Advertise on podcast: The Property Corner with Rowan Alexander

Can the government decide which estate agent you’re allowed to use? A recent Pretoria High Court judgment has thrown a major question into South Africa’s property industry: what happens when BEE compliance becomes linked to an estate agent’s legal ability to operate? The court declared part of the Property Practitioners Act unconstitutional and invalid, not because BEE itself is unconstitutional, but because the legislation failed to provide sufficient clarity around what constitutes a valid BEE certificate. So what does this actually mean for estate agents, homeowners, sellers, investors and developers? Could government regulation indirectly limit your choice of property practitioner? What happens next? And where should the line be drawn between transformation, regulation, competition and consumer choice? Rowan Alexander unpacks the judgment, what it means right now, and why this could be much bigger than an estate agent regulatory dispute. This isn’t just about agents. It could affect who you’re legally allowed to choose when you sell your property. Should government be able to determine which estate agents you are legally allowed to use by making a particular transformation certification a condition of the agent's right to practise? Watch the latest episode on The Property Corner YouTube channel and let me know what you think. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction02:38 What actually happened?03:38 The court didn't say BEE is unconstitutional.04:57 What does this mean if you’re selling your house?06:22 So, here’s the question I want to ask you.06:58 What the court did and what it means for estate agents right now.07:50 But let's be fair: why does the state want this?08:53 The big question: what happens next?09:34 Another interesting part of the judgment.10:31 So, where do I stand on this?11:19 A question I want to leave you with. #PropertyCorner #PropertyLaw #BEE #EstateAgents #SouthAfricanProperty Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Is Cape Town really coming for Airbnb? The City of Cape Town’s proposed new short-term letting by-law could significantly change the economics of Airbnb and other short-term rentals. In this episode, we unpack what the proposed rules actually say, including mandatory registration, data sharing, the 50% availability threshold, commercial property rates, and potential penalties. But the bigger question is what happens next. Could your property rates increase by around 2.5x? Could some Airbnb investors shift back to long-term rentals? And what could this mean for sectional title schemes, body corporates, HOAs and property values? We cut through the headlines and look at the actual proposed legislation, the numbers, and what it could mean for Cape Town property investors. This is not just about Airbnb. It could have implications for the wider Cape Town property market. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 02:58 What exactly is the City proposing? 04:33 The City wants the data. 05:20 The 50% threshold: this is the BIG one. 08:45 A property can cross the line without being fully occupied. 10:14 What happens if you cross the threshold? 11:26 Example of a property with a municipal valuation of R3 million. 13:32 And there's another potential sting. 16:33 What about Body Corporates? 17:43 This creates a very interesting building-level issue. 20:40 Does this create an additional burden on the Body Corporate? 21:49 What happens to investment returns? 22:41 Could this push investors back toward long-term rentals? 23:52 And what could that do to Cape Town property prices? 26:09 THE BIG QUESTION 28:49 How body corporates and HOAs might start interpreting this. #CapeTownProperty #Airbnb #PropertyInvesting #ShortTermRentals #CapeTownRealEstate Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

In this episode of The Property Corner, Rowan responds to viewer comments from the “The Economic Transformation of Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs” episode. From traffic congestion and major road upgrades to the shortage of high schools, rapid residential development, new private and government schools, and the growing need for office space and public transport, the discussion looks at how areas like Durbanville and Brackenfell are evolving. The Northern Suburbs are becoming increasingly central to Cape Town’s growth, bringing both challenges and opportunities for residents, businesses and property owners.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:15 Heavy-Duty Traffic Is Becoming a Major Problem 02:31 Not Enough High Schools 06:01 New Schools and Affordable Education 06:31 Rapid Growth and the Strain on Infrastructure 08:30 Durbanville’s Growth and Rising Municipal Costs 10:17 Not Enough Upmarket Restaurants Around Brackenfell   #NorthernSuburbs #PropertyMarket #PropertyInvestment #CapeTownDevelopment #CapeTownGrowth

In this episode, we take a visual walkthrough of the new PayProp Quarterly Rental Index for Q1 2026 and unpack what the latest data tells us about South Africa’s residential rental market. We look at rental growth, average rental values and tenant arrears across the country, including the standout performance of the Western Cape and Northern Cape, as well as the provinces showing signs of slowing growth. But the numbers only tell part of the story. We also look at what the data could mean for landlords and investors as rising interest rates and the increasing cost of living begin putting pressure on tenants and rental demand. Most importantly, we move beyond the Q1 numbers and consider what they could mean for the rental market for the rest of 2026, including why tenant retention may become more important than rental escalations. Watch the full visual walkthrough of the new PayProp Quarterly Rental Index and follow along as we break down the numbers and what they could mean for property investors and landlords. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 04:17 National Statistics 06:35 Provincial Statistics 13:28 National Payment Behaviour 14:34 In Closing If you’d like to explore the report yourself, here’s the link to the PayProp Quarterly Rental Index for Q1 2026: https://www.flipsnack.com/B77B9BAA9F7/rental-index-q1-2026?utm_campaign=117554417-SA%20-%20PayProp%20Rental%20Index&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9UxGWq5HjIiE462lL3m7qM6PKtR3QM07-vgviqKrxWrGAhLFneldaY1v4a87EpKMH_GwruQPrVAoPwtgRbDJQ1zrOQNg&_hsmi=141952045&utm_content=141952045&utm_source=hs_email #PayPropRentalIndex #SouthAfricanProperty #RentalMarket2026 #PropertyInvesting #RentalProperty

The biggest cost of owning a home isn't always your bond anymore. In this episode of The Property Corner, we explore why today's property buyers need to think beyond the monthly bond repayment. Rising municipal charges, security costs, insurance, maintenance, levies and utility inflation are changing what true affordability looks like. Using practical examples, we explain why the total cost of ownership has become one of the most important factors when buying property, how these costs can grow over time, and why many homeowners are feeling financial pressure despite keeping up with their bond repayments. We also discuss: Why affordability is no longer just about qualifying for a home loan. How municipal charges and maintenance can overtake your bond repayment over time. The hidden costs many buyers overlook before purchasing. Whether estate living is really more expensive. How to budget for long-term homeownership and avoid future financial strain. If you're planning to buy property, already own a home, or want to make smarter property decisions, this episode will help you look beyond the purchase price and understand the real cost of owning a home.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 The Bond Has Become the Smaller Part of the Equation 02:03 Municipal Charges Are Growing Faster Than Many Realise 04:46 Security Upgrades Are No Longer Optional 06:14 The Silent Killer: Maintenance 07:21 Estate Living Isn't Always More Expensive 09:42 The New Affordability Calculation   Subscribe to The Property Corner for practical property insights, and let us know in the comments which property topic you'd like us to cover next. #PropertyInvestment #HomeOwnership #RealEstateSA #PropertyFinance #HomeLoan Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Is a 30-year home loan really a better financial decision than a 20-year bond? In this episode of The Property Corner, we unpack why choosing a longer bond term could give you greater flexibility, improved cash flow, and more control over your financial future. Many buyers focus solely on the total interest payable over the life of the loan, but there’s another side to the equation: liquidity, risk management, and financial flexibility. By understanding how bond terms work and how additional repayments can shorten your loan term, you can potentially build wealth while maintaining a valuable financial safety net. Whether you're buying your first home or building a property investment portfolio, this discussion highlights how a 30-year bond can be used strategically to improve affordability, create access to emergency funds, and reduce monthly cash flow pressure. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Understanding the Numbers 01:48 The Hidden Value of Lower Contractual Commitments 02:35 The Part Most People Miss 0348 Why This Helps Build an Access Facility 04: 32 The Investor Advantage Join our growing community by subscribing to The Property Corner YouTube Channel and suggesting topics in the comments that you'd like to see covered in upcoming videos. #HomeLoanTips #RealEstateInvesting #SouthAfricanProperty #WealthBuilding #BondRepayment Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform :  Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Cape Town's northern suburbs have undergone one of the most significant transformations in South Africa's property market over the past two decades. What were once considered dormitory towns feeding commuters into the CBD have evolved into thriving economic hubs where people can live, work, shop, study and invest within a single ecosystem. In this episode, we unpack the key drivers behind this transformation, from industrial and logistics developments such as Brackengate Business Park to major residential precincts, retail expansion, education infrastructure, and the rise of Durbanville as the crown jewel of the northern suburbs. We also explore how infrastructure investment, job creation, schooling demand, and mixed-use development have combined to create a self-sustaining property market that increasingly functions as a parallel city system alongside Cape Town. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, developer, or simply interested in the future of Cape Town's property landscape, this episode offers valuable insights into where the northern suburbs have come from and where they're headed next. What changes have you witnessed in the northern suburbs over the last 10, 15, or 20 years? Share your thoughts in the comments below. In this episode: 00:00 The Northern Suburbs' Economic Transformation 02:00 Industrial Growth, Logistics & Job Creation 02:20 Residential Expansion, Retail & Lifestyle Development 06:29 Schools, Education & Why Families Are Moving In 08:48 Durbanville: The Crown Jewel of the Northern Suburbs 10:57 Infrastructure, Future Growth & What Comes Next #CapeTownProperty #NorthernSuburbs #Durbanville #RealEstateSouthAfrica #PropertyInvestment Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform :  Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Cape Town's property market is booming, but there's a catch: the middle class is being pushed further and further out. In this episode, we unpack why buyers are being priced out of the CBD, how pressure is building across the suburbs, and why demand is spilling into areas like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Wellington. From semigration and supply shortages to investor demand and Airbnb, we explore the forces reshaping Cape Town's property market. If you've been wondering why homes are selling so quickly, why affordability feels increasingly out of reach, or where the next opportunities in Cape Town's property market may lie, this episode is for you. In this episode: 00:00 The Middle-Class Property Squeeze in Cape Town 01:16 The 3 Forces Driving Property Prices Higher 02:53 Cape Town's Booming Property Markets 04:51 The Middle-Class Affordability Crisis 06:34 What This Means for Future Property Owners 07:49 Key Message for Buyers #CapeTownProperty #PropertyTrends #PropertyInvestment #SouthAfricanProperty #MiddleClassSqueeze Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Cape Town property owners may have just experienced one of the most significant municipal legal shifts in recent years. A recent Western Cape High Court ruling has declared parts of the City of Cape Town’s tariff structure unlawful, specifically fixed charges linked to property values rather than actual consumption. In this episode we break down what the ruling actually means, why it matters, and how it could reshape property affordability, investor confidence, municipal funding models, and the broader South African property market. We also unpack a real municipal bill to show exactly how these charges work, why they became so controversial, and how they impact different stakeholders from homeowners and landlords to large commercial property investors. Finally we explore what happens after 30 June 2026, how municipalities may respond, and what this could mean for the future cost of owning property in South Africa. In this episode: 00:00 Cape Town's Biggest Property Billing Victory? 00:29 What the High Court Actually Ruled 01:24 What Actually Happened? 02:08 What Does This Ruling Mean? 02:31 Breaking Down a Real Municipal Bill 08:05 Why Are Property Owners So Frustrated? 09:45 SAPOA's Position Explained 10:51 How Property Affordability Is Changing 12:35 What Happens After 30 June? 13:37 How Cape Town Could Replace the Lost Revenue 15:16 The Bigger Debate: Who Pays for Municipal Infrastructure? 15:58 Impact on the Property Market 18:34 Why This Matters Beyond Cape Town 19:19 Could This Accelerate Off-Grid Living? 20:32 Key takeaways #CapeTownProperty #PropertySouthAfrica #MunicipalRates #PropertyMarket #LandlordsSA Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4pOQP1aCiewij_VqSxwbWA Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Six months ago, everyone expected continuous interest rate cuts in South Africa. But by mid-2026, the conversation has changed completely. Inflation remains sticky, global geopolitical tensions are creating uncertainty, and the Reserve Bank’s focus has shifted from stimulating growth to protecting stability. In this episode, we unpack why interest rate cuts have slowed, what the current US-Iran conflict and oil supply risks could mean for the South African property market, and how buyers, investors, developers, and agents should adjust their expectations for the rest of 2026. If you’ve been waiting for major rate relief before making your next property move, this discussion could reshape your strategy and help you understand where the market may be heading next. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:20 What We Expected for 2026 01:39 Why the Outlook Changed 02:14 From Rate Cuts to Rate Stability 02:53 Interest Rate Outlook for the Rest of 2026 04:23 What This Means for Property Buyers 05:56 Final Thoughts YouTube Channel Referenced: ● @‌newzroomafrika5914 ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@newzroomafrika5914 #SouthAfricaProperty #InterestRates2026 #PropertyMarket #RealEstateInvesting #SouthAfricaEconomy

Energy costs are rising, water is becoming scarce, and uncertainty is affecting the world around us. But there are ways to take control, save money, protect your family, and increase your property’s value at the same time. In this episode, we explore future-proofing your home, covering everything from alternative energy solutions and water efficiency to smart management systems and resilient building methods. Learn practical strategies to reduce running costs, improve your home’s marketability, and create a property that is ready for both today and tomorrow. Avoid short-term cosmetic trends and focus on upgrades that truly deliver long-term value. Future-proofing is more than just preparation. It is an investment in your family’s comfort, your financial security, and the long-term value of your home.   In this episode: 00:19 Why Everyone’s Talking About Future-Proofing Right Now 01:47 Future-Proofing Method #1: Alternative Energy Generation 03:55 How Rising Fuel Prices Impact Energy Costs 04:42 Future-Proofing Method #2: Water Security and Efficiency 05:31 The Overlooked Costs on Your Sewage Bill 06:05 Future-Proofing Method #3: Smart Energy and Water Management 06:56 Future-Proofing Method #4: Consideration of Building Materials and Methodologies 07:48 How Future-Proofing Translates Into Higher Property Value 08:28 How Resilience Adds Marketable Value to Your Home #FutureProofHome #HomeUpgrades #ResilientHome #PropertyInvestment #HomeValue

The 2026 South African budget isn’t just numbers, it could mean more money in your pocket as a property owner. In this episode, we unpack the key highlights that matter to property owners and investors, from capital gains tax relief to income tax bracket adjustments. We also explore what hasn’t been widely covered, including infrastructure investments and why property remains a resilient and rewarding asset in South Africa. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, these insights could directly impact your portfolio and cash flow. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:47 No New Tax Burden 01:13 A Stable and Credible Fiscal Environment 01:36 Capital Gains Tax Relief 03:34 Income Tax Bracket Adjustments 04:37 No Adjustments to the Transfer Duty Threshold 04:59 Section 13sex Allowances Remain Intact 06:02 R1 Trillion Investment in InfrastructureOver the Medium Term 06:35 The Bottom Line for Property Owners and Investors in South Africa Right Now #SABudget2026 #PropertyInvestment #SouthAfricaProperty #InfrastructureGrowth #PropertyWealth Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

A war in the Middle East might seem far removed from South Africa, but global conflicts often have ripple effects that reach local markets. In this episode, we unpack how escalating tensions between Israel, Iran and the US could influence the South African property market. From rising fuel prices and cost-push inflation to interest rate expectations and investor confidence, global instability can quietly affect affordability, buying power and rental demand. We also explore how these shifts could impact first-time buyers, investors and the rental market, and why periods of uncertainty can still create opportunities for those who understand the market. If you want to understand how global events could shape property investing in South Africa, this episode breaks down the risks and the opportunities.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Risk of Inflation & Fuel Costs 02:40 Higher or Delayed Interest Rate Relief 03:59 Market Uncertainty and Delayed Buying Driving Rising Rental Prices 07:36 Foreign Buyer Interest 08:51 Investor Opportunities Where Others Hesitate 09:39 Capitalising on Less Competition, Better Negotiation Power & Rising Rental Demand 10:00 Final Key Takeaway #SouthAfricanProperty #PropertyInvesting #PropertyMarket #RealEstateSA #Inflation Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

In this video, I join Albert van Wyk on his podcast as the first guest to chat about property in South Africa.The conversation focuses on property investment strategies in South Africa and how approaches can differ depending on the market you are investing in.Rowan and Albert discuss how markets such as Cape Town and the Western Cape can differ from areas like Pretoria and how these differences influence the way investors structure their portfolios.They also explore various investment methodologies, the importance of understanding local market dynamics, and how investors can adapt their strategies to suit different regions.This conversation is a valuable exchange of ideas for anyone interested in property investing and understanding how to approach opportunities across different South African markets.Search The Property Corner on YouTube for more practical property advice and discussions about investing in South Africa. Check out Albert van Wyk on Spotify , YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok.

In this Q&A episode, we answer YOUR YouTube comments and questions about property investing. From what you really need to know about levies vs ownership, how to spot the hottest rental areas, and the limits of property affordability to the smartest first cash buys and whether extra bond payments belong on your home or investment and more. Essential insights for first-time buyers and property investors. Don’t miss these tips straight from the comments section! In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:05 Room-by-Room Rental 01:19 Levies vs Ownership 03:54 How to Pick a Winning Rental Area 06:08 Can Property Affordability Run Out? 08:37 Best First Property to Buy in Cash 09:31 Why Rent Rises but Bonds Don’t 10:48 Extra Bond Payments: Home vs Investment 12:14 Multi-Let Properties: Is It Worth the Cost? 14:57 Just Buy It Cash 15:11 What’s a Reasonable Deposit? #PropertyInvesting #RealEstateAdvice #FirstTimeBuyer #SmartInvesting #PropertyTips