Cape Town goes high-tech to monitor property transgressions

Cape Town property owners beware: with the click of a button, the City of Cape Town can check that you do not contravene any building by-laws.

Posted at 08:31AM Jan 31, 2012 by Editor in Cities and Towns  |  Comments[13]

Business rescue procedures and their impact on property leases

The 'business rescue procedure' now made possible by the Companies Act for 'financially distressed' companies is likely to be used with increasing frequency in the next year or two, says Garth Watson, a director of Gunstons Attorneys.

Posted at 08:27AM Jan 31, 2012 by Editor in Commercial  | 

Constitutional Court ruling on squatters impacts on property developers

Although he applauds the fairness and compassion with which SA courts now judge matters when homeless and evicted people try to find a place to live, it has to be admitted, says Paul Henry, MD of Rawson Developers, that their rulings can make life difficult for property developers.

Posted at 08:08AM Jan 31, 2012 by Editor in Market  |  Comments[3]

'Banks will still hold the reins as lending rates are maintained'

The residential property market will continue to be driven in 2012 by the banks, says Rudi Botha, chief executive of mortgage originator Betterbond.

Posted at 08:00AM Jan 31, 2012 by Editor in Home Loans  |  Comments[1]

Hilton College sells off land for housing

Deemed one of Africa's most expensive schools, Hilton College is selling off a slice of its extensive estate for a housing development.

Posted at 10:09AM Jan 30, 2012 by Editor in Market  |  Comments[15]

A potted history of the Chapman's Peak Drive saga

Chapman's Peak Drive is in the news again, with thousands of Capetonians objecting to the development of a toll plaza and office in Table Mountain National Park.

Posted at 09:46AM Jan 30, 2012 by Editor in Cities and Towns  |  Comments[9]

What Joburg says about its billing crisis

The billing crisis remains the biggest challenge for the City of Joburg, manager Trevor Fowler has admitted.

Posted at 08:27AM Jan 30, 2012 by Editor in Cities and Towns  |  Comments[6]

Joburg's financial losses piling up

Electricity and water losses cost Joburg R2 billion, the Auditor-general's report on Joburg for 2010/11 noted.

Posted at 08:25AM Jan 30, 2012 by Editor in Cities and Towns  |  Comments[1]

Giant truck a symbol of Joburg inner-city renewal

She really is a giant, an artwork in the inner city that you can't miss. She has stood in the same spot for a few months now.

Posted at 08:15AM Jan 30, 2012 by Editor in Cities and Towns  |  Comments[2]

Property values 'still 25% too high'

House prices in South Africa were still at least 25 percent overvalued despite the economy being three years into "the great recession", property economist Erwin Rode said yesterday.

Posted at 08:57AM Jan 27, 2012 by Editor in Market  |  Comments[14]