JOHANNESBURG, 26 January (IRIN) - More money in the pockets of middle- to low-income earners has created a property boom in South Africa's former black townships, according to a new survey.

The 2005 Residential Property Barometer shows more property sales in townships like Soweto and Daveyton in Gauteng province, compared to the former white suburbs in the metropolitan areas of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The barometer is based on a survey of the perceptions and expectations of 100 real estate professionals operating in new development markets in Gauteng townships, conducted by the First National Bank (FNB).

Supplied by Dave Welmans www.thepropertygame.co.za

Were you seduced by all that ozone and suntan lotion while on holiday? Did you go overboard and in the heady moment of sundowners and too many cocktails buy that gorgeous little cottage? Instead of kicking yourself as this property becomes a drain on your resources and is only abused by your kids and their friends outside of the three weeks you spend doing maintenance on it in December, think outside of the box and turn a rush of blood to the head into some good investment sense.

BUYING a home is a crucial investment decision that prospective homeowners have to grapple with, hence the need for buyers to tread carefully before taking the plunge.

South Africa now has three property-transacting models that buyers and sellers can choose from: estate agency, private selling and the new Help-U-Sell model imported from the US. ..

Residents of flooded areas on Johannesburg's East Rand refused to be evacuated as water rushed into many of their houses, emergency services said.

Spokesman Sugan Moodley said 75 people in Rondebult extension Phumula Heights had been asked to move due to rising water levels.

Arrangements had been made to accommodate the residents in Boksburg's banquet hall. However they refuse to evacuate their premises...

More visitors from the United States and the United Kingdom are applying for permanent residence and extended visas in South Africa, according to local immigration experts.

Though statistics are not available, three busy immigration offices said that they had noticed this trend.

"Many American people... want to make South Africa their home," said Rod Maxwell, CEO of SA Migration International in Cape Town...

St Lucia acts as a base to explore a surrounding countryside like no other in the country. The wetlands, swamps, mangroves and lagoons making up the town's environment attract many eco-tourists and nature lovers.

Extensive conservation programmes have been undertaken since a game reserve was establish on the estaurine system fed by the Mkuze, Nyalazi and Hluhluwe Rivers. No trip to Kwazulu-Natal's northern coast is complete without a visit to this unforgettable place...

View Properties in Kwazulu Natal | View Properties in St Lucia

Kwazulu Natal, La Lucia Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 Notes: Superior architecturally designed villa with superb breaker seaviews of the Durban shoreline. This home has been finished to the highest international standard, has excellent flow for the entertainer with privacy and security being key features.

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Redecorating a teen room can be a challenge, but with these teen room decorating ideas, you will both be able to work together to create a unique haven for your teenager.

If your teenager's room hasn't been decorated since they were ten years old, and they're hiding their stuffed animals under the bed, it's definitely time to redecorate.

The very first thing you need to do is to sit down with your teenager and discuss his or her likes and dislikes...

DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

This year we have found that Plettenberg Bay was still very busy but for shorter periods at a time.
Shop owners have found that their sales increased with between 10 and 18%.
Apart from the tragic loss of little Steven Siebert that occurred during the holiday period we have had a very festive holiday season and all that we have spoken to had enjoyed their holiday thoroughly.

IF THERE EVER WAS A BARGAIN IN PLETT THIS IS IT!!

One of the older beauties in Plettenberg Bay. With lagoon, ocean and mountain views this house has a lot of potential. It has 3 very spacious bedrooms (remember this is an old house so it's VERY spacious) and 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) this can be a perfect family home. Open plan lounge and dining room - with views, a study, a huge kitchen with scullery, double garage and carport, a domestic room and outside toilet - to name a few features. The best part of all - the price of course R1, 300 000.00 (not negotiable)

By Val Ludgrove Estates

Technology has become an integral part of Real Estate over the past few years. Tools like CyberAgent have played and will play even a more important role in the future of Real Estate. Real estate agencies using a tool like CyberAgent, gain the advantages of using the latest technology to benefit their businesses.

The real challenge is to find a software application (programme) that supports all facets of the industry, cutting out the need to duplicate day-to-day work. CyberAgent answers to all the estate agencies needs.

CyberAgent:

• Is an all-inclusive office management tool
  
• Consists of cutting edge technology
  
• Has been developed since 1999
  
• Enables you to eliminate multiple programmes; No double capturing
  
• Compete on the highest level of Internet marketing and exposure
  
• Is an OFF-LINE system, saving you time and money
  
• Free programme updates on a regular basis
  
• Currently used by over 700 Professional Estate Agencies
  
• Includes multilevel security
  
• Network ready with no additional licenses for the same office

If you would like to know more about the above features and benefits that CyberAgent offer, visit: www.cyberagent.co.za or email: sales@cyberprop.com

For Sale Property:
Eastern Cape Freestate Gauteng Kwazulu Natal Mpumalanga North West Northern Cape Northern Province Western Cape

To Rent Property:
Eastern Cape Gauteng Kwazulu Natal North West Western Cape