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Is ownership of a property still a good investment?
Theodore Roosevelt, one of the richest men of all time made the statement, “Real Estate is the basis for all wealth”.
Currently there is a lot of talk whether property investment in South Africa and also as a whole is still a good investment with advisors having conflicting views.
Some advisors would advice you that if you are already a home owner you should not put your money into more property as you are not diversifying enough. Others say that buying property is one of the safest investments that keep up with inflation.
Property ownership in South Africa is very low and volatility in the interest rates makes it difficult to buy property especially for those first time buyers. The South African Reserve Banks governor, Tito Mobweni, announced that the bank was investigating the possibility of introducing a second fixed interest rate. In the mean time it is expected that the South African Reserve bank will hike interest rates by another 50 basic points in October and with another 50 basic points in December 2006. This could influence the answer on whether ownership of a property is still a good investment.
Banking institutions in South Africa this week announced the lowest growth in the property industry in six years and according to them the outlook continues to look bleak. The same with the pricing of houses, house price data continue to reflect “softening consumer activity” with "substantially reduced enthusiasm for buy-to-let properties from investors". Experts predict a nominal year-on-year price growth of between 7 and 8% for 2007.
While the battle between the advisors continues the property industry will continue producing wealth creation. Property investments has consistently produced, created and even developed permanent millionaires over the decades than any other investing strategy in history. While some people make money in property others might find that it is not really for them.
Best of all investing in property is not just for the rich. If you do it correctly, way up all your options, speak to advisors and have the desire to succeed you can create wealth for yourself.
Overall people like property. Not only is it a relatively safe investment that 9 out of 10 times gives solid returns but property ownership also creates exciting investments that make the owners feel successful.
How can I use property to buy wealth?
• Do some researches before you buy property. Choose your property carefully and choose a property that will boost your wealth
• Pick a good location – the better the location the more you can make
• Make the right choice, a house or a unit – a house on the long run gain more in value. Units on the other hand gets you a bigger rental return
• Make sure that the income and tax advantages cover the cost of ownership
• Pay market value – a wise property investor will not pay more for a property than what it is worth
• Getting good tenants – It is important to look around if you would be able get good tenants before you buy. Suitable tenants help you pay your mortgage
• Create enough passive rental income to become financially independent, this is when you are thinking of buying that next property
• Have means to cope financially should something go wrong
• Do not rely on getting a capital gain and
• Do not sell in a hurry
According to me there is always a time to buy and a time to sell and also a time to hold. The biggest mistake is that people do not allow themselves to wait. Never be anxious or in a hurry to buy property or to sell property if you are buying for an investment. Instead, reassess your investment portfolio, your strategy or seek the advice of an advisor.
If you can get the balance right you could end up owning several properties, have them paid off over time and find yourself on that road of wealth.
Author-Bio: CyberProp is filled with real estate news, property investments, listed estate agents and real estate advice. With the click of a button we will provide visitors to this website with a wide selection of property for sale and property to rent in residential properties, farms, commercial properties, vacant land, business properties, industrial properties, holiday homes and retirement homes. CyberProp for property in South Africa. Now, sit back and CLICK!
Keyword1: South Africa
Keyword2: Real Estate
Keyword3: Investment
Theme: Business Planning
