Charting your course to a cape town property

What kind of property are you looking for? A new build, or something with a little history? A home to live in, or an investment to hold? And which areas have caught your eye?

Knowing your heading from the outset saves considerable time and gives you an early sense of the costs attached to the type of property you are considering.

Once you have a clear picture of the area and the type of property you are after, it is time to set your budget.

Factoring in any renovations or alterations you have in mind, you will arrive at a maximum purchase price. That figure then determines the combination of attributes within reach: size, views, parking, position within the suburb, natural light and the like.

Is now the right moment to purchase? Prices in any given market shift with local and national economic, socio-economic, environmental and political currents.

Timing is personal, too. Consider where you are in your family and career, and how both are likely to evolve over the next five years.

Purchasing a property demands time and commitment, particularly the first time round.

The simplest way to lighten the load is to work with a specialist broker who can show you the properties that genuinely match your brief – and, with their local knowledge, some you may never have found on your own.

Our award-winning brokers are dynamic, forward-thinking and driven by exceptional results. Armed with area-specific strategies, techniques and insights, they will keep you in the inside lane all the way to a successful conclusion.

When a property feels right, the next step is a formal Offer to Purchase. This is a legally binding document setting out the purchase price, suspensive conditions, occupation date, and any special terms agreed between the buyer and the seller. Your broker will take you through every clause so that you are fully informed and comfortable before you put pen to paper.

Once the seller accepts and signs, the suspensive conditions come into play – most commonly, securing a home loan within a set timeframe. Move swiftly here: submit your bond application to one or more banks without delay, with all supporting documents complete and accurate.

With every condition fulfilled, the conveyancing attorneys take the wheel and prepare the legal documentation for transfer. This typically takes six to twelve weeks, during which compliance certificates are obtained, rates and levies settled, and the paperwork lodged with the Deeds Office. On registration, the property is officially and legally yours.

Finding the right property is rarely plain sailing, and a little patience goes a long way. It is entirely normal to view a number of homes before the right one appears, and each viewing brings you closer to knowing exactly what you want.