30 March 2023
Today, the SARB announced yet another 50-basis-point increase to the interest rate, taking the repo rate to 7.75% and the prime lending rate to 11.25%. According to the experts, however, there is at least some good news to soften the blow of this latest rates hike announcement.
“I don’t think there was any doubt that the interest rate would go up again this month,” says Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group. “Inflation has remained stubbornly outside the target range of the Reserve Bank, and this is one of the very few mechanisms they have to bring that
under control.”
“Opinions definitely seem to be trending towards interest rates remaining where they are for some time to come,” says Clarke. “Some analysts are even predicting the beginning of a downward cycle as early as late 2023.”
While this would bring much-needed relief to existing homeowners, and a valuable boost to property market confidence and buyer activity, Clarke says the road ahead for property is not without its challenges.
“South Africa’s economic woes are weighing heavily on the property market,” he says. “People are struggling to make ends meet, let alone save for big investments like property purchases. This, together with the rising costs of property finance, has steadily eroded the pool of qualified buyers.”
As a result, Clarke says property supply significantly outweighs demand in most areas, contributing to slow – House Price Inflation (HPI). Lightstone statistics show that national HPI has been positive, but below inflation for some time.
“At the moment, there are very few investments that are keeping up with inflation,” says Clarke. “South Africa – and the world – is going through a very tough phase, and it’s hurting on all fronts, not just property. The one strength property has that other investments do not is its essential nature. No matter how hard things get, people will always need a roof over their heads.”
As such, Clarke says property remains one of the most predictable safe havens in which to protect and preserve personal wealth.
“It’s easy to forget that property is a long-term investment journey and all these highs and lows are a natural part of the landscape,” he says. “My best advice right now is to buckle up, focus on protecting and improving your property’s value, and always consult with a property expert before making any big investment decisions.
