14 February 2023

As South Africa enters yet another State of Disaster, property owners around the country may be wondering how this might affect their investments. And can the market weather another year of contraction? According to Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, the answer is a resoundingly confident yes.

“Property is the very definition of an essential good,” he says. “No matter what’s happening in the world, people will always need shelter. That means property is typically one of the most resilient asset classes in uncertain circumstances. Come what may, we are completely confident that property will emerge from this latest drop intact and ready for its next growth phase.”

Energy Crisis

The energy crisis is top of the list of current challenges affecting the nation. However, Clarke says it also presents a potential opportunity to homeowners.

“We’re seeing a dramatic increase in the desirability of homes with backup and solar energy solutions,” he says. “This is particularly prevalent in the mid- to high-end property segments, where alternative power sources are quickly becoming must-have features for buyers.”

The benefit of installing alternative power isn’t limited to the luxury market, however. Clarke says compliant backup power sources are a very effective differentiator for any seller trying to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

“We’re also excited to see the details of the solar tax grants promised in SONA, and the expansion of the solar financing products already on the market,” he says. “The more accessible this technology is to the general public, the sooner we can start rebuilding our lives, our businesses and our economy.”

Clarke does note that the method in which solar grants and financing are rolled out will be an important factor in their success.

“Any kind of mandatory solar installation would negatively affect buyer affordability,” he says. “This needs to remain an optional add-on, not a forced purchase for anyone.”

(S)Emigration

Fears over emigration and semigration trends flooding the market with properties may also be causing anxiety amongst some property owners. According to David Jacobs, David Jacobs, Gauteng Regional Sales Manager for the Rawson Property Group, high stock levels and slow market movement owe more to limited buyer activity than any large-scale exodus of homeowners.

“Realistically, most emigrants – and even semigrants – fall into younger age groups where property ownership is less common,” he says. “What we’re seeing on the market is a direct result of the rising interest rates, high cost of living and economic uncertainty impacting consumer confidence and making potential buyers think twice.” Jacobs also notes that average time on market is always longer in a buyers’ market, where there is far less pressure for buyers to move quickly in case they miss out.

Both Clarke and Jacobs agree that if anything, current market conditions should be a little bit reassuring. “We’re not in uncharted territory – we’ve been here before, and we’ll be here again. Let’s keep our eye on that horizon and work together to make the best of our situation until then,” Clarke says.