Patrick Schwartz Business Consultants and Bond Originator

Property trends

Why are estate agents smiling this May? 🤔 The HPI reveals a continued upward trajectory in home values and an average 2.2% y/y in April which is the fastest pace since March 2023.

Outlook for 2025
The Garden Route is positioned for **continued growth**, supported by interest rate cuts (anticipated 75bps reduction in 2025) and economic recovery . With its blend of natural beauty, infrastructure, and investment potential, the region is a focal point for both lifestyle-driven buyers and savvy investors.

Property trend growing in South

Seeff Property Group has reported rising demand for holiday apartments in Garden Route towns, with some new developments finally coming to market.
Seeff Knysna licensee Gail Rimbault explained that freestanding housing stock dominates in the towns across the Garden Route.
The Garden Route is a 300-kilometre stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa. It extends from Witsand in the Western Cape to the border of the Tsitsikamma Storms River in the Eastern Cape.
The route includes towns such as George, Witsand, Heidelberg, Stilbaai, Gouritsmond, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, and Wilderness.
Rimbault said sectional title complexes in this area can provide more options for buyers and investors and are generally more affordable.
“They are also sought-after for the convenience of lock-up-and-go with minimal maintenance, as there is usually a Body Corporate which manages the apartment complex,” she said.
“For holiday homes and even those who are downscaling to the coast, this is the ideal solution.”
She said buyers usually include retirees and holiday home buyers, and there is also high demand for rentals, both long-term and short-term holiday needs, in these towns.
Many buyers also combine their holiday purchase with the option of renting it out when not needed and benefiting from a lucrative rental return on their investment.
“A key benefit of investing in the Garden Route holiday towns is that they are hugely popular holiday hotspots, and experience high holiday traffic during the school closure periods, over weekends, and especially over the summer season,” Rimbault said.
Lightstone data shows that sectional title as a category of all housing stock in most Garden Route towns is still quite low, with Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay at 15% being the highest.
This is followed by Knysna at 10% and George at 6%. The data also showed that most apartments, with some exceptions, tend to sell for over R2 million.
Notably, Rimbault pointed out that, while only around 10% of Knysna’s stock is sectional title, it represents about 20% of all sales activity over the last year.
This reflects the high demand for compact units in the town. The Garden Route and Knysna, in particular, have been highlighted as one of the most popular areas among international buyers.
South Africa is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for wealthy international buyers looking for holiday homes, retirement properties, and investment opportunities.
Rimbault said compact units such as apartments in the Garden Route are increasingly popular for own use and
Notably, Rimbault pointed out that, while only around 10% of Knysna’s stock is sectional title, it represents about 20% of all sales activity over the last year.
This reflects the high demand for compact units in the town. The Garden Route and Knysna, in particular, have been highlighted as one of the most popular areas among international buyers.
South Africa is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for wealthy international buyers looking for holiday homes, retirement properties, and investment opportunities.
Rimbault said compact units such as apartments in the Garden Route are increasingly popular for own use and
This accounts for around 10% of total sales volume and 16% of total turnover.

Some amazing insects and their homes
Termites are renowned for building impressive structures. Their mounds, constructed from wood, mud, and f***s, can reach heights of over 20 feet and house over a million termites. These structures also have internal air conditioning systems and some even cultivate fungi gardens. Other insects like bees, wasps, ants, and some caddisfly larvae also build intricate and unique nests.
Here's a more detailed look at some insect architects:
Termites:
Termites are masters of construction, building towering mounds that can reach impressive heights. These mounds provide shelter, regulate temperature, and even house fungi gardens.
Honeybees:
Honeybees are known for their intricate honeycomb structures, which are used for storing honey and breeding.
Wasps:
Wasps construct nests from chewed wood and other materials, creating elaborate structures for their colonies.
Ants:
Some ant species build elaborate nests, often underground, with chambers for eggs and larvae.
Caddisfly Larvae:
These larvae construct cases from various materials, often creating unique and artistic structures to protect themselves.

Buying versus renting a home involves weighing short-term affordability and flexibility with long-term investment potential and stability. Renting offers lower upfront costs and greater mobility, while buying builds equity, provides security, and allows for personalized modifications.
Renting:
Pros:
Lower upfront costs: Rent requires a security deposit and first month's rent, while buying needs a down payment, closing costs, and ongoing expenses.
More flexibility: Renting allows for easier relocation and less commitment.
No maintenance responsibilities: Landlord is responsible for repairs and upkeep.
Cons:
No equity building: Rental payments don't contribute to wealth accumulation.
Rent increases: Rent can increase, while home loan repayments are typically fixed.
Less control: Landlords set rules, and tenants have limited customization options.
Buying:
Pros:
Building equity: Home loan payments contribute to wealth accumulation.
Stability and security: Buying provides long-term stability and a sense of security.
Customization and control: Homeowners can modify and personalize their properties.
Cons:
High upfront costs: Buying requires a significant down payment, closing costs, and ongoing expenses.
Less mobility: Selling a home takes time and effort, limiting flexibility.
Maintenance responsibilities: Homeowners are responsible for repairs, property taxes, and insurance.
Factors to consider:
Financial situation:
Are you able to afford the upfront costs and ongoing expenses of buying, or does renting align better with your budget?.
Long-term goals:
Do you plan to stay in one location for a long time, or do you need the flexibility of renting?.
Personal preferences:
Do you prefer the control and customization of owning, or the convenience and lower costs of renting?.
In George, 6529, South Africa, the real estate market and economic conditions should be considered when making this decision. Factors like interest rates, property values, and rental demand can influence the best choice for you.
Ultimately, the best choice between renting and buying depends on your individual circumstances and priorities.

AMAZING NATURE
Bees Hold a Hidden Wisdom

When a beehive loses its queen—the one life-giver and unifier of their intricate society—it faces a quiet catastrophe. The rhythm of the colony slows. No new eggs mean no future, and within weeks, extinction looms.

But the bees don’t fall into chaos. They don’t wait for rescue.

Instead, they act—swiftly, intelligently, instinctively. What follows is one of nature’s most remarkable responses to crisis.

It begins with an unexpected decision.

From among the countless ordinary larvae—destined to become ordinary worker bees—a few are chosen. They aren’t special. They weren’t born different. But their destiny is about to change.

These chosen few are fed something extraordinary: royal jelly—a potent, nutrient-rich secretion from specialized nurse bees. It’s more than food; it’s a signal. A biological switch.

Fed exclusively on this substance, one larva’s body begins to transform. It grows larger, stronger. Its lifespan extends nearly twentyfold. It will no longer serve. It will reign.

The queen is not born. She is made.

This isn’t about superior genes. It’s about nourishment, care, and environment. If humans could do the same—take any child and, with the right support, cultivate greatness—imagine the possibilities.

Crisis doesn’t end life. It creates leaders.

The larva’s transformation doesn’t just save her. It rescues the entire hive. As a new queen, she restores the colony’s order, fertility, and rhythm. A future once threatened is rebuilt—stronger, more resilient.

A quiet lesson in resilience

In their silence, bees teach us: when everything seems lost, what’s needed isn’t panic. It’s vision. Choice. Compassion. Leadership.

Their world reminds us that greatness isn’t born—it’s nurtured. That even in the darkest times, with the right support, someone ordinary can become extraordinary.

Because sometimes, the most powerful leaders rise from the most uncertain moments.

The South African property market is currently in a buyer's market, with demand high due to a shortage of supply. Interest rates are also relatively low, making it a good time for home buyers and investors. The market is seeing increased activity in the affordable housing sector, particularly in the R350,000 to R700,000 range, driven by urbanization, private investment, and first-time buyer demand.

Key Takeaways:

Buyer's Market:

South Africa is in a buyer's market, meaning there are more properties available than buyers.

High Demand, Low Supply:

Demand for property remains strong, particularly for investment/buy-to-let properties, due to a housing shortage.

Affordable Housing Surge:

The market is experiencing a resurgence in the affordable housing segment.

Interest Rate Impact:

While interest rates have recently increased, they are still relatively low, making it a favorable time to buy.

First-Time Buyers:

Demand from first-time buyers is rising, with applications for home loans increasing.

REIT Sector:

The local REIT sector is in better shape than five years ago and is well-positioned to navigate potential uncertainty.

Construction Sector Growth:

The construction sector is experiencing a surge in project awards, particularly in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

New Expropriation Law:

South Africa has a new law regarding the compulsory acquisition of private property by the government.

Another happy home owner assisted by Bondexcel in purchasing this magnificent property. For your next mortgage contact Patrick email: [email protected]

You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with magic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.
Warren Buffett

Shade cloth clips. Easy and professional looking once installed. Clips can be re used. R10 per clip minimum order 10 pieces contact Patrick 083 282 5592