Is renting really cheaper than buying in South Africa, or is home ownership the smarter long term play?In this episode of The Property Corner, Rowan Alexander breaks down the true cost of renting vs buying using real figures from over 15 years of market experience.He compares monthly expenses, investment returns, long term equity, and even projected net worth after 20 years to help you see what most of the online debates miss.Using an example of a R3 million home, Rowan explains when renting might save you in the short term and how buying can create far more value over time.If you have been on the fence about whether to rent or buy, this episode is packed with insight.Subscribe to The Property Corner for practical property advice made for South Africans, and leave your questions in the comments for a future episode.Listen on Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/2pKjGULdiq84n18mKQZGW9?si=fffd987dc4234feb&nd=1&dlsi=0cf65b48115d4863Listen on Apple Podcasts : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-property-corner-with-rowan-alexander/id1683273264Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@propertycornerZAIn this episode:00:00 – Introduction00:28 – Online Debates vs Real Experience & Numbers00:57 – The Common Argument Explained01:11 – R3 Million Home vs Renting Comparison02:02 – AI-Driven Calculations & Analysis02:19 – Key Assumptions Behind the Comparison04:13 – Making Provision for Maintenance Costs04:33 – Monthly Costs of Buying a Home04:44 – The Case for Renting05:13 – Highest-Yielding Risk-Free Investment (ABSA)05:50 – How Much Can You Save Renting?05:57 – Growth Projections Over 20 Years06:38 – Why Are Costs Rising So Fast?07:33 – The Crossover Point (Year 10)08:05 – Fixed Instalments for Homeowners08:38 – Final Net Worth: Homebuyer vs Tenant09:39 – Renter's Net Worth After 20 Years10:09 – Putting the Numbers into Perspective10:33 – Why This Gap Happens Over Time10:54 – The R9.5 Million Difference11:45 – Can You Really Be That Disciplined?12:59 – Property Ownership & Retirement Planning13:45 – Advice for Those Stuck Renting
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16:17
Q&A: What South Africans Are Asking About Property Right Now
In this episode of The Property Corner, Rowan Alexander answers questions directly from our YouTube community.From whether you should buy in a trust or a company, to the debate between capital appreciation and cash flow, this Q&A dives into real issues that real South African buyers are facing.He also touches on refinancing challenges with buy-to-let investments and shares thoughts on the future of Airbnb, and how upcoming legislation may affect property owners.If you have ever left a comment or asked a question, this might be the episode where Rowan answers it.Subscribe to The Property Corner to stay up to date with local market insights and practical property advice, and feel free to leave your questions in the comments for a future Q&A episode.In this episode:00:00 - Introduction00:32 - Buy in a trust?01:14 - Pay your bond off quicker01:51 - Rental income vs Bond Payment02:38 - Sponsor03:47 - Subdividing to resell vs subdividing to create a multi-let05:41 - AirBnB07:49 - Residential Property Market in Gauteng08:18 - Buy-to-let for positive cash flow or buy for capital appreciation?09:07 - Outro
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9:59
The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home in South Africa Explained
Buying a property is one of the biggest investments most South Africans will make but the listed price is not the full picture. In this episode of The Property Corner Rowan Alexander explains the lesser known costs that can catch buyers off guard. From transfer fees and bond registration to occupational rent and overlooked moving expenses, this episode is filled with practical advice for anyone preparing to buy property.Rowan also shares real examples from his own recent move and explains why understanding these costs early can save you stress and money.Whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, this episode will help you prepare for the real cost of property ownership in South Africa.Subscribe to The Property Corner for more practical property advice and real answers to the questions buyers and sellers are asking every day.Watch now and stay informed. In this Episode:00:00 Introduction00:22 Common Inexperienced Buyer Misconception00:58 Transfer Costs04:01 Sponsor05:13 Bond Registration Costs06:50 Mortgage Bond Initiation Fee07:38 Occupational Interest Cost10:31 Indirect Moving Costs12:39 Security Upgrades13:15 Utility Costs15:04 Unforeseen Maintenance15:48 Are These Really Hidden?17:01 Final ThoughtsSubscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7
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17:22
Why You Should Purchase Buy-To-Let Property In 2025
In this episode, you’ll learn why buy-to-let property is an exciting investment opportunity in South Africa for 2025.If you’ve been looking for the right time to purchase an investment property, there is no better time than now! Today, Rowan Alexander shares all of his insights into property investment in South Africa for the upcoming year and why you should start making plans for it now.You’ll learn:Why it is a good time to purchase investment properties in South Africa this year.What the property market is looking like for 2025.Rental market projections for property and how it can benefit you.How lower interest rates impact affordability and disposable income for success.Learn how buying rental properties and investing in property in 2025 is the perfect time to capitalise on these favourable property market conditions!In this episode:00:00 Welcome00:23 2025 Is The Season To Buy Property00:44 Interest Rate Cycles02:28 Sponsor03:14 Rental Escalation04:05 Lower Interest Rate Points05:11 Why You Should Invest In Property06:11 Final Thoughts-Thank you to HeadZone Engine Rebuilders for sponsoring today’s video! Visit them in Brackenfell, Cape Town for all of your vehicle and engine servicing repair needs: HeadZone Engine Rebuilders | Cape Town-Want to book a personalised consultation to discuss your options for purchasing property or investing in the near future? Make an appointment here: Contact Us
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7:06
How to Cut Years Off Your Bond Repayment
🏡 Want to pay off your mortgage faster and save BIG? In this episode, Rowan Alexander shares two practical strategies that could help you cut years off your home loan and save hundreds of thousands of rands in interest. These are not your typical "just pay extra" tips—these are smart, strategic ways to manage your South African mortgage bond more effectively.🔗 Sponsored by Mortgage4U - Bond Origination & Home Loans Experts—your expert mortgage originators in SA!Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:18 Please Subscribe00:57 Every property owners dream.01:54 Sponsor03:03 Extra Monthly Payments05:35 Access Bond Facility05:58 Home loan as a savings account.07:22 Dramatic Effect08:04 Outro
Welcome to The Property Corner with Rowan Alexander, Founder and Director of Alexander Swart Property Group. In this podcast series, Rowan takes a deep dive into the South African property market and shares his expertise, insights and knowledge with listeners.
Through his extensive experience in the industry, Rowan provides valuable information on a wide range of topics related to the South African property market, including market trends, property investment opportunities, the buying and selling process, and much more.
South Africa