The Property Corner with Rowan Alexander

Cape Town's northern suburbs have undergone one of the most significant transformations in South Africa's property market over the past two decades.What were once considered dormitory towns feeding commuters into the CBD have evolved into thriving economic hubs where people can live, work, shop, study and invest within a single ecosystem.In this episode, we unpack the key drivers behind this transformation, from industrial and logistics developments such as Brackengate Business Park to major residential precincts, retail expansion, education infrastructure, and the rise of Durbanville as the crown jewel of the northern suburbs.We also explore how infrastructure investment, job creation, schooling demand, and mixed-use development have combined to create a self-sustaining property market that increasingly functions as a parallel city system alongside Cape Town.Whether you're a homeowner, investor, developer, or simply interested in the future of Cape Town's property landscape, this episode offers valuable insights into where the northern suburbs have come from and where they're headed next.What changes have you witnessed in the northern suburbs over the last 10, 15, or 20 years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.In this episode:00:00 The Northern Suburbs' Economic Transformation02:00 Industrial Growth, Logistics & Job Creation02:20 Residential Expansion, Retail & Lifestyle Development06:29 Schools, Education & Why Families Are Moving In08:48 Durbanville: The Crown Jewel of the Northern Suburbs10:57 Infrastructure, Future Growth & What Comes Next#CapeTownProperty #NorthernSuburbs #Durbanville #RealEstateSouthAfrica #PropertyInvestmentSubscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Joint property ownership is becoming more popular in South Africa, but many buyers still feel unsure about the best way to structure it. Should you buy in your own names? Form a company? Or go the trust route?In this episode we break each option down in plain language. We cover everything from decision making powers to bond approvals to liability risks. You will also hear how I personally use all three structures for different purposes in my portfolio.If you have ever wondered what really happens when co owners cannot agree, when someone stops paying or when a partner passes away, this video will give you the clarity you need.Drop your questions in the comments so we can explore more of these topics in future episodes. Like, subscribe and hit the bell to stay connected with The Property Corner community.In this episode:00:00 Introduction01:23 Overview of the Three Ownership Options06:08 Joint Ownership in Personal Names09:54 Buying Property Through a Company16:09 Buying Property Through a Trust19:18 Comparison Cheat Sheet22:01 Real Life Scenarios26:58 How I Personally Use All Three Structures31:17 Key Considerations Before Choosing Your Structure#PropertyOwnership #PropertyEducation #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateSA #WealthBuildingSA

Thinking of buying your first home? In this episode of The Property Corner, Jason Blight from Alexander Swart Property Group shares expert advice on whether you really need a deposit when buying property.With 17 years of experience in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, Jason explains how a deposit can help your offer stand out, build trust with sellers and banks, and even save you thousands over the long term.If you’re a first-time buyer, this video is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions and get ready for your first property purchase.Leave your questions in the comments and subscribe for more property tips.In this episode:00:00 Introduction00:54 The Seller’s Perspective01:38 Long-Term Savings02:24 Start Saving Now03:16 Is My Deposit at Risk?#FirstTimeHomeBuyer #PropertyAdvice #PropertyTips #RealEstateSouthAfrica #HomeOwnership

Not all income is seen the same way by the banks. In this episode we explain how banks view different income sources when calculating affordability.We cover salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, shift allowances, bonuses, rental income, maintenance, and even investment income. Each bank applies its own rules and percentages, which means not all of your earnings may count in full.We also highlight what proof you need, why consistency matters, and how a mortgage originator can help match your income to the right bank.If you are applying for your first bond or growing a property portfolio, this guide will help you understand exactly what counts as income.In this episode:00:00 Introduction00:44 Salaried Income Earner01:42 Wage Earner03:13 Overtime04:20 Commissions06:44 Shift Allowances07:18 Investment Income08:06 Bonuses09:21 Maintenance (Child Support)10:53 Rental Income13:36 Side Hustles#BondApplication #PropertyInvestingSA #HomeLoanTips #MortgageAdvice #SouthAfricaRealEstateSubscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Everyone on social media is talking about cash flow when it comes to property investment, but is that really all there is to it? In the latest episode, we take a practical look at why cash flow is just one piece of the puzzle when building a sustainable property portfolio in South Africa.I share a full three phase strategy that I use in my own investments, client recommendations and partnerships. We cover everything from capital appreciation and cash flow to affordability limits, exit strategies, and when to sell or hold on to your properties.Whether you're just getting started or already have a few properties under your belt, this blueprint will help you map out your journey with purpose and clarity.What you’ll learn:● Why your end goal matters more than your first property● How to structure your portfolio through three clear phases● When to focus on capital growth versus cash flow● How to avoid investor fatigue and stagnation● Tips for reducing risk and increasing passive income long termThis is for anyone serious about building lasting wealth through property in South Africa. No fluff, no course sales. Just real experience and real strategy.Remember to like, subscribe and share if this helped you.In this episode:00:00 Introduction00:16 Cash flow is not the dominant factor01:18 Why are you investing in property?02:46 Tailored strategy approach03:38 Inception phase04:50 Inception phase strategic tips05:25 Inception phase warnings05:36 Expansion phase07:59 Expansion phase strategic tips10:11 Maturity phase13:17 Maturity phase strategic tips14:20 Sustainable property portfolio blueprint table14:45 Cash flow properties limitations & risks18:59 Think long term & get started#PropertyInvestment #CashFlowVsCapitalGrowth #PropertyPortfolio #WealthBuilding #PassiveIncomeSubscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

Airbnb rentals are booming across Cape Town, but is the hype sustainable?In this episode of The Property Corner, I sit down with Louis Reynhardt to unpack why both of us are steering clear of Airbnb investments right now. While short term rentals may offer higher returns on paper, the real story includes hidden costs, time commitments, and serious regulatory risks.We cover:✔️ Why Airbnb is not as passive as people think✔️ The risk of relying on tourism-driven markets✔️ How regulations in cities like Barcelona and New York are impacting short term lets✔️ Why long term rentals offer better stability and growth✔️ The real impact on your access to finance when scaling a portfolioWhether you're a new investor or scaling up, this is a must-watch conversation about strategy, risk, and the future of property in South Africa.👍 Like, subscribe to The Property Corner and hit the bell icon to stay in the loop.Make sure you head over to Louis’s channel and explore his latest videos:● https://www.instagram.com/louisreynhardt/● https://www.youtube.com/@louisreynhardtIn this episode:00:00 Introduction00:32 Why avoid Airbnb investments if the returns are so high?01:16 Should investors just ride the Airbnb wave or avoid it?03:01 Will Airbnbs outperform inflation?04:34 Airbnb assumptions and speculations04:51 Is Airbnb a passive investment?06:42 Look at how the regulations have affected cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam and New York.07:11 How does dual use affect your returns?09:33 “It’s more flexible to have multiple tenants.”10:51 Airbnbs have outperformed the market in the last three years. Isn’t that enough proof?12:10 Is buy-to-let a viable long term strategy?13:29 Is Airbnb a viable long term strategy to build your portfolio?15:30 What if I have an Airbnb and I sell after five years?16:47 “So why are you avoiding Airbnb?”Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

In this episode of The Property Corner, Rowan Alexander is joined by Andre van Rooyen from PayProp to unpack the Q1 2025 Rental Index Report.They break down national and provincial rental trends, average rent growth, arrears rates, and what this means for landlords, investors, and tenants across South Africa.With the average national rent now over R9 100 and arrears stabilising at 17 percent, Rowan and André explore which provinces are seeing the fastest growth, why certain age groups are under financial pressure, and how practitioners can mitigate risk when placing tenants.They also touch on practical advice for futureproofing rental portfolios, evaluating affordability ceilings, and what to watch as interest rates and inflation shift.If you want data-backed property insight with practical takeaways for the rental market, this is a must-watch.Subscribe to The Property Corner for more episodes with expert guests and local market insight you can trust.Read the full report here: PayProp Rental Index