are forced to payment performance for 2020.
for businesses to enter into a sale push through hypothetical service Landlords should be thinking about
and leaseback agreement. Which and product ceilings. As businesses how they can garner as much
involves selling your property to focus more on understanding goodwill as possible during this
an investor and agreeing to lease it customer behaviour, they are time.
back from them. turning to Location Intelligence.
TOP TRENDING FOR COMMERICAL ONLINE

Good news for tenants RMB shines light on New property sector
looking for flexible space solutions council formed
The market is changing rapidly and RMB’s home HQ in Sandton, is For the first time in the history of
will most likely never be the same shining brightly with the colours the SA real estate sector, a new
for both tenants and landlords. of national unity in a gesture of representative council has been
solidarity. “Solutions need us all.” formed to provide a single voice
for property practitioners.

Surviving Covid-19
Can you use commercial
property to unlock value?
ANDREW JEFFERSON

I “A sale and a leaseback
n good times, many businesses choose to own their own
property and rent to themselves.  In this way, being an
owner-occupier is often a sound strategy as you pay your
own mortgage and build up an income generating asset.
You are secure in the fact that the property is your own and
may be the solution to
thus have security of tenure, says Andrew Jefferson, a direc-
tor of Annenberg Property Group. keeping your business
However, in more economically stressful times, such as these
currently experienced, there is a significant opportunity for
running in both the
these individuals to release this equity to employ towards their
business. A great mechanism is a sale and leaseback, which short and long term.”
involves selling your property to an investor and agreeing to
lease it back from them under predetermined conditions. Notable benefits of a sale and leaseback to an investor
include a zero-rated VAT purchase and an immediate income
A major South African supermarket chain recently became a from a tenant who has usually meticulously looked after his/
good example of this. They initially chose to develop and own her property and who has set the property up to exactly suit
many of their own shopping centres and began to generate his needs. The investor also doesn’t have to worry about broker
significant rental income from these. Recently however, they commissions, costs of vacancies, high tenant installation costs
have been unlocking value from these by signing leases and and the additional admin of dealing with municipalities should
selling them on to investors. In this way they control the terms a new tenant require any construction work to the premises.
of their leases for the long term as well as unlocking significant
value from their portfolio to release into their business. There are a few additional factors to consider before
deciding on whether this route would suit you. Firstly, an
Typically, a business would demand higher returns on owner will need to understand the achievable price and
capital than a property would. Where you may sell your realistic monthly rental that investors are likely to purchase
property at a 10% yield, you would expect to generate a higher the property for. Consideration needs to be paid as to whether
yield from your business. It is also crucial in these times to be this monthly rental is affordable, as businesses may have been
able to focus entirely on your business rather than worrying paying much lower rental to themselves.
about maintenance and other property-related stresses. Secondly, you need to understand your net cash position
post the sale, which would account for commission, capital
In addition, the financial risk profile as a tenant is lower than gains tax and settling of the mortgage bond. Also, some
being an owner-occupier, as you can budget exactly on the owner-occupiers may have an over-inflated version of what
costs associated with the lease, being rental and operational price is achievable for their properties and the worst thing that
costs. It eliminates the extra worry of large once-off expenses a property agent can do is to pander to these lofty aspirations
like having to repaint the building, replacing rusted gutters simply in order to secure a mandate.
or windows, or any unexpected large maintenance or capital
replacement work. More than ever in the current environment, prices need
to be realistic in order to achieve a sale. This is not to say that
prices are going to be depressed - there are investors who are
extremely eager to take advantage of the reduced interest rate
“More than ever in the environment. But they will not be willing to overpay for assets
given the uncertain market.
current environment, While agents are unable to physically show your property
prices need to be
to investors at this time, they are able to advise you on market
related rental levels and what value to expect to achieve for
your property in this market. They can view all the details,
realistic in order to visuals, and related market and other data regarding your
property, work on the lease agreement with you remotely,
achieve a sale.” compile an investment schedule and send your property to

targeted investors who are actively looking for property even
in this market.
Many leaseback arrangements can contain a Right of First We’ve sold many investments through electronic viewings,
Refusal clause, where the tenant has a first right to purchase videos and photographs. The moment Alert level 4 was
back the property should the investor choose to sell it again at announced, enquiries immediately spiked as the country
a later stage. Another example is an Option to Purchase clause, began gearing up once more for business. Further good news
where the tenant has a predetermined right to purchase the was the announcement that the Deeds Office was permitted
property back from the landlord at a set price and under set to resume activities from 4 May.
conditions either at the end of the lease agreement, or at
another agreed time. These are great mechanisms allowing the The current crisis is almost certain to be putting financial
tenant to focus on their business in the medium term, but with strain on every business. A sale and a leaseback may be the
the long-term goal of once again becoming the owner of the solution to keeping your business running in both the short
property should they so choose. and long term.
SOURCE Annenberg Property Group

RETAIL
Location matters in times of

uncertainty
Understanding location intelligence &
customer behaviour
Amidst the current circumstances, one of the most interesting

developments businesses are being forced to do, is to push
through hypothetical service and product ceilings. This has
resulted in a growth in the Location Intelligence market as
businesses focus more on understanding customer behaviour.

L
ightstone has seen welcomed growth in the Location Level 3: Predictions
Intelligence (LI) market as businesses focus more on This level is the most sophisticated LI where data insights
understanding the customer and their behaviour, by are combined with statistical insights to predict imminent or
using LI to make informed decisions in this uncertain world. future customer behaviours. “Predicting what is happening
“Based on new research, many executives from around the now, is about information we can’t actually see, so we need to
world concur that LI is fundamental in achieving future use a model to uncover it,” says Blewett. 
growth targets,” says Roger Blewett, Geospatial Solutions
Executive at Lightstone. Combining vehicle movement data with updated
demographics data to help understand what a daytime view
LI incorporates both business intelligence and geospatial of a population would be; or how Lightstone is able to model
sciences to enable companies with geo-enabled products property values using machine learning and AI, is an example
and services to share location data and make informed of how they could use this level of LI to determine fundamental
decisions. “Understanding where economic activity is taking business decisions for their clients.
place, determining business locations and defining their
customer audiences, is how LI will apportion any business Lightstone says that the purpose of pursuing this level
the competitive advantage to organisational maturity,” says of LI is to fully leverage location assets for the competitive
Blewett. advantage by building and realising the strategic vision of an
organisation or team.  
Three levels of Location Intelligence
While global figures show promising growth from a LI
perspective, South Africa is still slightly behind the curve
Level 1: Data on this growth trend despite the market being truly excited
This is the broadest level of location intelligence that about the revenue potential associated with it. “LI could be
addresses the foundation of all LI data. Whether the data the proverbial silver bullet for businesses that want to remain
is simple or complex; static or live, it needs to be collected, competitive, especially in a post pandemic environment,”
cleaned and stored. All data is location validated before it Blewett concludes.
becomes ‘location ready’, which is where the organisation is
required to plan the geocoding and platforms to access the
data. Where Location Intelligence will be a game changer:
Although this level is the most basic of all the levels Retail
outlined in the LI process, it is one of the most important as
Knowing and understanding the current footprint of
the interpretation at this point is largely visual as opposed to
algorithmic. “As an example, through this process we will be a retail network
able to identify where a businesses’ service offering is limited Knowing where existing and potential customers are
given the visual clusters of customers we see in the specific Where a delivery service may be relevant
geographic area,” says Blewett. Validating customer addresses
This process looks at dots on a map and answers the ‘What Telecommunications
is where?’ questions for businesses which is interpreted by ·   Network planning
Lightstone data experts. By exploring Level 1 of LI, businesses ·   Understanding potential customers and where
can become more aware of their environments - which have
they are located
been validated through geocoding, mapping and reporting.
·        Understanding the characteristics of towns and
Level 2: Insights their growth potential.
If Level 1 answers the question ‘What is where?’ then Level ·        Understanding which areas are primary areas,
2 asks the question, ‘What does it mean?’. This level of LI pulls and which are potential growth areas.
insights from the data which is where LI really starts to become  
‘intelligent’. Level 2 is about understanding success drivers,
Logistics
opportunities, risks and reasons.
·  Use LI to discover optimal delivery routes that
“We combine different data sets to create a new set of reduce time spent on the
insights and investigate the correlations to help us uncover road, as well as the environmental impact
data patterns,” explains Blewett. “For example, to help retailers
·  Use address validation for revenue enhancement to
understand performance against potential, they will need
the revenues and turnovers of their various sites across their ensure deliveries arrive at the correct address on the
retail networks, combined with these types of data sets to start first attempt
understanding what would indicate why a particular location
is successful.”
 
SOURCE Lightstone

OFFICE
Dear Office,
all is forgiven
Can I please come back now?
D
avid Seinker, founder and CEO of The Business Ex- working from an office with colleagues provides us with the
change, has written an affectionate ode to the insti- essential mental stimulation that’s very difficult to replicate
tution that is the office. In it he reminisces about all at home. 
the things we’re missing about life in the old 9-5, including
some things we didn’t know we liked about it in the first
place. Parents have especially run into trouble during this
period of remote working. Pre-Covid-19, the office was a
place that freed them up to focus solely on their jobs and
It’s been over two months since many of us last stepped
careers. They could be someone other than Michael’s mom
into the office. And while we were all excited about working
or Sophie’s dad. It was a place where the world was theirs
from home, minus the traffic jams and worrying about
without having to wipe jam out of a toddler’s hair, or to have
getting all dressed up for the day, it’s beginning to wear thin
a meeting that isn’t interrupted by a sibling wrangle over
for a lot of us. Home schooling, along with the 24/7 nature
the TV remote. And while I have no doubt that parents miss
of the life-work balance, is taking its toll, and the realisation
their children while they are at work, the office was a sort of
is dawning that getting up every day and going to a place
refuge for many.
where we see people other than those in our immediate
households wasn’t such a bad thing after all. 
In addition, many of the best friendships have been
struck between colleagues who share the same space
The demise of the office as we know it is being widely
for eight hours a day. And there is certainly a sense of
predicted, thanks to the impact of Covid-19. But if we’re
camaraderie that’s difficult to do without as you and your
really honest, we would miss it if we could never go back
contemporaries grow and develop together through your
and all those things the office space offers that actually
work experiences. Let’s be honest, the thought of sitting
enrich our daily lives.
in a space with real people who challenge you on the
career front, push you in your job and help spark ideas and
First off, getting to the office, and then heading home at
creativity is more appealing now than it’s ever been before. 
the end of a busy day, gives many of us the structure and
the sense of purpose we need to operate optimally. We
I think the truth is that many of us have developed a
definitely didn’t expect to miss the daily grind we were all
newfound respect and love for the office. Yes, that very
so used to, but the unpredictability and disorganisation of
same space we couldn’t wait to get away from every Friday
the lockdown weeks has served up a timely reminder that

tolerance policy when it comes to the wearing of face
“The good news masks. Everyone entering the premises has to wear one,
no exceptions. And for those who don’t have one, we have
for those longing to options available for purchase.
return to the office is We have also made hand sanitiser available throughout
our spaces, introduced non-touch temperature checks,
that there are, clearly, provide regular training and information to all staff to stay
up-to-date on Covid-19, and we have reviewed all touch
ways in which we can points within the office with a view to finding alternatives.
We are also tweaking our desk spacing to ensure social
make it work - even in

distancing. Interestingly, we are seeing a spike in queries
from corporates considering splitting their workforce across
multiple locations, so we’re all ready to meet the demand. 
the time of Covid-19.”
The good news for those longing to return to the office is
that there are, clearly, ways in which we can make it work -
afternoon pre-lockdown. And while we all accept that things
even in the time of Covid-19. We just need to think about it
won’t return to how they used to be, it certainly doesn’t
differently because, like so many of you out there, I honestly
mean that this marks the ultimate death of the office space.
believe that we’ll all be worse off without the office if we
So, perhaps instead of predicting the demise of this way of
had to lose it.  
working, we should rather consider how to do things a little
differently going forward. 
DAVID SEINKER is a real estate man turned
At The Business Exchange, for example, we have property mogul. He is the founder and CEO of
reappraised our serviced office spaces and implemented The Business Exchange. The Business Exchange
a number of new measures that will reduce the risk of prides itself on being a space for those who are
infection in the workplace. This includes adopting a zero- serious about doing business and getting deals
done. 

TENANT-LANDLORD
Meet your tenants halfway

Pragmatic advice for landlords and tenants
in a contracting economy
GARY PALMER
Experts predict a very significant deterioration in rental

tenant payment performance for 2020. In April, 24% of
tenants could no longer pay, but the coming months could
be even worse as savings are exhausted. How can landlords
meet tenants halfway, so they can meet their own financial
obligations?

S 1
ome of South Africa’s largest landlords have taken a The long game counts
pounding over the last two months with even our larg- Despite the immediate pressures, commercial tenants
est retailers, like Massmart, seeking rental relief. While must take a long-term view on how they behave during
this serves as a cautionary tale, lending specialist, Paragon the next few months. Business owners should know that how
Lending Solutions, says smaller property owners and ten- they act now will impact how they are treated by lenders
ants can take action now to ride out the bumpy months in future. Delinquent clients who refuse to take calls or
ahead. communicate with lenders will be viewed very unfavourably
in future.
“As the reality of job losses begins to take its toll, many
2
tenants will face the reality of not being able to pay their rent. Consider all your options
Landlords, meanwhile, will be looking hard at their cash flow As laid out above, there are a number of ways that tenants
projections and wondering how they will meet repayments to can access relief from their landlord. It’s important,
banks and other lenders. Based on what we are seeing in the however, to know what the impact of each option will be.
markets now, we have some advice for both property owners Simply jumping at a payment holiday, for instance, may come
and their tenants,” says Gary Palmer, CEO of Paragon Lending with some very unattractive long-term consequences. Interest
Solutions. will still be accruing and you could end up with a nasty surprise
in a year’s time. Do the sums before you sign anything.
Landlords - think long-term
3
Communicate clearly
Landlords should be thinking about how they can garner as We are all prone to panic. In times like these, it’s important
much goodwill as possible during this time. A good working to focus on what you can do. If you are in trouble, apply
relationship between owner and tenant has real value, for payment holidays with your bank if you think that is the
especially when times are tough. right thing to do. Contact your creditors and tell them what is
going on. Now is the time to over communicate and manage
expectations.
Options available to Landlords
1 4
Get your house in order
Write-offs Tenants should not just assume that they will be granted
We have a number of clients who are either writing off payment breaks. They should have all the necessary
the full rental for one or two months, or who are allowing documentation at hand when going to their landlord. For
tenants to just pay 50% of the rental for a number of months. those running a small business we recommend you produce
These losses are then reported in their tax returns. your management accounts, show landlords your bank
2
statement and lay out your reasons for requesting a payment
Payment holidays break. It also may be worth doing a credit check on yourself to
The most often referenced assistance has been payment show your credit history of good payment behaviour.
holidays. Most landlords out there are opting to take
this route if a tenant asks for assistance. Property owners are
then capitalising the payment holiday (usually around three
months-worth) into the lease. If you follow this route it’s best to “As the reality of job losses
include addendums into the lease, laying out the details of the
agreement. This could be an extension on the lease period, or a begins to take its toll, many
payback period to catch up the skipped payments.
tenants will face the reality of
3 not being able to
Passing on interest savings
Some property owners are passing on the savings they
have seen as a result of the interest rate cuts. While it’s not
a huge amount, even this small saving will be appreciated by pay their rent.”
tenants and could serve the landlord well in future negotiations
and dealings with their tenants.
4
Use the deposit Transparency and responsibility
One way of giving tenants a break is to allow them
to access their deposit money. If they can’t pay rent The overriding message in this situation for both tenant and
for a couple of months, let them take the break, with the landlord is to behave responsibly.
understanding that they will then forfeit that money from
their deposit when they vacate the premises. This agreement “Unfortunately, we sometimes see that there is not a lot of
should also be recorded in an addendum on the lease contract transparency in how either party is behaving. Landlords are
to cover both parties. often given payment holidays by their banks, but are then not
extending these to their tenants.”
Tenants - play it straight “Tenants, on the other hand are simply refusing to pay the
whole rental amount, including their utilities. This can really
Both commercial and private tenants may feel completely hurt property owners, some of whom still have to pay the utility
at the mercy of this sudden and vicious downturn economy. fees to municipalities, leaving them significantly out of pocket.
However, if they proceed with caution there are certainly some The best way forward is to play nicely, and do what’s best for
steps they could take to protect their future. your longer-term business relationships,” Palmer concludes.

OFFSHORE
44 46 48
Why invest in cash-positive A to Z of property portfolio Changes in retirement
UK property? structuring villages driven by Covid
Sean Thomson, property investment Buying property in an investment Isolation and social distancing are
coach at Wealth Trek, explains why structure can be overwhelming, challenges facing all of us, but in a care
it’s ideal to invest in the UK property especially for first-time buyers. We’ve environment this has proven even
market right now. summarised the entire series from more challenging. The Quarantainer is
expert Jaco Grobbelaar of Prosperity a partial solution for those isolated in
Enterprises, on property portfolio care homes.
structures.
TOP TRENDING FOR OFFSHORE ONLINE

Property & residency Top ten tips for investing in Asypmtomatic Covid
applications spike property carriers a threat to the
Demand for investment into Demand for investment into elderly
property-linked second passport property-linked second passport As our understanding of the
residency programmes has spiked residency programmes has spiked coronavirus develops, it has
despite the travel restrictions despite the travel restrictions become clear that asymptomatic
brought on by the global Covid-19 brought on by the global Covid-19 carriers could be the biggest
Pandemic. Pandemic. threat when it comes to
containing the virus.

UNITED KINGDOM
SERIES PART 2
Why invest in
cash-positive UK
property?
Sean Thomson, property investment coach at Wealth Trek,
explains why it’s ideal to invest in the UK property market
right now

E
veryone’s talking about investing offshore – but what’s 39 years old. The latest figures suggest that around 300 000
the best way to go about it? I strongly believe that new homes will have to be built every year to satisfy the huge
property is the asset class of choice and the foundation rental demand. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
of any truly sound investment strategy. But why do I love it has forecast that 1.8 million more households will want to
so much? Let me explain.
rent rather than buy by 2025. The government has stepped
in, with certain councils offering interest-free loans and grants
Becoming a property owner gives you the chance to master
to refurbish empty properties. This presents you, the investor,
one of the skills that Robert Kiyosaki talks about in his bestseller
with a great opportunity.
Rich Dad Poor Dad – that is, the ability to build a portfolio that
will last for generations. One of the reasons I love UK property
Look at the employment picture.
is that it’s an asset class that increases in value on average every
Are people gainfully employed and can they afford the rent you
seven to 10 years, as do rentals. You really can’t lose.
are charging? Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment
in the UK is at record lows, around 4% (that’s about 1.4 million
Another reason I love property is because you can leverage
people). It’s therefore to be expected that most people in
the bank’s money, in many cases up to 75% of the value of
the UK are able to pay rent. Even the unemployed qualify for
the asset you purchase. That doesn’t happen with stocks and
housing benefits, so you can work with around 100% of the
shares, does it? Learning I could put someone else’s money into
rental market, employed or unemployed.
a property deal and make a profit on it was a game-changer for
me. I didn’t have to join a stokvel or own a small percentage of
a huge deal with hundreds of other investors, where decisions How do I get started?
were made above my head. Instead, I could buy a property Can South Africans invest in UK property? The unequivocal
with a private investor’s money, add value to it, and refinance answer is yes – you don’t need to be British, or indeed want to
it in such a way that I could return the investor’s money yet still live in the UK, where the weather isn’t all that great. If you have
own the property. Up until 2004, I didn’t even know this kind of a South African passport, you can invest.
wealth creation existed!
Is it easy? No, it isn’t easy, which is why you need a team of
Why the UK market? specialists with the right knowledge and experience to help
you get started. Fortunately, technology has made the world a
The UK market is a particularly attractive market to invest in
much smaller place, which will help you to invest pretty much
right now. I’ve been actively investing in property in the UK for
anywhere in the world with the right assistance. In addition,
the past 15 years, using a variety of strategies, and what’s clear
you don’t need millions to get a foot in the door.
is that there is currently a massive opportunity that has only
been amplified by both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remember that the ability to refinance a property and repay
someone within a short space of time doesn’t require you to
If you’re thinking of diversifying your investment strategy and
dip into your savings. You can start small by picking up a two-
would like to invest in UK property, here are a few vital pointers.
bedroom distressed property in Wales that costs between
30 000 or 60 000 pounds sterling and, with the bank’s help to
Look at the affordability of housing stock. refurbish the property and a broker or a solicitor to conclude
Can people afford property on their current wages? You the deal, you may need as little at R500 000 to get started.
can work this out by dividing the average house price by
the average annual salary – the smaller the number on the Once your first property has been refinanced, you will collect
affordability index, the better. Overall, the UK measures 5 a tidy sum that will provide the capital for you to buy another
on the affordability scale, which is good. Areas like Wales are property. Sound exciting? That’s because it is. In the months
better, at 4, and London is expensive, at 8.8, but on the whole to come, we’ll talk about how to find and finance the deal,
people can afford to buy property. what type of structure to invest through, how to find the right
building team, tenant and more. But for now, I hope this will
Look at interest rates. give you food for thought – and inspire you put some money
Is money cheap and can you create cash-flow from the outset? into what could potentially be a life-changing investment.
Before the COVID-19 crisis, the base rate in the UK was 0.75.
This has since dropped to 0.1%. This means money is cheap – a
signal to borrow, not save. Savers are currently getting literally
no interest accruing on their savings, meaning inflation is
devaluing their investments every day in the bank. However,
investors with mortgages are seeing their cash-flow increase as SEAN THOMSON property investment coach
at Wealth Trek, helps investors stop their wealth
lending rates decrease. being eroded in South Africa, by mentoring
them to buy UK property within 12 months
What about supply and demand?
The UK has had a housing shortage for quite some time –
demand outstrips supply. Attitudes towards home ownership
have changed, with the average first-time home buyer now

INVESTOR INTELLIGENCE SERIES PART 5
A to Z of property
portfolio structuring
5 Things you need to know
JACO GROBBELAAR
“Trusts are increasingly recommended by estate planning

attorneys as an integral part of planning a family’s estate.”
- Trust Counselor LLC.
Buying property in an investment structure can be
overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. So, we’ve
summarised this entire series.

WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN A LEGAL STRUCTURE This means that whether the trust makes capital or income
profit, it can be distributed to any of the beneficiaries, and they
W
hen you are building a property portfolio, you will pay tax in their personal capacity. Thanks to the conduit
are building a business, and you want to run your principle, you often pay less income tax or capital gains tax in a
business so that banks and investors take you seri- trust than in any other entity.
ously. When you build your property portfolio in an entity,
you have a separate bank account, and financial statements HOW TRUSTS CAN HELP YOU WITH ESTATE PLANNING
have to be prepared. Steyn Strauss, a director in the Com-
mercial Practice Group of Phatshoane Henney Attorneys Now, if you think structuring is expensive, don’t let death
says: “It is imperative, from an estate planning and wealth catch you off-guard! According to Theoniel McDonald, a
protection point of view, that a trust is the final owner of director at Wealth Associates, trusts remain a valuable estate
your assets.” planning tool.
Acquiring shares or assets in trusts will separate ownership

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BUYING of these assets from your personal estate causing minimal
PROPERTY IN AN ENTITY disruption at your death as these assets don’t form part of your
estate and won’t be included for estate duty, capital gains tax,
It’s always good to remember these advantages and transfer fees and executor’s fees purposes.
disadvantages of buying property in an entity. Using a trust Even though this could save you millions, it is essential
protects your assets should something happen to you. to understand that this structure does result in additional
According to Dolf Schutte, a Fiduciary Specialist at Citadel administrative fees during your life.
Fiduciary, using trusts is excellent for estate planning to reduce
estate duties, executor’s fees, capital gains tax, and even, Anybody who has lost a loved one knows that it is not just
in some instances, transfer duties to a minimum since the an emotional, but a financial strain as well. Dying is expensive
ownership structure does not change after you pass away. and beneficiaries often expect an inheritance only to find out
about costs and taxes they were unaware of. In other words,
There are also significant tax advantages when you use the don’t delay, or you’ll pay.
correct legal structure. And although the tax rate of a company
is lower, you can reduce taxes to a minimum in a trust, unlike WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO IS
in a company. STRUCTURED INCORRECTLY
One disadvantage is the company and trust registration Alfred D Chandler Jr said, “Unless structure follows strategy,
costs, and the monthly or annual administration costs for the inefficiency results.” You may have a property investment
independent trustee for the trust administration, preparing the strategy. But if your property portfolio is not in an investment
annual financial statements, submitting tax returns, and bank structure, the solution is simple. You have to restructure! While
charges. However, when you have multiple entities, these fees restructuring can become expensive, it is necessary because
can decrease. the longer you delay, the bigger your problem will become and
the higher your costs will be.
There is also more administration when your legal structure
includes trusts and companies because of annual financial Remove any excuses to keep your properties in the incorrect
statements and tax returns. A trust also needs an independent investment structure. It is too costly. Keep this structuring
trustee to manage the trust in a compliant manner, and all guide nearby, and you will avoid expensive mistakes.
trustees must sign resolutions every time a decision is made
that affects the trust.
UNDERSTANDING HOW TAX WORKS WITHIN YOUR Here’s how to do restructuring right:
PROPERTY INVESTMENT LEGAL STRUCTURES
Some of these disadvantages may discourage you, but tax 1. Sell your properties to your structure.
should never hold you back from your investment dreams.
An adequately structured property portfolio is one of the best 2. Transfer your property to your structure as
investment vehicles to use to pay minimal taxes. an “asset for share” transaction.
Your income is your rental income. Your expenses are 3. Use a usufruct to transfer properties to your
the interest portion of your bond payment, levies, rates and structure.
taxes, maintenance (excluding improvements, which should
be capitalised), administration fees and all other relevant
expenses. All these expenses are tax-deductible and can be
deducted from your income to derive your net profit. Your tax
is calculated on this net profit. SOURCE Prosperity Enterprises
One of the most significant advantages of using trusts is the JACO GROBBELAAR is a property investor,
CONDUIT PRINCIPLE. The South African Institute of Chartered structuring specialist and international speaker.
Accountants (SAICA) explains it as follows: “If income accrues He founded Prosperity Enterprises to help equip
to a trust and the trustees award it to one or more beneficiaries individuals in building their property portfolios
in the same year, the income retains its nature in the hands of through education, structuring and support.
the beneficiary.”
RETIREMENT
Deprivation
leads to innovation
Changes driven in retirement villages by Covid-19
I
solation and social distancing are challenges facing all of Aging affects our senses from taste, smell, vision, and
us. But in a care environment this has proven even more hearing. One would expect that the other senses of touch and
challenging. Nothing beats a hug or a gentle hand on the perception would also be affected. Several studies have shown
arm to acknowledge your presence and to show care and that young (age range 19–31 years) and old (age range 55–84
love. These norms, which we took for granted, have been years) subjects showed different responses to stimuli of the
challenged as a result of Covid and retirement villages and feet and the fleshy part of the thumb of tactile and vibration
healthcare centres will need to come up with creative solu- at both sites and elderly feet were significantly less sensitive
tions to ensure the highest care of their patients. than the young to warm stimuli. However, the response of the
elderly to light touch “are significantly increased”.
A study in 2014 by Dr. Ruth Feldman, a Professor at Bar-Ilan
University, and her colleagues studied the impact of different Science has proven the power of touch from birth right
levels of physical contact on prematurely born infants over a through to aging. Globally, there has been the lament from
10-year period. The results demonstrated that the power of family members of how their loved ones have died without
touch in premature babies was “measurable even 10 years being able to provide a loving touch or a kind word.
after birth”.

Paco Voorhans in the Netherlands has come up with a
partial solution, as a result of his own need. He has terminal
cancer and doesn’t want to die alone. “What if I end up in the
“It is something for
last phase of my life in this crisis, does it mean that I am not with
my beloved, that I have to die alone and cannot say goodbye
patients who are now
physically? “ His solution is the Quarantainer.
lonely in hospitals and
Voorhans came up with the plan to develop a container that
looks like a living room and that can be placed at healthcare care institutions, so that
institutions. The container has two compartments, separated
in the middle by a plexiglass plate with an intercom system,
each with its own entrance. “It is something for patients who
they can still keep in touch
are now lonely in hospitals and care institutions, so that they
can still keep in touch with their loved ones.” Voorhans said. with their loved ones.”
The interior is circular and can be completely reused to
minimize waste. To speak to each other, a double baby monitor Covid is going to continue to be part of our lives after the
system is used, where both sides are in contact with each other global lockdown period has passed and as countries strive
via a radio connection that does not need to be touched. to achieve herd immunisation numbers or a vaccine that will
allow us to return to the norm. We all need to find long term
A more permanent solution for retirement villages now solutions to social distancing whilst still addressing the need
and moving forward could perhaps be the conversion of an for human interaction and touch.
existing structure that has the same separation features and
two entrances to allow for interaction with friends and family If you would like to get involved to create a South African
for the aged and vulnerable. Quarantainer solution please call 073 623 1964 or email
alysson@rvsummit.net. Retirement Village Developers Summit
Another solution that was developed by Swedish and the Retirement Village Managers Summit are set to go
medical care giant, Arjo is the “Wellness Nordic Relax Chair” ahead on scheduled October dates within the context of the
that was originally developed for dementia care may find Covid-19 restrictions. 
another purpose. The soothing chair combines music, tactile
stimulation and rocking motion to offer a unique and calming SOURCE Effects of ageing on touch
multi-sensory experience. Could this be of assistance to aid & Loving touch critical for premature infants
anxiety due to lack of contact with family in retirement villages?

INSPIRATION
Build the nation

& educate a child
How Rudi Institute empowers aspiring
entrepreneurs
SIDIMA MFEKU
In a country where youth unemployment and skills

development is a cause for concern, the work done by civil
organisations in building an educated and skilled society is
commendable. Social entrepreneurs, Sarah Madingwana and
Kwandile Mhlaba Sikhosana co-founded Rudo Institue to add
value to the lives of under-skilled youth in townships.
T
o unearth a techinical, vocational and higher educa- link between an educated person and the success thereof that
tion institue in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni in Johannesburg individual and that the more educated a person is the more
took two ambitious social entrepreneurs and support informed and better decisions that person makes. So, our role
from a community. Founded initially as a book club in 2015,
is ensuring that youth in townships are educated and also
the institute was transitioned into Rudo Institute by award
winning social entrepreneurs Sarah Madingwana and have access to opportunities of development and resources,”
Kwandile Mhlaba Sikhosana in 2019. The institute capaci- says Sarah.
tates young people between the ages of 17 to 35 years old
who are based in townships. Building a brand, and a name for oneself is a very frustrating
and sometimes exhausting, it is even worse when building
Institute co-founder Sarah Madingwana says “Our primary business portfolios and records for under skilled people in
focus is to capacitate these young people by providing society, people who may have lost hope and the courage to
unlimited Business Development Programs and short courses.” innovate their lives.
“According to our research we found that there is a direct

“We provide a supportive environment which encourages Rudo Institute is working with communities to position
hope, leadership and purpose,” says co-founders, Kwandile itself as a catalyst for growth and innovation and promotes
Mhlaba Sikhosana. He says that they engage with young accountability, hard work, unity and resilience. The institute is
people who are based in townships to help them understand also determined to create access to quality higher education
the current issues they are facing, which hinder them from in disadvantaged or marginalized communities and empower
personal, financial & educational development. graduates to carve their own criteria of development, which
will solve challenges arising in communities.
“We provide a “We are also committed in the development entrepreneurial
supportive
leaders, builders of enterprises who will help us provide scaled
solutions to community development and create value for
environment which
their stakeholders and societies at large,” says Madingwana.
The institute has established 14 libraries so far, and has

encourages hope, recruited about 300 youth to form part of the Cyril Ramaphosa
Foundation Youth Empowerment workshop. It has trained 4
leadership cohorts in the business development program. Approximately
500 youth has been trained in project management.
and purpose.”
“As part of our community development we have planted
120 fruit trees in schools in Ekurhuleni for food security,
“Our mission is to ensure and instil workplace readiness, shot a documentary with BBC World news, been featured
work experience and/or business development for the on Forbes Africa Magazine, received numerous awards Top
youth and we facilitate and share opportunities with them 100 Ekurhuleni Shining Stars, Top 100 Young Mandela’s by
so as to catalyse the process of moving around, hustling for News24, Top 10 Impact makers and creators which is an
employment and business opportunities,” says Sikhosana. initiative by the British Council. We have also given a TedTalk,
represented South Africa at the Young Diplomats forum in
Besides just offering lessons to the students/youth in London, represented as SA delegate at the SoCreative Summit
townships, the institute also finds ways to help their graduated in Zimbabwe and we have been selected as 2019 Female
students to boost their businesses. “We also have a fund which Entrepreneur of the Year by Postnet Helderkruin - just to name
provides seed funding for our students and their business a few of our achievements that keeps us going and gives us
ideas and businesses, for some. Our graduates have positive hope for the future,” says Madingwana.
mindsets and attitudes about their prospects of the future.
They are self-determined and assure individuals,” he adds.
Since the establishment of the institute in Johannesburg, “We want to reach every
the Daveyton community has been very receptive of the work
that the institute does showing signs of eagerness, looking for marginalised community
opportunities to get involved in the work of the institute.
across Africa, and be the
template for innovation
The work done by Madingwana and Sikhosana has gone
beyond just giving lessons to the unemployed and under-
and excellence.”
skilled youth in the township. The duo has instilled in their
graduates a sense of intelligence and the ability to apply
theoretical training into practical business scenarios, and they
have work competence as business owners and entrepreneurs
as well as the ability to translate skills into all life situations.
Bigger things are in the pipeline for the co-founders and
stakeholders of Rudo Institute. This includes their hopes of
The work from the institute does not only begin and end at
opening or building a world class higher education institute in
the premises of the institute and the knowledge is not locked
townships, which will meet the people where they are.
with the graduates and the people who conduct the lessons,
but reaches the community as well through the institute’s
“We want to reach every marginalised community across
students.
Africa, and be the template for innovation and excellence.
We therefore invite all stakeholders within the technical,
The graduates “form and strengthen positive bonds with
vocational and higher education sector, corporate funders,
people within the community, they have civic awareness
skills development companies, SETA learnerships, government
and contribution. They have fully developed and understand
policy makers and institutions and youth ecosystem to engage
business plans and are able to practically apply them in the
with the work that we do as well as partner with us to harness
work space,” says Sarah Madingwana.
the township economy,” concludes Madingwane.

Books & Apps

BOOKS
THINK AND GROW HOW CLIENTS
RICH BUY
Napoleon Hill Tom McMakin & Doug
During these times, where Fletcher
business action and activity is
restricted, physical interpersonal This is a practical guide to business
relations are prohibited, development for consulting and
deteriorating businesses are professional services. Real estate agents
widely expected. This book seeks and property sellers can make great use
to motivate forward and diverse of this read. This is the real-world guide
thinking for business players to to selling your services and bringing
reach a new level of wealth. In in business. There are millions of these
this book, the author explains the agents whose skills are the ‘product’
philosophy that can be used to and if there are no sales and clients you
help people succeed in all lines know that you cannot be successful as a
of work and to do or be almost service provider.
anything they want.
THE REAL ESTATE MANAGING

WHOLESALING DIVERSITY &
BIBLE INCLUSION IN THE
Than Merrill REAL ESTATE SECTOR
Learn how to make money Amanda Clack & Judith
wholesaling real estate without Gabler
having to swing a hammer or It is important to understand and
deal with tenants! The Real Estate recognise the benefits that having a
Wholesaling Bible teaches you diverse and inclusive workforce provides.
what you need to know to profit Research shows that high-performing
from real estate wholesaling organisations focus on diversity and
without needing a lot of capital or inclusion and the real estate sector is no
previous experience. This rapidly different. This book provides guidance to
expanding business is relatively professionals in the sector who want to
simple, profitable, and perfect for make D&I an inherent part of the culture
APPS today’s real estate market. of their organisation.
Real EstateTerms & Definition Property Flow

Property Management can be The app can be used by Lightstone
intimidating for beginners. It is property toolkit subscribers to access
therefore important that one takes various reports anywhere, anytime. The
this online course before jumping into reports are specifically designed to assist
this career. It will teach you the basics property professionals that are on the
of Real Estate and the overall general on the go all the time by providing the
picture of what it entails. It focuses most needed information in an easily
on how to make the right real estate accessible and mobile manner.
purchase, amongst other things.
Idealista FlippIt!
Find your perfect home with the It might seem like just a game, but with
property24 mobile app. This app practise comes perfection and what
will help you find all of South Africa’s better place to practise renovations
leading Estate Agent properties for and flipping than the FlippIt app. Here’s
sale and to rent on your phone or your chance to become the house
tablet. The intuitive interface makes flipper you have always known you
searching for property quick, easy can be with Flippit! Live the life of a real
and fun. estate investor and start building your
portfolio. Buy, fix, and flip for a profit.

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LOCKDOWN LEVEL 3

Now is the time to buy

WAYNE VAN DER VENT

MASTER “Buying Your First Property: St

Host: Derek Watts - Co-Host: Ipeleng Mkhari

Editor-in-Chief Neale Petersen

General Manager Nichola Loock

14 Tech Story Events & Social Candace Petersen

RESIDENTIAL Operations Manager Marisa George

+27 21 761 3848

TOTAL CIRCULATION 16 158

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication

06 MASTER INVESTOR 50 INSPIRATION consult their attorneys, advisors or accountants.

How Covid-19 & the ‘new

There are certainly positives as a result of lockdown and COVID-19.

EMAIL INTERVIEWS FaceBook REAL ESTATE RADIO

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 3

Q I am new in the student

4 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

Q My current lease is expiring during

Q I am not my receiving rental. What

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 5

Innovate, Lead & Deliver

6 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

“While it is important to use

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 7

8 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 9

10 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

In many low to mid-price areas it is almost cheaper to buy

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 11

property straight general SA banks are quite amenable to granting home-loans

financial crash have

12 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

How to stay safe in

The world is in a standstill. Interpersonal interactivity and

14 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

Security practices when navigating

Shawa believes that most end users do not know much

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 15

Property demand in Randburg is high

3 FIBRE CONNECTED Contact us today for your Info Pack.

1 YEAR RENTAL GUARANTEE

TOP TRENDING FOR RESIDENTIAL ONLINE

5 Predictions for the market

John Jack of Galetti Corporate Real Estate together with

18 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

Dispute resolution clause

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 19

Industries that rely on face-to-face communication, such

20 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

“Right now, agents entire transaction from start to finish.

determine a long- paid,” says Davel

term solution rather

than looking to a eye on all financial movements to check the accuracy

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 21

Resilience during a recession

In the wake of the pandemic and ensuing economic crisis, the

22 JUNE/JULY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine

Sandra Gordon, Pam Golding Properties senior research

SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JUNE/JULY 2020 23

The new way to buy &

Launched in February, Bidstream.co.za has four multi-