
Buy or rent? Here's what the EXPERTS suggest
According to Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, purchasing a property allows individuals to build wealth and security by investing in an appreciating asset, rather than paying rent with no return.
'Each mortgage payment contributes to building equity in your home,' says Seeff.
'In contrast, rent is simply an expense with no long-term benefit.'
As the outstanding loan decreases and property values increase over time, homeowners gain a growing asset that can be leveraged to achieve future financial goals.
This makes buying a home both a savings mechanism and a long-term investment.
RELATED | Vacant land in Clifton sells for R170 million
Beyond the financial advantages, Seeff highlights the stability of homeownership.
Owners are shielded from uncertainties such as rent hikes, non-renewal of leases, or landlords selling the property.
'You also gain the flexibility to renovate or upgrade your home to suit your lifestyle – something renters often can't do,' he adds.
'This not only improves your quality of life but also enhances the value of your property.'
Property remains a solid asset class and a reliable hedge against inflation, Seeff explains.
While rental prices tend to rise year on year, home loan repayments can remain relatively stable over time – subject to interest rate fluctuations.
By making extra payments, using bonuses, or investing spare funds into a home loan, homeowners can reduce their debt faster or build equity more quickly.
A major advantage in South Africa is the accessibility of home loans.
Many banks continue to offer 100% financing, sometimes even including transaction costs, making it easier for first-time buyers to enter the market.
In fact, a recent survey revealed that 46.5% of home loans granted in recent months were for first-time buyers, highlighting ongoing demand and opportunity in the sector.
Seeff encourages financially secure individuals to act now, noting that property prices are continuing to appreciate.
'The longer you wait, the more you're likely to pay,' he warns.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Young investors shine in JSE Investment Challenge despite challenges
The latest round of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge has again highlighted the impressive talent and resilience of South Africa's young investors. The May leg of the 2025 Johannesburg Stock Exchange Investment Challenge once again showcased the brightest young investment minds in South Africa. From Mpumalanga to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, a diverse group of learners and university students proved that passion, perseverance, and savvy can lead to financial success, even with limited resources. They overcame challenges including limited internet access and ventured beyond traditional business studies, demonstrating that their passion and perseverance can translate into tangible financial growth and knowledge. Rising above challenges BBM The Shining Stars from Mpumelelo Secondary School achieved first place in the income portfolio category, growing their investment by R6,855.91. The team leader, Ntombifuthi Mtsweni, noted: 'Our team was inspired to participate in the JSE competition to learn more about investing and financial markets.' Overcoming challenges such as limited data, poor network connectivity, and even some WhatsApp group exclusions, the team demonstrated remarkable grit. Their win highlights their determination and eagerness for growth. The team intends to use this victory as a springboard to enhance their financial knowledge, network with industry experts, and encourage others to delve into the world of investing. From curiosity to confidence Masiphumelele High School's FSD — The Digital Divas posted an impressive 6.52% growth in the ETF/ETN category — remarkable given that none of the team initially had any background in shares or trading. 'We knew nothing about shares and trading until Mr Ndziba came in and presented the JSE school challenge to us… We were curious,' said Zimi Matanzima. Their teacher, Nkululeko Ndziba, has been a tireless advocate, encouraging 18 teams from all academic streams to participate. 'My strategy was to get as many teams as possible participating in the challenge… I'm super proud of them,' he said. One of the team members, Ethanda Seti, told Daily Maverick that she planned to use her newfound knowledge to invest personally and educate others in her community about share ownership. Hands-on hustle In the university category, the University of Zululand's RB — Black team achieved a solid 4.8% growth in the ETF/ETN portfolio. Team members Sthembiso Maseko and Wongeka Mbongwa joined the challenge to gain practical experience in investing and portfolio management. 'I joined the Challenge to gain hands-on experience in investing and portfolio management,' Maseko explained. 'I wanted to understand how the South African markets work and develop a strategy that could actually perform.' That strategy, it turns out, was rooted in discipline and insight. RB-Black leaned into both technical and fundamental analysis, learning to read market signals and evaluate company performance with precision. But it was not just numbers that led them to victory, it was teamwork. 'Working together taught me how to communicate effectively and solve problems collaboratively,' Maseko reflected, noting that the pair learned to respect different viewpoints and make decisions that balanced risk with opportunity. Beyond technical know-how, the challenge enhanced their communication and problem-solving skills, proving that teamwork and diverse perspectives are as valuable as any stock tip. May's portfolio winners: Schools The Fixers of Lethukuthula Secondary School in Gauteng won the equity portfolio category, with 11.76% growth. KHL — Dividend Dynamos of Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Gauteng won the speculator portfolio category, with 12.86% growth. FSD – The Digital Divas of Masiphumelele High School in the Western Cape won the ETF/ETN portfolio category, with 6.52% growth. BBM The Shining Stars of Mpumelelo Secondary School in Mpumalanga won the income portfolio category, with R6,855.91 growth. Universities ABS5 — Pierpoint & Ho of the University of Cape Town won the university speculator portfolio category, with 20.61% growth. RB — Black of the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal won the university ETF/ETN portfolio category, with 4.8% growth. Inspiration for the next round The May winners demonstrate that dedication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn can overcome even the toughest challenges, even unfamiliarity with financial markets — showing that this remains a vital platform for nurturing South Africa's future finance leaders. Whether you're a high school learner or university student, it's not too late to register and test your investment savvy. Who knows? The next champion might just be you. The May winners exemplify how dedication, teamwork, and a thirst for knowledge can conquer significant hurdles, including limited internet access and unfamiliarity with financial markets. The JSE Investment Challenge continues to be an essential platform for cultivating South Africa's future finance leaders. Regardless of whether you're a high school student or a university student, there's still time to register and put your investment skills to the test. You could be the next champion.

IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Nobuhle Nkabane stands firm against opposition criticism of higher education budget
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane says she will not dignify direct attacks at her other than focus on the task at hand of serving the people of South Africa. Image: Facebook Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane on Thursday said she would not dignify the attacks levelled against her when the DA and some opposition parties rejected her department's budget. Nkabane presented her department's budget for the 2025/26 financial year in the National Assembly two days after doing so in the National Council of Provinces, where the DA, MK Party, and the EFF rejected it. The department has been allocated R142.4 billion and is set to increase at an average annual rate of 4.4% to R150 billion in the next financial year and R158 billion in 2027/28. 'This growth is not sufficient to meet growing demands for additional resources,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges have been allocated R14 billion, and both the Sector Education and Training Authorities and the National Skills Fund have a combined R26 billion. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is allocated R48.7 billion, and its allocation will increase to R51 billion next year and R53.4 billion in 2027. Nkabane said the allocation was not sufficient to meet the growing demand for access to higher education. 'We continue to seek efficient ways of allocating limited resources to ensure that no deserving learner is left behind.' She also said NSFAS remained committed to implementing a comprehensive student funding model for higher education to address the needs of the 'missing middle'. 'The National Skills Fund has set aside R3 billion over a three-year period.' Nkabane said the allocation for university education increased from R91.7 billion to R96 billion, with a R1.4 billion deficit on the universities' budget. 'We continue to work with National Treasury to find a sustainable adjustment to the universities' budget,' she said. Tebogo Letsie, ANC MP and chairperson of the Higher Education Portfolio Committee, said they would ensure that the department, NSFAS, and universities were accountable. 'We will ensure public resources are used efficiently, effectively, and transparently to deliver the ANC vision,' he said. Letsie took a swipe at the DA for its stance to reject the department's budget because they don't believe Nkabane should be the minister. 'When you vote in 2026, remember them, they will be saying your poor child must not go to school and university because they have a problem with the minister,' he added. MK Party MP Mnqobi Msezane said they rejected the budget because they don't have confidence in the Ministry and Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi, who they claimed faced allegations of gross misconduct, fraud, and corruption, and was not suspended or investigated by Nkabane. 'We don't have confidence in the Ministry and the department to oversee this budget,' Msezane said. DA MP Matlhodi Maseko said the higher education system was being systematically eroded by incompetence, deception, and the unchecked abuse of power in the system. 'The minister has repeatedly given conflicting representations to this House,' she said in reference to the SETA boards' chairperson appointment scandal and listed other challenges in the department under Nkabane's watch. Maseko said President Cyril Ramaphosa should remove Nkabane without delay. 'The future of our youth depends on strong, ethical, caring leadership, and until there is accountability at the very top, every rand in this budget will be another drop in a leaking bucket,' she said. EFF's Sihle Lonzi accused the DA of cherry picking which budget to support and also criticised it for discovering corruption in the department after former deputy minister Andrew Whitfield was fired from the executive. However, Lonzi said his party would not support the budget after presenting a seven-point plan to rescue the department. 'We have no certainty that the R142 billion is going to be used correctly,' he said.


The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
SOLD: Sale of SuperSport United confirmed
SuperSport United have officially been sold to Siwelele Football Club and are waiting for the PSL to approve the deal. This was confirmed in a statement by SuperSport International on Thursday, which added that after a closed bidding process, Siwelele were awarded the rights to purchase the Tshwane side. 'SuperSport International would like to confirm the sale of its Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, SuperSport United, to Siwelele Football Club (Pty) Ltd. 'Following a closed bidding process, Siwelele F.C was awarded the rights to purchase the three-time Premiership winners, pending approval by the PSL Executive Committee. 'The sale of the club comes as SuperSport makes strategic shifts to allow us to remain the biggest broadcaster in Africa and a leading global competitor. Shifts in the market, as well as the need to innovate in accordance with our core business, have necessitated focused direction to allow SuperSport to remain the best sports content provider on the continent and a leader in broadcast innovation,''' said SuperSport CEO, Rendani Ramovha. Siwelele chairman Calvin le John said they are happy to have won the bid to purchase the club. 'As Siwelele FC, we are privileged to have been given the responsibility of continuing with a rich winning tradition in the PSL. SuperSport and the MultiChoice Group laid an incredible 30-year platform that we wish to build upon, should we get the final vote of approval from the PSL executive committee,' Le John said. 'Out of respect for the PSL executive committee's processes, Siwelele F.C, MultiChoice and SuperSport will not be making any further statements pending the decision of the PSL.' Reports suggest that Matsatsantsa were sold for R50 million and will relocate to Bloemfontein in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season and will be called Siwelele FC. SuperSport United endured a horror 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, finishing 14th and narrowly avoiding the promotion-relegation playoffs. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.