The Property Corner with Rowan Alexander

Rowan Alexander

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. 9 HR AGO

    Why You Shouldn’t Buy Property Cash

    Should you buy property cash or finance it with a bond? In this video I unpack why using finance strategically can be more powerful than going debt free, whether you are an owner-occupier or an investor. We look at cash flow protection, the psychology of having a mortgage bond accessible, and how to safeguard yourself against life’s uncertainties. For investors, I explain the benefits of tax-deductibility on interest, scalability of your portfolio, and the control and flexibility that leverage provides. I also address common objections such as: “I simply hate debt” “What if interest rates go up” “Cash feels safer” “I want to own my home outright” Finally, I share four practical tips for using bonds wisely so you can grow your wealth and build financial resilience. If you are interested in South African property investment, mortgage strategies, or want to know why it makes sense to use a bond instead of paying cash, this episode is for you In this episode: 00:27 In the case of owner-occupier. 06:37 In the case of investor. 11:31 Common objections for using bonds. 13:52 Four tips for using bonds smartly 15:49 Visual Representation #CashVsBond #FinanceStrategy #PropertyInvestment #MortgageTips #WealthBuilding Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

    18 min

  2. 4 AUG

    Cashflow vs Capital Growth. Build a Property Portfolio That Lasts

    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 term This 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 Introduction 00:16 Cash flow is not the dominant factor 01:18 Why are you investing in property? 02:46 Tailored strategy approach 03:38 Inception phase 04:50 Inception phase strategic tips 05:25 Inception phase warnings 05:36 Expansion phase 07:59 Expansion phase strategic tips 10:11 Maturity phase 13:17 Maturity phase strategic tips 14:20 Sustainable property portfolio blueprint table 14:45 Cash flow properties limitations & risks 18:59 Think long term & get started #PropertyInvestment #CashFlowVsCapitalGrowth #PropertyPortfolio #WealthBuilding #PassiveIncome Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

    20 min

  3. 21 JUL

    5 Reasons why people are moving to Cape Towns Northern Suburbs

    Thinking of moving to Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs? Here’s why so many already have. From Brackenfell to Durbanville and Kuils River, the Northern Suburbs are fast becoming some of the most popular places to live in Cape Town. In this video, we break down the top five reasons more people are choosing to leave the city centre and head north. We look at real sales data, lifestyle benefits and why these suburbs are ideal for families, first-time buyers and investors. ● Get more home for your money ● Access excellent public and private schools ● Enjoy nature trails, parks and weekend wine trips ● Benefit from modern infrastructure and smart new estates Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading or investing, this episode gives you a clear view of what the Northern Suburbs have to offer. Ready to make a move? Get in touch with Alexander Swart Property Group on 021 981 1307, your local experts in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town. YouTube channels content used: ● @‌peterchongair ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@UCFQlWPoGFAV-gDjtTWio1SA ● @‌WarrenMelissaGoRiding ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@UCz7xaKjtamggJK8YnkhLqrg In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Highest turnover areas at the moment 01:20 Reason 1 02:57 Reason 2 03:52 Reason 3 04:19 Reason 4 04:54 Reason 5 05:43 Reach out to us #propertyinvestment #suburbanlife #capetownrealestate #familyfriendlyliving #capetownlife Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

    6 min

  4. 7 JUL

    Should you invest in AirBNB Properties? | My interview with Louis Reynhardt

    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 portfolio Whether 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/@louisreynhardt In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 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 speculations 04:51 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

    18 min

  5. 30 JUN

    Airbnb vs Long Term Property Investment in Cape Town: Is the Bubble About to Burst? 🇿🇦🏡

    Cape Town’s property market has changed dramatically since 2019. Back then, sellers were desperate and properties were going well below asking price. Now in 2025, short term rentals like Airbnb are booming, especially along the Atlantic Seaboard and in the CBD. But is it sustainable? In this video, I unpack the risks behind the current short term rental craze and explain why I am focusing on long term investments in more stable suburbs like Durbanville, Century City and Rondebosch. From inflated Airbnb returns to the hidden costs most people ignore, I show why long term property offers better consistency, lower risk and stronger overall returns. We cover: ✅ What is driving the Airbnb trend ✅ Actual occupancy stats and income figures ✅ The real costs most investors forget ✅ How locals are being priced out of the city ✅ Where to find long term value in Cape Town If you are a first time investor or looking to grow your portfolio, whether you are based in South Africa or abroad, this video offers a grounded and honest view of the market. Book a free consultation and let us talk property. Read the full articles: ● https://www.moneyweb.co.za/moneyweb-podcasts/the-property-pod/rampant-demand-for-short-term-residential-rentals-in-cape-town ● https://www.property24.com/articles/time-to-buy-cape-town-luxury-home-prices-fall-by-up-to-r10m/28734 ● https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-28-average-capetonians-cant-afford-any-of-the-new-apartments-on-atlantic-seaboard ● https://www.property24.com/brackenfell/protea-heights/property-trends/9602 ● https://www.property24.com/durbanville/property-trends/439 ● https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/international-buyers-drive-capes-luxury-property-sales-587450a ● https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/capitalising-on-investment-potential-in-cape-towns-northern-suburbs-583140a In this episode: 00:00 Chasing Quick Returns 00:31 2019 Cape Town and Atlantic Seaboard Buyer Shortage 01:16 2025 Surge in Short Term Rental Demand 01:32 Rampant Demand for Short Term Residential Rentals in Cape Town 02:08 2019 vs 2025 Short Term Rental Demand 02:49 Seasonal Fluctuations and Increased Operating Costs 03:29 Average Annual Revenue per Annum for Airbnb in Cape Town 03:47 Management Demands of Airbnb 04:20 Are We in a Bubble and Are There Any Warning Signs? 04:58 Risks of Short Term Rental Investors Fueling the Market 05:27 Airbnb Disrupting the Global Property Market 05:59 Cape Town Exploring Short Term Rental Market Regulations 06:22 Understated Rental Income and Tax 06:35 The Conclusion 06:45 Stable Long Term Investments Cape Town Suburbs Have to Offer 07:00 Consistent Demand and Long Term Growth 07:34 Who Is Airbnb a Good Fit For? 07:42 Is Your Aim Long Term Wealth Creation? 08:05 Best Real Estate Returns 08:21 Reach Out and Book a Free Consultation Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

    9 min

  6. 17 JUN

    Inside the PayProp South African Rental Market Q1 2025 Report

    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

    40 min

  7. 14 JUN

    Buying or Renting : Which Builds More Wealth?

    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=0cf65b48115d4863 Listen on Apple Podcasts : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-property-corner-with-rowan-alexander/id1683273264 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@propertycornerZA In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 00:28 – Online Debates vs Real Experience & Numbers 00:57 – The Common Argument Explained 01:11 – R3 Million Home vs Renting Comparison 02:02 – AI-Driven Calculations & Analysis 02:19 – Key Assumptions Behind the Comparison 04:13 – Making Provision for Maintenance Costs 04:33 – Monthly Costs of Buying a Home 04:44 – The Case for Renting 05:13 – Highest-Yielding Risk-Free Investment (ABSA) 05:50 – How Much Can You Save Renting? 05:57 – Growth Projections Over 20 Years 06:38 – Why Are Costs Rising So Fast? 07:33 – The Crossover Point (Year 10) 08:05 – Fixed Instalments for Homeowners 08:38 – Final Net Worth: Homebuyer vs Tenant 09:39 – Renter's Net Worth After 20 Years 10:09 – Putting the Numbers into Perspective 10:33 – Why This Gap Happens Over Time 10:54 – The R9.5 Million Difference 11:45 – Can You Really Be That Disciplined? 12:59 – Property Ownership & Retirement Planning 13:45 – Advice for Those Stuck Renting

    16 min

  8. 9 JUN

    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 - Introduction 00:32 - Buy in a trust? 01:14 - Pay your bond off quicker 01:51 - Rental income vs Bond Payment 02:38 - Sponsor 03:47 - Subdividing to resell vs subdividing to create a multi-let 05:41 - AirBnB 07:49 - Residential Property Market in Gauteng 08:18 - Buy-to-let for positive cash flow or buy for capital appreciation? 09:07 - Outro

    10 min
See All (67)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like