Latest news with #LightstoneProperty
TimesLIVE
01-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
How your education level affects where you live
There are nearly 12-million households earning less than R13,000 a month with just less than 2.5-million properties available if households stick to the guideline that they spend no more than a third of their income on housing. This is equal to one property for 4.8 households in this income band, showing how low-income households in South Africa face an acute shortage of formal housing stock, said Hayley Ivins-Downes, managing executive of real estate at analytics company Lightstone Property. The ratio improved to 3.3 households for every one formal property if the salary threshold moved to R26,000 a month. For higher income groups, this ratio was closer to 1.2 to 1. Most of South Africa's households earn less than R26,000 per month, which means affordability remains a major obstacle to most households having a property to call their own, Ivins-Downes said. This pushed many into backyard rentals, informal structures or traditional dwellings that weren't formally registered — and often these options were further away from work than is ideal. 'In many towns, lower income working people struggle most to find accommodation.' For homes valued at less than R300,000 — 80% of which were subsidised — only 1% had been bought or sold in the past five years compared with 4% in the R300,000 to R500,000 price band, 6% in the R500,000 to R750,000 price band and 13% in the R750,000 to R2m price band. 'The data told us that not only was there a significant shortage of affordable housing, but there were proportionately fewer transactions among lower income earners, limiting mobility, equity growth and broader economic participation,' Ivins-Downes said. The more education people have, the more likely they will be able to buy houses in higher price bands, the data also shows. 'A household with two working people who did not have matric would probably be able to afford a house valued at R250,000 — but this jumped to R380,000 where the two have a matric and to R1.8m when they have degrees,' she said. Mapping these affordability scenarios to suburbs showed how the difference in education — and consequently earning potential — affected housing choice. In Johannesburg, couples without matric found affordable stock in areas such as Hillbrow, Johannesburg Central and Orange Farm, while couples with degrees would be buying in suburbs such as Morningside, North Riding and Weltevreden Park. She said the insights underscored the need for integrated housing, education and economic policies to address the barriers facing lower income households.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
The small SA town where property prices grow by R1m each year
Demand for property in South Africa's Western Cape has increased tenfold, with property prices in some areas surging by the million each year. As reported by BusinessTech , these areas, especially the smaller seaside towns, are attracting both local and foreign property buyers. One such popular area is the fishing village of Kalk Bay, which has seen property prices go up by R1 million every year since 2020. Kalk Bay, a small, quirky fishing village on the False Bay coast of Cape Town, is known for its bohemian vibe, colourful harbour, and mix of old-school charm and modern edge. BusinessTech reported that from 2020 to 2025, house prices in areas along False Bay increased from 20% to as much as 150%. According to Lightstone Property and Seeff Property data, Kalk Bay full-title house prices increased from R4.9 million in 2020 to R9 million at the start of 2025 – a staggering 83% increase. On average, sectional title property (apartments, town houses) prices also increased by 150% over the same period, from R2 million to R5 million. 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.
The South African
09-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
The small seaside village in SA where foreigners love to live
A stunning seaside village in the Western Cape saw the highest proportion of foreign property buyers in South Africa last year. According to BusinessTech and the latest property data from Lightstone Property, Scarborough in Cape Town had over half of its homes sold to foreigners last year. The data also revealed that the Western Cape was the preferred destination for foreign property buyers in South Africa, with the province having the top 22 suburbs with the highest proportion of foreign purchasers. Scarborough is a small, picturesque seaside village which sits on the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. The suburb forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan area but maintains a distinctly rural and tranquil atmosphere. The suburb is also declared a conservation village, which means strict regulations are in place to protect the natural environment. The average property price in Scarborough has greatly increased over the past decade, data has also shown, with the average price sold from R2.30 million in 2016 to R7.85 million as of 2025 – a whopping 241% increase. Foreign property buyers are also flocking to Chapmans Peak, Bakoven, De Waterkant, and Cape Town Centre, BusinessTech has reported. 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.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Biggles Removals weekly update on the East Rand's property, infrastructure and moving trends
A snapshot of property, economic, and infrastructure developments in The East Rand. This week we're covering Kempton Park, Edenvale, and Bedfordview. Whether you're relocating or investing, we combine the latest property insights with our local furniture moving experience in these eastern suburbs of Johannesburg. Kempton Park Kempton Park is a major transport and residential hub on the East Rand, located near OR Tambo International Airport. It features a mix of suburban homes, townhouses, and cluster developments, making it attractive to both families and working professionals. Property trends: Kempton Park is a high-volume property market known for affordability and accessibility. According to Lightstone Property, freehold homes dominate the landscape, with growing interest in sectional title units, particularly in suburbs like Glen Marais and Edleen. - Strong demand among first-time buyers and young families. - Sectional titles in areas like Birchleigh North attract investors due to high rental turnover. Infrastructure developments: The Kempton Park CBD Urban Design Precinct Plan, approved by the City of Ekurhuleni, focuses on redeveloping the central business district. This plan aims to enhance public spaces, encourage investment, and address urban decay, aligning with the city's broader Aerotropolis Master Plan. Adjacent to O.R. Tambo International Airport, ORTIA Precinct 2 is a 29-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ) designed to attract light industrial and manufacturing activities. The development includes essential municipal infrastructure such as water, sewer, electricity, roads, and IT services, positioning it as a hub for high-value, air-freightable products. Notable property developments in Kempton Park: - Riverfields Mixed-Use Precinct: A R7bn development combining residential, industrial, and retail spaces with sustainable infrastructure and growing commercial appeal. - Riverstone Wetland Estate: A sustainable lifestyle estate launched in 2025, featuring eco-friendly housing integrated into a preserved wetland environment. Investment appeal: Kempton Park offers reliable property performance with accessible entry points. Properties priced between R900,000 and R1.5m, particularly in Glen Marais, attract consistent buyer activity. Recent sales trends show cluster homes in this price bracket achieving rental yields of 8% to 10%, especially among airport staff and logistics workers. Sectional title snapshot: Complexes like Strelitzia, Spartan Village, and The Willows offer lock-up-and-go living with 24/7 security and are popular with airport staff and logistics professionals. Rental demand: One- to two-bedroom units near the airport rent for R5,500 to R9,000 per month. Demand spikes for furnished units catering to frequent flyers and airline staff. Biggles Removals – Kempton Park furniture movers: This past month, we helped several families with their furniture relocations in Kempton Park. A question we often get is: 'Will moving companies store your furniture?' Yes, most professional furniture movers offer storage solutions as part of their services. Storage can be arranged for short- or long-term periods. Many movers also offer flexible pricing based on the size of your load and the length of storage needed, making it a convenient option during transitional phases. It's always best to confirm availability and costs with your chosen moving company in advance. Bedfordview Bedfordview is one of Johannesburg's more affluent eastern suburbs, offering a blend of luxury homes, townhouses, and high-end sectional titles. Its excellent schools, gated communities, and close access to highways make it especially attractive to established families and business professionals. Property trends: Bedfordview consistently ranks as a premium property area. According to Lightstone, the suburb boasts some of the highest average property values on the East Rand. There's been a growing trend toward secure estates and smaller luxury clusters. - Freehold homes in gated estates remain in demand. - Modern apartments and clusters in complexes like The Nicol and The Bailey attract young professionals. Infrastructure developments: Bedfordview, a prestigious suburb in Gauteng, is experiencing notable urban development initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and community amenities. The City of Ekurhuleni has allocated substantial budgets for mega projects, including the construction of new sewer and water pipelines in nearby areas like Pomona and Nigel. These projects are part of a broader initiative to improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan District. Additionally, the city is advancing mega human settlement projects that encompass the provision of serviced sites with permanent infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sanitation, ready for the development of integrated human settlements. Notable property developments in Bedfordview: - Infinité: A landmark 15-storey, 200-unit luxury residential estate located near the Bill Stewart Nature Reserve. - Bedfordview Frontier: A modern, secure estate directly opposite Reddam House private school. Investment appeal: Bedfordview properties have shown capital growth of up to 6% annually over the past five years, with rental prices remaining resilient even during economic dips. Secure estates are especially attractive to executives and expatriates, with rental occupancy rates consistently above 90%. Sectional title snapshot: Developments like The Nicol, Villa Abrosia, and Bedford Gardens combine high-end finishes with hotel-style amenities. These units rent well to executives and short-term corporate tenants. Rental demand: Furnished 2-bedroom units in secure estates rent for R14,000 to R25,000 per month. Executive homes with modern finishes command upwards of R30,000 per month. Biggles Removals – Bedfordview moving company services: 'Do I need insurance for my move?' While not mandatory, moving insurance is highly recommended – especially for long-distance relocations or valuable furniture. Policies can be arranged through your moving company or independently, and typically cover damage, loss, and transit risks. Edenvale Edenvale is a well-established suburb located between Johannesburg and Kempton Park. With a mix of older family homes, newer clusters, and sectional title developments, Edenvale attracts a diverse population, from retirees to young professionals. Property trends: According to Property24, Edenvale has seen steady property demand, particularly in suburbs like Greenstone Hill, Edenglen, and Dowerglen. Greenstone has become a sectional title hotspot, while Edenglen is preferred for freestanding family homes with large gardens. - Greenstone Hill has over 60% of recent sales in sectional title. - Strong migration into the area from central Johannesburg due to affordability and lifestyle benefits. Infrastructure developments: Edenvale continues to benefit from its location near the N3, R24, and Modderfontein Road. The development of Greenstone Shopping Centre and the Greenstone Crest precinct has turned the area into a mixed-use urban hub with modern amenities. Notable property developments in Edenvale: - Greenstone Hill Developments: A series of modern residential complexes offering a range of apartments and townhouses. - Elma Park Orion Building: A mixed-use development strategically located near major transport routes, combining residential units with commercial spaces to create a vibrant community hub. Investment appeal: Edenvale offers mid-range investment opportunities with a wide rental market and easy access to major business hubs. According to Seeff, Edenvale properties offer strong resale value and low vacancy periods. Sectional title snapshot: In Greenstone, lifestyle estates offering shared gyms, pools, and work-from-home amenities see average vacancy periods of less than three weeks. These sectional title units also retain 90% and more of their value over a five-year holding period, according to Seeff's 2024 market report. Rental demand: Two-bedroom sectional title units in Greenstone rent for R9,000 to R14,000 per month. Demand is highest for secure units with parking and Wi-Fi, popular among digital professionals and small families. Biggles Removals – Edenvale furniture movers: 'Can moving companies move pets?' Most moving companies don't transport pets directly due to safety regulations and insurance limitations, but some offer assistance by coordinating with professional pet relocation services. These specialists ensure your pet travels safely by providing climate-controlled transport, vet checks, travel crates, and door-to-door delivery. It's best to arrange pet transport a few weeks in advance and use certified providers for a stress-free move. Furniture removal costs in Kempton Park and surrounding areas There are many affordable moving companies in Johannesburg, but furniture moving costs will always be dependent on several factors. This includes the volume of your furniture, the distance travelled, and additional services such as packing and wrapping that you may need from your moving company. Local moving company prices in Kempton Park and surrounds: 1–2 bedrooms: R1,500–R5,000 3–4 bedrooms: R6,000–R12,000 5+ bedrooms: R12,000–R20,000 Long-distance moves: Within 200km: R6,000 – R15,000 Over 200km: R15,000 – R30,000 Additional furniture moving services: Packing/unpacking: R500–R3,000 Furniture disassembly/reassembly: R300–R1,500 per item Storage solutions: R500–R2,000 per month
