Owning a property and knowing its value is as important as knowing your ID number these days. If it is an investment you take seriously and you would like to know the value of your holding, one should get a professional opinion on a property valuation. “A property valuation is an estimated market value of a property, determined using a sophisticated statistical calculation” informed Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa . Not only will the price of your home get influenced by what is happening, on the political stage of the country you live in, the area and surrounding suburbs also play a vital role in the evaluation as well. The fact that it has easy access to highways, shopping centres and schools will have your price looking to the plus side in the ideal location. Overall the condition and upkeep of your property is one of the biggest factors which result in home owners losing money when the opportunity for sale presents itself. It’s always best to consult...

What influences cause property values to increase Why investing in property is the best way to go?  When you buy your first home the usual motivation is to acquire your own property, rather than paying someone else's bond and of course you then have your independence. Most youngsters seek freedom from living at home and having to abide by family household rules. “The very idea of buying their own home is exciting and they often do not realise what a wonderful investment they are making. This is the start of their financial independence” Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa stated. According to the FNB House Price Index, the average house price for April 2015 rose 5.0% year-on-year. Despite the nominal house price inflation slowdown, however, recent months' house prices continue to grow positively in real terms, when adjusted for CPI inflation. Due to the slower house price growth, this creates opportunities for the lower income buyers as the pric...