Residential Guidebook Homeowners Guide 2016 | Page 23

TIPS FOR BUY-TO-LET SUCCESS Buy the type of property that is most “lettable” Two-bedroom houses and flats are ever popular and appeal to the widest range of potential tenants, especially those who are finding it tough to get on to the property ladder. Avoid large family homes, which appeal to fewer potential tenants. Don’t restrict yourself to your own immediate area Don’t restrict yourself to your own immediate area but research others nearby, where the rental yields may be markedly better. Make sure the area has a healthy market for tenants Convenience is a useful factor. Being within walking distance of shops, railway stations, the town centre and so on will ensure that your property is high on the list of desirable places to live for tenants. Using a mortgage makes your money work harder based on the total value of the property and not on the amount paid out to date. The gain on the investment is made on money that is, in reality, not yet his. By way of contrast stock exchange shares and money market products usually require full payment upfront – and are more subject to fluctuations. Buy-to-let properties almost always give satisfactory capital growth in the long term because housing, being a primary human need, is always in demand and there are usually stock shortages. This is an asset class, which, although affected by economic swings, tends to be more resilient than others. Over any 10-year period in South Africa’s history, a minimum growth of at least 45% has been achieved. Over a long term period, buy-to-let is by far one of the safest asset classes and is capable of giving the investor excellent returns. www.reimag.co.za Whether to go interest-only or repayment is a personal decision, but a rental income high enough to cover a repayment mortgage is a good indicator that you are getting things right. Take out a fixed rate if you are uncomfortable about the chances of interest rates rising, although you will pay a premium. JUST PROPERTY Let’s open doors Issued by Reale Activation Contact Drew Hook Tel: +27 21 761 38 48 On behalf of Just Property Contact Jean Botha Tel +27 41581 6471 Visit www.just.property About Just Property Just Propertyis a professional services company offering a full spectrum of property services in residential and commercial sales, letting and rental management, new developments and investor education across the country since 2001. With over 102 franchise offices in 3 countries, we draw on our extensive local and global industry experience to assist you to purchase and manage property in South Africa. Residential E-Book 2016 21