The Property Corner with Rowan Alexander

Rowan Alexander
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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.

  1. Sep 28

    Can the Government Make You Comply With BEE to Sell Your Property?

    Can the government decide which estate agent you’re allowed to use? A recent Pretoria High Court judgment has thrown a major question into South Africa’s property industry: what happens when BEE compliance becomes linked to an estate agent’s legal ability to operate? The court declared part of the Property Practitioners Act unconstitutional and invalid, not because BEE itself is unconstitutional, but because the legislation failed to provide sufficient clarity around what constitutes a valid BEE certificate. So what does this actually mean for estate agents, homeowners, sellers, investors and developers? Could government regulation indirectly limit your choice of property practitioner? What happens next? And where should the line be drawn between transformation, regulation, competition and consumer choice? Rowan Alexander unpacks the judgment, what it means right now, and why this could be much bigger than an estate agent regulatory dispute. This isn’t just about agents. It could affect who you’re legally allowed to choose when you sell your property. Should government be able to determine which estate agents you are legally allowed to use by making a particular transformation certification a condition of the agent's right to practise? Watch the latest episode on The Property Corner YouTube channel and let me know what you think. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction02:38 What actually happened?03:38 The court didn't say BEE is unconstitutional.04:57 What does this mean if you’re selling your house?06:22 So, here’s the question I want to ask you.06:58 What the court did and what it means for estate agents right now.07:50 But let's be fair: why does the state want this?08:53 The big question: what happens next?09:34 Another interesting part of the judgment.10:31 So, where do I stand on this?11:19 A question I want to leave you with. #PropertyCorner #PropertyLaw #BEE #EstateAgents #SouthAfricanProperty Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

  2. Sep 21

    Is Cape Town Trying to Kill Airbnb? | The Proposed New Short-Term Letting By-law Explained

    Is Cape Town really coming for Airbnb? The City of Cape Town’s proposed new short-term letting by-law could significantly change the economics of Airbnb and other short-term rentals. In this episode, we unpack what the proposed rules actually say, including mandatory registration, data sharing, the 50% availability threshold, commercial property rates, and potential penalties. But the bigger question is what happens next. Could your property rates increase by around 2.5x? Could some Airbnb investors shift back to long-term rentals? And what could this mean for sectional title schemes, body corporates, HOAs and property values? We cut through the headlines and look at the actual proposed legislation, the numbers, and what it could mean for Cape Town property investors. This is not just about Airbnb. It could have implications for the wider Cape Town property market. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 02:58 What exactly is the City proposing? 04:33 The City wants the data. 05:20 The 50% threshold: this is the BIG one. 08:45 A property can cross the line without being fully occupied. 10:14 What happens if you cross the threshold? 11:26 Example of a property with a municipal valuation of R3 million. 13:32 And there's another potential sting. 16:33 What about Body Corporates? 17:43 This creates a very interesting building-level issue. 20:40 Does this create an additional burden on the Body Corporate? 21:49 What happens to investment returns? 22:41 Could this push investors back toward long-term rentals? 23:52 And what could that do to Cape Town property prices? 26:09 THE BIG QUESTION 28:49 How body corporates and HOAs might start interpreting this. #CapeTownProperty #Airbnb #PropertyInvesting #ShortTermRentals #CapeTownRealEstate Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

  3. Aug 25

    Bad Traffic, Not Enough Schools? Responding to Your Northern Suburbs Comments

    In this episode of The Property Corner, Rowan responds to viewer comments from the “The Economic Transformation of Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs” episode. From traffic congestion and major road upgrades to the shortage of high schools, rapid residential development, new private and government schools, and the growing need for office space and public transport, the discussion looks at how areas like Durbanville and Brackenfell are evolving. The Northern Suburbs are becoming increasingly central to Cape Town’s growth, bringing both challenges and opportunities for residents, businesses and property owners.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:15 Heavy-Duty Traffic Is Becoming a Major Problem 02:31 Not Enough High Schools 06:01 New Schools and Affordable Education 06:31 Rapid Growth and the Strain on Infrastructure 08:30 Durbanville’s Growth and Rising Municipal Costs 10:17 Not Enough Upmarket Restaurants Around Brackenfell   #NorthernSuburbs #PropertyMarket #PropertyInvestment #CapeTownDevelopment #CapeTownGrowth

  4. Aug 17

    PayProp Quarterly Rental Index for Q1 2026: What the Latest Numbers Tell Us

    In this episode, we take a visual walkthrough of the new PayProp Quarterly Rental Index for Q1 2026 and unpack what the latest data tells us about South Africa’s residential rental market. We look at rental growth, average rental values and tenant arrears across the country, including the standout performance of the Western Cape and Northern Cape, as well as the provinces showing signs of slowing growth. But the numbers only tell part of the story. We also look at what the data could mean for landlords and investors as rising interest rates and the increasing cost of living begin putting pressure on tenants and rental demand. Most importantly, we move beyond the Q1 numbers and consider what they could mean for the rental market for the rest of 2026, including why tenant retention may become more important than rental escalations. Watch the full visual walkthrough of the new PayProp Quarterly Rental Index and follow along as we break down the numbers and what they could mean for property investors and landlords. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 04:17 National Statistics 06:35 Provincial Statistics 13:28 National Payment Behaviour 14:34 In Closing If you’d like to explore the report yourself, here’s the link to the PayProp Quarterly Rental Index for Q1 2026: https://www.flipsnack.com/B77B9BAA9F7/rental-index-q1-2026?utm_campaign=117554417-SA%20-%20PayProp%20Rental%20Index&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9UxGWq5HjIiE462lL3m7qM6PKtR3QM07-vgviqKrxWrGAhLFneldaY1v4a87EpKMH_GwruQPrVAoPwtgRbDJQ1zrOQNg&_hsmi=141952045&utm_content=141952045&utm_source=hs_email #PayPropRentalIndex #SouthAfricanProperty #RentalMarket2026 #PropertyInvesting #RentalProperty

  5. Jul 20

    The New Reality of Homeownership in Cape Town

    The biggest cost of owning a home isn't always your bond anymore. In this episode of The Property Corner, we explore why today's property buyers need to think beyond the monthly bond repayment. Rising municipal charges, security costs, insurance, maintenance, levies and utility inflation are changing what true affordability looks like. Using practical examples, we explain why the total cost of ownership has become one of the most important factors when buying property, how these costs can grow over time, and why many homeowners are feeling financial pressure despite keeping up with their bond repayments. We also discuss: Why affordability is no longer just about qualifying for a home loan. How municipal charges and maintenance can overtake your bond repayment over time. The hidden costs many buyers overlook before purchasing. Whether estate living is really more expensive. How to budget for long-term homeownership and avoid future financial strain. If you're planning to buy property, already own a home, or want to make smarter property decisions, this episode will help you look beyond the purchase price and understand the real cost of owning a home.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 The Bond Has Become the Smaller Part of the Equation 02:03 Municipal Charges Are Growing Faster Than Many Realise 04:46 Security Upgrades Are No Longer Optional 06:14 The Silent Killer: Maintenance 07:21 Estate Living Isn't Always More Expensive 09:42 The New Affordability Calculation   Subscribe to The Property Corner for practical property insights, and let us know in the comments which property topic you'd like us to cover next. #PropertyInvestment #HomeOwnership #RealEstateSA #PropertyFinance #HomeLoan Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

  6. Jul 6

    20-Year vs 30-Year Bond: Which Is the Better Wealth-Building Strategy? | Property Expert Analysis

    Is a 30-year home loan really a better financial decision than a 20-year bond? In this episode of The Property Corner, we unpack why choosing a longer bond term could give you greater flexibility, improved cash flow, and more control over your financial future. Many buyers focus solely on the total interest payable over the life of the loan, but there’s another side to the equation: liquidity, risk management, and financial flexibility. By understanding how bond terms work and how additional repayments can shorten your loan term, you can potentially build wealth while maintaining a valuable financial safety net. Whether you're buying your first home or building a property investment portfolio, this discussion highlights how a 30-year bond can be used strategically to improve affordability, create access to emergency funds, and reduce monthly cash flow pressure. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Understanding the Numbers 01:48 The Hidden Value of Lower Contractual Commitments 02:35 The Part Most People Miss 0348 Why This Helps Build an Access Facility 04: 32 The Investor Advantage Join our growing community by subscribing to The Property Corner YouTube Channel and suggesting topics in the comments that you'd like to see covered in upcoming videos. #HomeLoanTips #RealEstateInvesting #SouthAfricanProperty #WealthBuilding #BondRepayment Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform :  Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

  7. Jun 22

    The Economic Transformation of Cape Town's Northern Suburbs

    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 Transformation 02:00 Industrial Growth, Logistics & Job Creation 02:20 Residential Expansion, Retail & Lifestyle Development 06:29 Schools, Education & Why Families Are Moving In 08:48 Durbanville: The Crown Jewel of the Northern Suburbs 10:57 Infrastructure, Future Growth & What Comes Next #CapeTownProperty #NorthernSuburbs #Durbanville #RealEstateSouthAfrica #PropertyInvestment Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform :  Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

  8. Jun 17

    The Middle-Class Property Squeeze: The New Reality for Cape Town Buyers

    Cape Town's property market is booming, but there's a catch: the middle class is being pushed further and further out. In this episode, we unpack why buyers are being priced out of the CBD, how pressure is building across the suburbs, and why demand is spilling into areas like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Wellington. From semigration and supply shortages to investor demand and Airbnb, we explore the forces reshaping Cape Town's property market. If you've been wondering why homes are selling so quickly, why affordability feels increasingly out of reach, or where the next opportunities in Cape Town's property market may lie, this episode is for you. In this episode: 00:00 The Middle-Class Property Squeeze in Cape Town 01:16 The 3 Forces Driving Property Prices Higher 02:53 Cape Town's Booming Property Markets 04:51 The Middle-Class Affordability Crisis 06:34 What This Means for Future Property Owners 07:49 Key Message for Buyers #CapeTownProperty #PropertyTrends #PropertyInvestment #SouthAfricanProperty #MiddleClassSqueeze Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

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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.

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