NOVEMBER 2012 #84 MONTHLYwww.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

South African property and lifestyle for international investors

Do you want to BUY, SELL, RENT or LET property in South Africa?Visit www.seeff.com and view more than 33 000 properties in all areas and all price ranges and see what services we offer.

YOUR HOME ON THE OCEANR 27 950 000

NEWS/TRENDS >>

NOVEMBER 20122 www.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

BAROMETER

by STAFF REPORTERYoung people are being urged daily to become homeowners and get onto the property ladder but it also needs to be said that most first-time buyers will probably have to take a much closer look at smaller homes, cheaper commutes and properties in need of renovation if they are to realise this goal.

This is according to Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property group, who says that while affordability is of course the major concern of all those entering the market for the first time, there is often quite a serious disconnect between this concern and the size of home they would like to buy.

“However, rather than becoming discouraged, they need to understand that bigger isn’t necessarily better these days, and not only when considering the purchase price or monthly bond repayments.

“A smaller freehold home or a townhouse also means lower property taxes, maintenance costs, insurance premiums and electricity and water bills, and being able to enjoy a better lifestyle at the same time as becoming a homeowner.”

He says young buyers should also not rush into a purchase. “Research shows that the average first-time buyer looks at between 10 and 20 homes before buying, but it can really pay to be patient and view many more than that, and especially homes that have been listed for more than 90 days, because that is typically when anxious sellers start to reduce their asking prices.

For most first-time buyers, Everitt says, proximity to their workplace is the second major item on their list of preferences, as a result of rising fuel and transport costs and frustration at increasing traffic congestion.

“The trouble with this, though, is that homes close to office nodes often cost more precisely because of the added value of reduced transportation costs and commuting times.

“However, smart buyers are finding that they can enjoy the best of both worlds (lower home prices and less costly and stressful commutes) if they pick areas that offer reliable and relatively low-cost public transport to work.”

He says this is evident from flourishing sales in areas

close to the Gautrain stations and along the MyCiTi rapid bus transit route in Cape Town.”

In addition, he says, first-time buyers might want to rethink their preference for homes in sparkling, “move-in” condition and take a closer look at the ‘fixer-upper’ option.

“In the past, this was a common choice for young people who wanted to break into the property market, and it is often still a good way to reconcile affordability concerns and location preferences – that is, to buy cheaply in a good area.

Even homes that need a basic facelift - paint, new carpeting, modern light fittings and some landscaping - can come with big savings, especially if the owners are keen sellers, says Everitt.

“And homes that require bigger upgrades – such as rewiring, replumbing and reroofing - will usually cost even less, although buyers do need to proceed with great caution here and get a professional assessment of the work to be done and the probable cost before making any offer to purchase.”

- Property24.com

Smart strategies for first-time buyers

Home sellers downscalingby DENISE MHLANGAA total of 20 percent of home sellers are downscaling due to financial pressure while 16 percent of sellers not under pressure are upgrading.

This is according to the FNB Estate Agent Survey – Reasons for Selling Residential Property Q3 2012.

For those downscaling due to financial pressure, the rental option appears to have become relatively less attractive in recent times, reveals the report.

Writing in the report, FNB household and property sector strategist John Loos says the survey findings reminds us that just because extremely low interest rates have lowered the numbers of home loans and many other forms of debt in arrears, underlying financial weakness is still widespread among South African households.

The report shows that 3 percent of sellers were selling in order to relocate within South Africa and the percentage of sellers upgrading was 16 percent, according to the report.

“Admittedly not everyone is pressured, and the 16 percent of sellers upgrading remains above the 2008/9 recession-lows of around 7 percent.”

Loos explains that what is interesting from the survey is that the biggest improvement (decline) in the percentage of sellers downscaling due to financial pressure since 2009 has taken place in the lower income markets.

He says the lower income segment (areas with average price of R731,500) shows an average percentage of 23 percent over the last year.

The High Net Worth segment recorded 18 percent (average house price of R3.812 million), upper income segment (average house price R1.972 million) and middle income segments (average house price R1.043 million) are between 20 percent and 22 percent.

Loos says in Q3 2012, the percentages of sellers downscaling due to financial pressure formed a narrow range from 22 percent in the case of the middle income segment to 17 percent in the case of the High Net Worth segment.

“The bottom line is that the multi-year trends in these percentages point to the more credit-dependent lower income segments taking a bigger knock during recessionary conditions and periods of interest rate hiking than the higher income segments.”

The report also indicates that the option of buying a home is more popular for those selling in order to downscale due to financial pressure than renting.

In Q2 2011, the estimated percentage of those downscaling (51 percent) rented after selling while 49 percent bought cheaper properties.

Loos says in Q3 2012, 59 percent of sellers would buy and 41 percent would rent.

“This does not surprise us too much, as it is our perception that rental growth may have outpaced house price growth mildly in recent years, reducing the relative advantage of renting from a cash flow point of view.”

- Property24.com

<< PROMOTION

by STAFF REPORTERCape Town is regarded as one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world. The location is almost unparalleled with Table Mountain as a backdrop and a stunning coastline with sandy, white beaches, rocky bays, world-class infrastructure and magnificent apartments and homes. Cape Town International Airport offers daily direct flights from just about any destination in the world.

The city boasts a wonderful, year-round Mediterranean climate and a cosmopolitan lifestyle with top class restaurants, coffee shops, art stores and chic boutiques lining the streets. World-class shopping malls stock the very best local and international brands and include the beautiful, harbourside V&A Waterfront. There are also beautiful historical buildings, interesting museums, jazz cafés, theatres and nightclubs and of course, the stunning winelands with their rolling vineyards and internationally-renowned wine farms are just a short drive away. The cost of living is also still among the lowest in the world.

The city that never sleeps, yet retains a relaxed charm, attracts millions of business and leisure visitors annually and, aside from already being one of the most awarded destinations on the African continent and being named the World Design Capital of 2014, it has just been voted the second best city in the world by Condé Nast Traveller.

The city is a land of opportunity for foreign property buyers and investors, says Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl managing director, Ian Slot. It offers world-class property options that range from trendy apartments and penthouses to luxurious beach houses and villas with panoramic sea views. Those who prefer the cosmopolitan inner-city vibe can choose from apartments to city cottages and luxury homes nestled against the mountain slopes overlooking the city, harbour and ocean, he says.

Many British, German, Dutch, French and other

European citizens along with nationals from America, South America and the Middle and Far East already own property in the city. Some reside here on a permanent basis or spend the cold European winters here, says Seeff’s German International Division agent, Michael Hauser. In the City Bowl for example, there is a vibrant German community. Aside from excellent English private schools and tertiary educational institutions, there is a German International School as well as a French School in the city. There are also a number of community clubs and a wide range of foreign-language newspapers are available Hauser, who speaks German, also assists German and other European nationals in finding the ideal property to meet their needs.

The city is a favourite with foreign buyers, not only for its stunning location and world-class property standards that offer buyers and investors better value for money compared to most other coastal destinations, but because of its investor-friendly laws. South Africa is one of only 10 destinations in the world with no restriction on foreign property ownership. It boasts one of the most progressive constitutions in the world that protects the rights of people and property amongst others. It has one of the most advanced banking systems in the world, a strong fiscal policy and is relatively easy to do business in. The legislative landscape provides strong protection of land rights and its world-respected registered title system holds records that date back to the early settlement of the country.

Real estate standards are regarded as some of the finest in the world, advises Hauser. Houses and apartments are generally more spacious than those found elsewhere in the world including cities in Europe, the USA and Asia and land sizes mostly more generous. The building industry is well-managed and building standards are high. The country’s architects and interior designers offer world-

www.sapropertymonthly.co.ukNOVEMBER 2012 3

Cape Town tops the list for tourists and property buyersclass designs and finishes including luxury finishes in investment properties as good as any found in the world’s top cities such as London and New York.

Property prices are still amongst the lowest in the world, offering outstanding value, advises Hauser. Property values, especially on the Atlantic Seaboard and in the City Bowl have shown exceptional growth over the past decade and despite the global economic slow-down, property here still achieves average capital growth of between 12% and 20% on resale. Given the high demand for short and long-term rentals in the city, it commands some of the highest rental rates in the country; an added attraction for investors.

Regardless of where you

choose to own property, Cape Town offers one of the best lifestyles in the world, a warm climate, magnificent beaches, excellent views, low cost of living and excellent infrastructure.

For more information, contact Seeff City Bowl, Michael Hauser on +27 21 423 9146 or +27 21 201 4941 (direct), email michaelhauser@seeff.com or visit www.seeff.com

by STAFF REPORTERForeign buying on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard and in the City Bowl remains steady at about 3-4% of total sales, says Seeff Atlantic Seaboard managing director, Ian Slot. Over the past year, around 86 properties to the value of close to R550 million have been sold to foreign buyers with British and European buyers representing 67,39% (62 properties) of total foreign sales. Despite the economic challenges faced in their own countries, they clearly still find value here, he says.

The largest percentage are UK buyers, at 23,91% (22 properties), followed by German buyers at 10,87% (10 properties). Buyers from the Netherlands, France and Norway represent 3,26% each (3 properties each). Americans only bought 3 properties, about 3,26% of total sales.

African buyers are growing steadily and now represent 18,48% of all foreign sales. The largest portion is still Namibian buyers at 7,61% (7 property sales) of all sales, followed by Tanzanian buyers at 3,26% (3 property sales). Other African buyers include Kenya, Congo, Nigeria and Senegal.

While South Africa’s membership of BRICS

will hopefully bring about increased interest in property from those countries, Slot says only 1 property sold to a Brazilian over the past year. There were also sales to 2 Japanese and 2 UAE buyers.

About 70% of all foreign sales were in the coastal suburbs of the Atlantic Seaboard, he says. In Sea Point and Green Point, some 27 properties sold, mostly apartments at an average price of R2.4 million and R2.6 million respectively. Camps Bay has been a particular favourite with foreign buyers with 14 sales at an average price of just over R8.8 million. In Clifton, 3 apartments were bought at an average price of R7.6 million by buyers from the UK, Sweden and the USA. In Bantry Bay, 5 properties sold at an average price of R14.1 million including one sale to a Japanese buyer. All of these were cash transactions. Fresnaye achieved the highest average sales price with 4 sales at an average price of close to R18 million.

At the V&A Waterfront, 4 properties sold to foreign buyers. Sales include a R3.03 million sale to a Namibian and a R6 million sale to a

British buyer. Apartments in Ellesmere and Parama also sold for R5 million and R5,8 million recently to an Italian and Swiss buyer respectively.

There were also two foreign sales in Llandudno, both to Belgium buyers; the most recent being a luxury house on Fishermans Bend that sold in April for R25,5 million.

The CBD and City Bowl suburbs remain popular with European buyers says Slot. A total of 27 properties (29% of total sales) sold to foreign buyers over the past year including 6 sales in Tamboerskloof; the most recent being a house in St Michaels Road that sold for R6 million to a Swedish buyer.

Slot says that while foreigners continue to invest in property here, it needs to be borne in mind that just about as many foreign-owned properties are sold and there is thus usually a negligible net effect. Foreign buying also usually peaks around the tourism season, between November and April when about 90% of all sales take place.

For more information, contact Seeff Atlantic Seaboard, Ian Slot on 021 434 9175 or 082 452 3944 or visit www.seeff.com.

Cape property still favoured by British & European buyers

CLIFTON R24 500 000

CAMPS BAY R18 000 000

CAMPS BAY R19 995 000

PLETTENBERG BAY R3 950 000

TAMBOERSKLOOF R8 250 000 SANDHURST R23 500 000KNYSNA R2 390 000

KENTON-ON-SEA R10 500 000

BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE WITH SENSATIONAL VIEWS!Bedrooms 8 Bathrooms 8 Garages 2 Parkings 6 WEB 274054Exclusive self-catering guesthouse in walking distance to beach. Own an income-generating property in Camps Bay. [O] +27 21 438 1055 ROCHELLE SERMAN +27 72239 4449 | LYN POPE +27 82 575 1999 serman@seeff.com or lyn@seeff.com

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Parkings 3 WEB 274356

Enjoy the splendour and sophistication of this classic seafronthome nestled on the rocks of this most beautiful bay.

[O] +27 21 434 9175 ADRIAN MAUERBERGER +27 82 826 6454

ROSA KARP +27 83 275 5474

adrian@seeff.com or rosa.karp@seeff.com

FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWD!Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Parkings 4 WEB 265024 A great home for entertaining, a dream master bedroom suite with balcony andspectacular views. [O] +27 21 423 9146 MICHAEL HAUSER +27 82 888 0970 DORIS RICKETTS +27 82 898 0519 michaelhauser@seeff.com or doris@seeff.com

LUXURY IN A GRAND POSITION ! Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 2 Parkings 3 WEB 242059 Modern & stylish residence in exclusive Village address with great beach & mountainviews, and boasting an elevator & cinema. [O] +27 21 438 1055 LYN POPE +27 82 575 1999| ROCHELLE SERMAN +27 72 239 4449 serman@seeff.com or lyn@seeff.com

NATURES LANDING, BUSHMANS RIVER Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garages 4 WEB 277308Immaculate home in secure nature reserve in the Eastern Cape. Added features includeaccess to boat jetty and separate cottage. [O] +27 46 648 1037 SIMON OLIVER +27 82 653 5643 kenton-on-sea@seeff.com

EXECUTIVE CORNER APARTMENT IN EVENTIDE Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 WEB 273097 Exceptional open plan living areas with 180º views. 2 En-suite bedrooms and featureglass wall study. Direct access to the beach. [O] +27 21 438 1055 GAIL GAVRILL +27 82 777 6000 gail.gavrill@seeff.com

FRONT PROPERTY IN LIFESTYLE ESTATEBedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3.5 Garages 2 WEB 276170Launch your boat, wandering springboks, Cape Karoo-style architecture, peace andtranquillity, including a separate flatlet.[O] +27 44 533 0311 PAUL LEWRY +27 82 857 8835 plett@seeff.com

A DISTINCTIVE HOME WITH LOTS OF PANACHEBedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 WEB 273326A perfect single story house with Italian floor tiles, gourmet kitchen - hand craftedfinishes with Lacanche appliances. [O] +27 11 784 1222 GEORGE PAPODOPOLOUS+27 84 454 1834 | CORINNA LOWRY +27 82 652 8891 B sandton@seeff.com

BEAUTIFUL OLDE CHARMBedrooms 3 Bathroom 3 Garages 2 WEB 274819 This home with a lot to offer and ready to be renovated. Situated on a large stand witha magnificent view. Lounge/dining room, sun room, large balcony.[O] +27 44 382 5919 LIVIANA AUDIBERT +27 82 500 2259 knysna@seeff.com

BANTRY BAY R27 950 000

Your home on the Ocean...

CLIFTON R24 500 000

CAMPS BAY R18 000 000

CAMPS BAY R19 995 000

PLETTENBERG BAY R3 950 000

TAMBOERSKLOOF R8 250 000 SANDHURST R23 500 000KNYSNA R2 390 000

KENTON-ON-SEA R10 500 000

BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE WITH SENSATIONAL VIEWS!Bedrooms 8 Bathrooms 8 Garages 2 Parkings 6 WEB 274054Exclusive self-catering guesthouse in walking distance to beach. Own an income-generating property in Camps Bay. [O] +27 21 438 1055 ROCHELLE SERMAN +27 72239 4449 | LYN POPE +27 82 575 1999 serman@seeff.com or lyn@seeff.com

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Parkings 3 WEB 274356

Enjoy the splendour and sophistication of this classic seafronthome nestled on the rocks of this most beautiful bay.

[O] +27 21 434 9175 ADRIAN MAUERBERGER +27 82 826 6454

ROSA KARP +27 83 275 5474

adrian@seeff.com or rosa.karp@seeff.com

FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWD!Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Parkings 4 WEB 265024 A great home for entertaining, a dream master bedroom suite with balcony andspectacular views. [O] +27 21 423 9146 MICHAEL HAUSER +27 82 888 0970 DORIS RICKETTS +27 82 898 0519 michaelhauser@seeff.com or doris@seeff.com

LUXURY IN A GRAND POSITION ! Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 2 Parkings 3 WEB 242059 Modern & stylish residence in exclusive Village address with great beach & mountainviews, and boasting an elevator & cinema. [O] +27 21 438 1055 LYN POPE +27 82 575 1999| ROCHELLE SERMAN +27 72 239 4449 serman@seeff.com or lyn@seeff.com

NATURES LANDING, BUSHMANS RIVER Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garages 4 WEB 277308Immaculate home in secure nature reserve in the Eastern Cape. Added features includeaccess to boat jetty and separate cottage. [O] +27 46 648 1037 SIMON OLIVER +27 82 653 5643 kenton-on-sea@seeff.com

EXECUTIVE CORNER APARTMENT IN EVENTIDE Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 WEB 273097 Exceptional open plan living areas with 180º views. 2 En-suite bedrooms and featureglass wall study. Direct access to the beach. [O] +27 21 438 1055 GAIL GAVRILL +27 82 777 6000 gail.gavrill@seeff.com

FRONT PROPERTY IN LIFESTYLE ESTATEBedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3.5 Garages 2 WEB 276170Launch your boat, wandering springboks, Cape Karoo-style architecture, peace andtranquillity, including a separate flatlet.[O] +27 44 533 0311 PAUL LEWRY +27 82 857 8835 plett@seeff.com

A DISTINCTIVE HOME WITH LOTS OF PANACHEBedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 WEB 273326A perfect single story house with Italian floor tiles, gourmet kitchen - hand craftedfinishes with Lacanche appliances. [O] +27 11 784 1222 GEORGE PAPODOPOLOUS+27 84 454 1834 | CORINNA LOWRY +27 82 652 8891 B sandton@seeff.com

BEAUTIFUL OLDE CHARMBedrooms 3 Bathroom 3 Garages 2 WEB 274819 This home with a lot to offer and ready to be renovated. Situated on a large stand witha magnificent view. Lounge/dining room, sun room, large balcony.[O] +27 44 382 5919 LIVIANA AUDIBERT +27 82 500 2259 knysna@seeff.com

BANTRY BAY R27 950 000

Your home on the Ocean...

NOVEMBER 20126 www.sapropertymonthly.co.uk

NEWS/TRENDS >>

E-tolls to shift home buying decisionsby STAFF REPORTERThe introduction of e-tolling in Gauteng, which now seems imminent before Christmas, will have an immediate effect not only the use of public transport but on home buying patterns.

So says Jan Davel, MD of the RealNet real estate franchise group, who notes,“We expect, for example, that there will be much more demand among young buyers for flats and townhouses in areas close to their workplaces and in those suburbs close to Gautrain and MetroRail stations and on convenient bus routes.

“In fact, we think that access to good public transport could become a factor almost as important as price, because being able to go without a car and all the related expenses may well make all the difference for such consumers between being able to buy a home and having to carry on renting.”

He says, “Location, location, location” will in this sense become the top property consideration once more.”

Among older, more established buyers with families, he says, there is likely to be sharply increased demand in the heritage suburbs for homes with space for home offices – even if it’s just a garage or an outbuilding that can be converted – so that owners can cut down on office commutes and gain easy access to good schools and convenient shopping.

“And once again, we think they will be prepared to trade off a somewhat higher home price against lower transport costs, especially if they can also save much of the time they used to spend in traffic.”

Thirdly, Davel says there will be continued demand for homes in self-contained estates that have their own schools and shops and are close to decentralised office nodes. “In this case, however, buyers will be looking to limit home costs as they will probably still have to bear some commuting expenses.”

Consequently, he says the highest demand will be for the more compact, more affordable houses and townhouses now becoming available on many more lifestyle estates, and for homes in the newer, estate-like sectional title complexes.

From an investment point of view, he says, the introduction of e-tolling can also be expected to boost the demand for rental homes close to workplaces, good schools and public transport hubs, and for any student accommodation that makes it possible for students to do without a car.

“What is more, consumers elsewhere should not dismiss these trends as only being applicable to the Gauteng market, as the National Roads Agency has clearly stated its intention of rolling out electronic tolling on highways and new roads countrywide.

- Property24.com

by STAFF REPORTERHome buying activity has increased substantially over the past 12 months, even though only about four out of every 10 bonds granted are for 100 percent of the purchase price.

This is according to Rudi Botha, chief executive officer of BetterBond who notes that the number of bond applications made by prospective buyers has been increasing steadily for the last year.

Botha explains that this suggests that buyers have come to terms with the new home financing regime imposed in the wake of the National Credit Act and the global financial crisis, and are doing whatever it takes to be able to go ahead with their home purchase plans.

“They see property prices going up again, and they don’t want to miss the boat, and at the same time, rentals are continuing to rise due to a shortage of properties to let.”

The BetterBond monthly statistics – which represent a quarter of all residential mortgage bonds being registered in the Deeds Office and include applications to, and bond grants from, all the major lending banks in South Africa – show that the percentage of bonds granted for 100 percent of the home purchase price has averaged 40 percent for the past 12 months, meaning that six out of every 10 successful applicants have had to pay a deposit.

What is more, the average deposit requirement (except for first-time buyers) has risen back up in that time to almost a fifth of the home purchase price, says Botha.

“On top of that, the average price of homes being bought

by those applying for loans through BetterBond has climbed 9 percent to reach R893,000 at end-October.”

Among first-time buyers, who account for between 35 and 40 percent of the home loans granted every month, the average home price has climbed 13 percent y/y to R629,000 at end-October, and the average deposit required is around 12 percent of the purchase price.

He notes that home buyers who do succeed in obtaining a 100 percent home loan currently can often only do so by agreeing to pay a premium interest rate as high as three or four percent above prime.

“And yet they are happy to do so, even if it means buying a cheaper property, because there is a steadily growing appreciation of the longer-term financial advantages of being a homeowner, as well as an awareness that the property market is on an upward path once more, albeit slow.”

Meanwhile, Tony Clarke, managing director of the Rawson Property Group says even relatively affluent young people earning substantial salaries these days can find it very difficult to become homeowners.

Clarke says the first hurdle for applicants to overcome is to prove to the mortgage lenders that they are creditworthy – but often it is even more difficult for young people to raise the 10 to 20 percent deposit required and to find money to pay the transfer fees.

This has proved an insurmountable barrier for many, he says.

He explains that previously, it was accepted that parents, relatives or friends would often step into the breach and

help young people to become homeowners.

However in today’s world, family ties have been weakened and this type of help is not given as readily as before.

In order to urge parents and relatives to seriously consider giving assistance to younger people, there are at least three avenues open to them: they can lend the young person the cash for the deposit and the transfer costs – usually at a satisfactory interest rate – or they can sign on with the bank as joint owners and joint bond applicants.

The banks are not averse to this type of agreement, as it has generally worked well for them.

Alternatively, they can sign with the bank to stand surety for the loan, he says.

Deals of this kind need not be risky because, firstly, the interest rate can be above average and, secondly, the agreement can include a clause which allows the lender or partner to take ownership of the property – often without compensation – if the borrower or partner defaults on his monthly payments.

In these situations, the defaulter can sometimes become a tenant, points out Clarke.

He says that because renting can often give the young person a more prestigious home than buying, many opt for this.

Clarke adds that it has been shown time and again that home ownership gives status, stability and motivation to young people and this should, therefore, be encouraged by their families and by any others who have their welfare at heart.

- Property24.com

Want to buy a home? Family can help

Photo by Yuri Madonsela via wordpress.integrat.co.za

www.sapropertymonthly.co.ukNOVEMBER 2012 7

by KATLEGO SEKANOA consistent blend of fresh, fragrant air goes a long way to enhancing your quality of life.

So ‘furnishing’ your home with a pleasurable scent shouldn’t wait for special occasions or an opportunity to mask suspicious odours.

Naturally, household fragrances can never replace good housekeeping practices, but your friends and family are more likely to overlook a bit of untidiness if the surroundings smell fresh. This is because a heavenly scent around the home gives the impression that your home is clean.

How to choose a household scentMichelle Cloete, Glade’s marketing manager says, if you’re looking to fuse

scent with style in your home, pick a fragrance that will go hand in hand with a specific mood you would like to feel, the atmosphere you would like to create or one that matches your personality.

She says bear in mind that a fragrance should always complement your décor and

add to the overall look and feel of the

room.“For example, if you

have a modern space with neutral colours

such as white, beige or pastels, a clean scent

like clean linen would be best.”

What are the options?The number of fragrance options that are available on the market continues to grow and each brand promises safe, quality fragrances that last long.

The reality is, each product has its pros and cons so it’s up to you to decide what would best satisfy your household needs. Here are some ideas...

CandlesSoy candles are made from soy wax and they’re a greener

alternative to paraffin candles.Maija Groenewald from the

Cape Town Candle Company says a well made soy candle will burn cleanly and slowly, so there will be no black smoke on your walls.

She says soy candles can be made in virtually any aroma that you can imagine.

She explains that most soy candles in South Africa are made using essential/aromatherapy oils that can also be used on the skin as massage oils.

Groenewald says they smell beautiful at close range; however, they don’t always have what candle makers call a great ‘throw’ - a strong aroma which fills an entire room – making them ideal for small spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

The allure of scented candles not only comes from their sweet smell but also from the flickering glow they provide.

Just remember to be cautious with lit candles, especially near hanging fabrics or in a home with children.

Reed diffusersScented reed diffusers come in attractive designs for decorative home fragrancing.

With reed diffusers you could have a simple window display or opt for something more elaborate to suit your décor.

Diffusers also make use of

I have been renting my house in Port Elizabeth for the past

three years and have decided to finally sell it as I have decided to stay in the UK. The tenant I have rented it to for three years is keen on buying it because he has renovated the place a bit. Do I need to take those costs into account when setting a sale value?

With reference to the sale of your home in Port

Elizabeth, I would first and foremost reccomend that you contact a reputable real estate agency and request a formal comparative market related

evaluation, based on the sale of homes of a similar nature in the area during the past year.

On the issue of discounting the sale price of the home, this decision would be entirely yours.

However the following should be cosidered: if permission was requested by the tenant and given by youself to carry out the improvements you could look at discounting the sale price by the cost of improvements undertaken.

In the instance where improvements were done without permission I would say no discount should be

considered.However in both scenarios

the ultimate decision would be yours as to whether you discount or not.

Gavin O’LearySales Manager: Seeff Port Elizabethww.seeff.com

Sale of house to existing tenant

essential oils, which can last up to eight weeks. The diffuser container can then be reused by simply refilling the bottle with scented oils.

The magic of diffusers lies with the reed sticks - they are what make the fragrance. So if you’re looking for a more intense aroma, simply flip the sticks upside down so that the saturated ends are exposed. For delicate notes, make use of fewer sticks.

It’s best to use a coaster under your reed diffuser to avoid any spills that might damage your home’s surfaces.

Oil burnersOil burners use tea lights and have elegant bases in different shapes, sizes and colours.

The trick to successfully using an oil burner is placing a tablespoon of water into the burner’s well before lighting the candle. Add a few drops of fragrance oil and enjoy.

The best burners have large wells that allow homeowners to add enough water in them. This prevents the burner from drying out quickly.

Oil burners should be placed on a heat proof surface, away from draughts and anything flammable.

Cloete says homeowners should play around with different scents and try different product options to see which works best for them and the size of the rooms in their homes.

- Property24.com

Tips for household scents

<< ASK THE EXPERT

<< LIFESTYLE

•••••••