{"id":151772,"date":"2019-11-28T16:14:41","date_gmt":"2019-11-28T14:14:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/its-a-great-time-to-start-creating-wealth-through-property\/"},"modified":"2019-11-28T16:14:41","modified_gmt":"2019-11-28T14:14:41","slug":"its-a-great-time-to-start-creating-wealth-through-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/its-a-great-time-to-start-creating-wealth-through-property\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s A Great Time To Start Creating Wealth Through Property"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s A Great Time To Start Creating Wealth Through Property<\/a>: <\/p>\n

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Just Property<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The dramatic improvement in home-loan approval rates and the current \u201cbuyers\u2019 market\u201d have seen more first-time buyers entering the property market. What do these prospective homeowners need to know before they take the plunge?<\/p>\n

The FNB Q3 Property Barometer (October 2019) makes for interesting reading. It quotes South African Reserve Bank data, saying that these show \u201cthat mortgage advances have grown at a progressively faster pace, recording 4.9% y\/y in August \u2013 the highest growth since November 2010. In fact, since the beginning of this year, mortgage advances have outpaced average house price growth in South Africa for the first time in since June 2011. Transactions data shows that this has boosted transaction volumes, specifically in the R700k\u2013R1.8m and R1.8m\u2013 R3.5m price bands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stian Senekal, of Just Property Midrand says, \u201cIt is definitely easier for buyers to qualify for home loans at the moment. We have noticed an estimated 80% success rate in our buyers\u2019 bond approvals this past year and see a trend in clients qualifying for 100% bonds and many at an interest rate close to prime or even below the prime rate in some cases.\u201d
Senekal believes that the costs associated with buying a home, which in the past put many first-time buyers off purchasing, are what have motivated banks to start offering products that assist some buyers to qualify for more than the asking price on the property. As a result, he has noticed that more and more of those looking to buy a property these days are first-time buyers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother reason is the current \u201cbuyer\u2019s market\u201d, where sellers have to look at market-realistic pricing because buyers are spoiled for choice,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Senekal advises that even if a buyer qualifies for 100% bond, having a reserve of funds in place before buying is an astute move for two reasons: \u201cWhen authorising a bond, the banks definitely look at what and how you spend your money. Do you have any excess disposable income each month and are you saving some of it? It is important that you can show them you know how to save. It is also always better to put a deposit down on your home purchase.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other elements that banks look at are job security and how long you have been with your current employer, which can make securing a home loan difficult for freelancers, the self-employed and commission earners. \u201cBecause there is no set income to gauge, banks will probably look at a stricter qualification process,\u201d he warns. \u201cThe best advice is to prepare in advance. Take some time to save up a larger deposit, and to ensure that you have proof of monthly income that is fairly stable for a good six months before you apply. Pay your accounts on time and make sure your financial statements and SARS profile reflect a positive outlook. That should do the trick.\u201d<\/p>\n

So which banks should first-time home buyers approach? Senekal feels strongly that getting a trusted bond originator to help with the application will secure the best possible home loan and interest rate. \u201cIn my experience, bond originators have a far greater success rate than buyers who apply for themselves. The originator will fight for the best deal \u2013 which sometimes is not from the buyer\u2019s preferred or personal bank.\u201d
The size of the loan will be dependent on the bank, current trends and each individual\u2019s personal financial profile, he says, \u201calthough in the past FNB has definitely been very positive in assisting first-time home buyers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just Property Midrand franchisee, Brian van Wijk, notes that buying a property is often the first step in the wealth creation journey. \u201cA wise investment now will be the basis for growth and wealth creation in the future,\u201d he says. \u201cThe first-time buyer should therefore acquire as much understanding about buying property and the property market as possible.\u201d To help with this, Just Property has developed a publicly available resource called Your Property Journey, which can be found on www.just.property.<\/p>\n

Van Wijk advises researching areas where there is growth in property values or where there is a potential for growth when the market recovers. \u201cAnd try to purchase a property that will suit your needs for at least ten years, so that you can take advantage of the capital growth,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Just Property CEO, Paul Stevens, warns against rushing into an emotional purchase. \u201cTake your time. Consider carefully the advantages and disadvantages of buying sectional title or freehold, as this will have a big impact on the future growth plans you may have. For example, if you are planning a family, and you cannot currently afford a property large enough, consider a freehold property where you could expand the size of the dwelling without having to sell and buy again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaun Dubois, franchisee of Just Property Pietermaritzburg, agrees. \u201cThe costs of purchasing and transferring a property, moving costs and opening utility accounts are expensive. The aim should be to avoid moving and incurring those costs again in less than seven to ten years. So, freehold gives more options. On the other hand, sectional title units are low maintenance, offer great security and generally the banks will finance them easily. Work out what will give you the best capital appreciation and remember that this is a long-term investment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Top tips for first-time home buyers:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lay the right foundations<\/span><\/p>\n