Young, upwardly mobile property buyers are now a force in the property market, especially if they are living and working overseas most of the time, according to Tony Clarke, MD of Rawson Properties.
“I have recently been in touch with two adventurous young South Africans who did a two year stint in Afghanistan where they earned about R50 000 a month – far more then either ever earned in SA. One came home and blew most of his savings on a R400 000 car. The other put the same amount into buying a flat at Gordon’s Bay and an old, cheapie car.
“The two are likely to return to Afghanistan in two years time. By then the expensive car, if sold, will have lost almost half its value, but the cheap car will probably sell at very close to what was paid for it. The Gordon’s Bay flat is producing a rental of R48 000 a year, which will rise at 10% annually compounded. It will also appreciate in value at 8% a year, so in five years it will be worth R590 000 (47% up on the original price). By then, too, it will have generated an income of R360 000.
“Which of the two young men has shown the most investment sense?”
Clarke offers the following advice for would-be property investors:
“First, accept that property is always a long term investment with ups and downs. If you are out for a quick buck, you will not find it in property.
“Second, set yourself the goal of building up a property portfolio which you expand steadily. Do not sell your investment property, even to buy another.
“Third, do not rush this process: avoid the temptation to buy many highly bonded properties. Rather buy one and gear it correctly before you move on to the next purchase. Later, as your income increases, it may be possible to buy more than one property at a time.
“Fourth, diversify your portfolio: try to invest in freehold and sectional title residential property, as well as small commercial and industrial units. Try also to avoid being in one area. The markets fluctuate: if you are spread wide this will cushion the rises and falls.
“Fifth, accept that your own home is part of your portfolio. Too often, as salaries increase, so does the desire for a bigger and better home, resulting in huge bond repayments having to be met. Rather have a moderate home and save by having a small bond here and use the spare cash to buy elsewhere where you will earn rent.
“Sixth, unless you face financial disaster, do not sell. The ancillary costs of buying and selling are high – you will have capital gains tax, agent’s fees, transfer and conveyancers’ fees – all of which will eat into your profit.
“Seventh, focus on income rather than capital growth. The more cash you can actually collect monthly, the better your chances will be of buying elsewhere. Focus on the cash and the capital growth will look after itself.”
Clarke says Rawsons has dozens of investors who have faithfully followed this advice and are now sitting on comfortable nest eggs.
