The Property Corner with Rowan Alexander

Hosted by Rowan Alexander

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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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June 8, 202621 min

High Court Rules Cape Town Tariffs Unlawful | What This Means for Property Owners

Cape Town property owners may have just experienced one of the most significant municipal legal shifts in recent years. A recent Western Cape High Court ruling has declared parts of the City of Cape Town’s tariff structure unlawful, specifically fixed charges linked to property values rather than actual consumption.In this episode we break down what the ruling actually means, why it matters, and how it could reshape property affordability, investor confidence, municipal funding models, and the broader South African property market.We also unpack a real municipal bill to show exactly how these charges work, why they became so controversial, and how they impact different stakeholders from homeowners and landlords to large commercial property investors.Finally we explore what happens after 30 June 2026, how municipalities may respond, and what this could mean for the future cost of owning property in South Africa.In this episode:00:00 Cape Town's Biggest Property Billing Victory?00:29 What the High Court Actually Ruled01:24 What Actually Happened?02:08 What Does This Ruling Mean?02:31 Breaking Down a Real Municipal Bill08:05 Why Are Property Owners So Frustrated?09:45 SAPOA's Position Explained10:51 How Property Affordability Is Changing12:35 What Happens After 30 June?13:37 How Cape Town Could Replace the Lost Revenue15:16 The Bigger Debate: Who Pays for Municipal Infrastructure?15:58 Impact on the Property Market18:34 Why This Matters Beyond Cape Town19:19 Could This Accelerate Off-Grid Living?20:32 Key takeaways#CapeTownProperty #PropertySouthAfrica #MunicipalRates #PropertyMarket #LandlordsSASubscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4pOQP1aCiewij_VqSxwbWASpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

June 2, 20265 min

Interest Rate Mid-Year Reality Check | South African Property Market

Six months ago, everyone expected continuous interest rate cuts in South Africa. But by mid-2026, the conversation has changed completely. Inflation remains sticky, global geopolitical tensions are creating uncertainty, and the Reserve Bank’s focus has shifted from stimulating growth to protecting stability.In this episode, we unpack why interest rate cuts have slowed, what the current US-Iran conflict and oil supply risks could mean for the South African property market, and how buyers, investors, developers, and agents should adjust their expectations for the rest of 2026.If you’ve been waiting for major rate relief before making your next property move, this discussion could reshape your strategy and help you understand where the market may be heading next.In this episode:00:00 Introduction00:20 What We Expected for 202601:39 Why the Outlook Changed02:14 From Rate Cuts to Rate Stability02:53 Interest Rate Outlook for the Rest of 202604:23 What This Means for Property Buyers05:56 Final ThoughtsYouTube Channel Referenced:● @‌newzroomafrika5914 ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@newzroomafrika5914#SouthAfricaProperty #InterestRates2026 #PropertyMarket #RealEstateInvesting #SouthAfricaEconomy

March 30, 202610 min

Future Proof Your Home: Save Money, Protect Your Family, Increase Value

Energy costs are rising, water is becoming scarce, and uncertainty is affecting the world around us. But there are ways to take control, save money, protect your family, and increase your property’s value at the same time. In this episode, we explore future-proofing your home, covering everything from alternative energy solutions and water efficiency to smart management systems and resilient building methods.Learn practical strategies to reduce running costs, improve your home’s marketability, and create a property that is ready for both today and tomorrow. Avoid short-term cosmetic trends and focus on upgrades that truly deliver long-term value.Future-proofing is more than just preparation. It is an investment in your family’s comfort, your financial security, and the long-term value of your home. In this episode:00:19 Why Everyone’s Talking About Future-Proofing Right Now01:47 Future-Proofing Method #1: Alternative Energy Generation03:55 How Rising Fuel Prices Impact Energy Costs04:42 Future-Proofing Method #2: Water Security and Efficiency05:31 The Overlooked Costs on Your Sewage Bill06:05 Future-Proofing Method #3: Smart Energy and Water Management06:56 Future-Proofing Method #4: Consideration of Building Materials and Methodologies07:48 How Future-Proofing Translates Into Higher Property Value08:28 How Resilience Adds Marketable Value to Your Home#FutureProofHome #HomeUpgrades #ResilientHome #PropertyInvestment #HomeValue

March 23, 20267 min

2026 SA Budget Explained: What Property Owners Must Know

The 2026 South African budget isn’t just numbers, it could mean more money in your pocket as a property owner. In this episode, we unpack the key highlights that matter to property owners and investors, from capital gains tax relief to income tax bracket adjustments.We also explore what hasn’t been widely covered, including infrastructure investments and why property remains a resilient and rewarding asset in South Africa.Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, these insights could directly impact your portfolio and cash flow.In this episode:00:00 Introduction00:47 No New Tax Burden01:13 A Stable and Credible Fiscal Environment01:36 Capital Gains Tax Relief03:34 Income Tax Bracket Adjustments04:37 No Adjustments to the Transfer Duty Threshold04:59 Section 13sex Allowances Remain Intact06:02 R1 Trillion Investment in InfrastructureOver the Medium Term06:35 The Bottom Line for Property Owners and Investors in South Africa Right Now#SABudget2026 #PropertyInvestment #SouthAfricaProperty #InfrastructureGrowth #PropertyWealthSubscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

March 16, 202611 min

Middle East War: Global Conflict, Local Impact | Navigating SA Property Market Risks & Opportunities

A war in the Middle East might seem far removed from South Africa, but global conflicts often have ripple effects that reach local markets.In this episode, we unpack how escalating tensions between Israel, Iran and the US could influence the South African property market. From rising fuel prices and cost-push inflation to interest rate expectations and investor confidence, global instability can quietly affect affordability, buying power and rental demand.We also explore how these shifts could impact first-time buyers, investors and the rental market, and why periods of uncertainty can still create opportunities for those who understand the market.If you want to understand how global events could shape property investing in South Africa, this episode breaks down the risks and the opportunities. In this episode:00:00 Introduction01:08 Risk of Inflation & Fuel Costs02:40 Higher or Delayed Interest Rate Relief03:59 Market Uncertainty and Delayed Buying Driving Rising Rental Prices07:36 Foreign Buyer Interest08:51 Investor Opportunities Where Others Hesitate09:39 Capitalising on Less Competition, Better Negotiation Power & Rising Rental Demand10:00 Final Key Takeaway#SouthAfricanProperty #PropertyInvesting #PropertyMarket #RealEstateSA #InflationSubscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerzaSpotify: https://shorturl.at/horJTApple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7

March 9, 20261 hr 35 min

Property Investment Strategies Across South Africa with Rowan Alexander and Albert van Wyk

In this video, I join Albert van Wyk on his podcast as the first guest to chat about property in South Africa.The conversation focuses on property investment strategies in South Africa and how approaches can differ depending on the market you are investing in.Rowan and Albert discuss how markets such as Cape Town and the Western Cape can differ from areas like Pretoria and how these differences influence the way investors structure their portfolios.They also explore various investment methodologies, the importance of understanding local market dynamics, and how investors can adapt their strategies to suit different regions.This conversation is a valuable exchange of ideas for anyone interested in property investing and understanding how to approach opportunities across different South African markets.Search The Property Corner on YouTube for more practical property advice and discussions about investing in South Africa.Check out Albert van Wyk on Spotify , YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok.

January 25, 202617 min

From Comments to Advice: Rowan Answers Your Property Questions

In this Q&A episode, we answer YOUR YouTube comments and questions about property investing. From what you really need to know about levies vs ownership, how to spot the hottest rental areas, and the limits of property affordability to the smartest first cash buys and whether extra bond payments belong on your home or investment and more. Essential insights for first-time buyers and property investors. Don’t miss these tips straight from the comments section!In this episode:00:00 Introduction00:05 Room-by-Room Rental01:19 Levies vs Ownership03:54 How to Pick a Winning Rental Area06:08 Can Property Affordability Run Out?08:37 Best First Property to Buy in Cash09:31 Why Rent Rises but Bonds Don’t10:48 Extra Bond Payments: Home vs Investment12:14 Multi-Let Properties: Is It Worth the Cost?14:57 Just Buy It Cash15:11 What’s a Reasonable Deposit?#PropertyInvesting #RealEstateAdvice #FirstTimeBuyer #SmartInvesting #PropertyTips

January 11, 202611 min

South African Property Market Predictions for 2026

2026 looks set to be an exciting year for property! In this episode, we share The Property Corner’s key predictions for the trends and opportunities that could shape the market.These predictions offer a guide to the trends and developments to watch for in the property market this year.Like, subscribe, and share your thoughts on The Property Corner’s 2026 predictions! In this episode:00:00 Introduction01:26 Interest Rates02:43 Rental Market03:26 Return of the Investor (Sectional Title Market)06:10 Serious Stock Shortage (Western Cape Metro)08:43 Higher Trading Volumes and More Stock (Non–Western Cape Metros)#PropertyMarket2026 #RealEstateTrends #InvestingInProperty#WesternCapeProperty #SectionalTitle

December 21, 20253 min

Thank you to our community! Plus our 2025 Blooper reel!

As we wrap up 2025, this episode is simply about saying thank you. Thank you for watching, liking, commenting, engaging with us and being part of The Property Corner community. Whether you’ve followed the content, joined one-on-one sessions or applied the advice shared on the channel, your support has meant everything. Seeing the channel grow and knowing the content adds value makes it all worthwhile. We’re grateful for every viewer on the other side of the screen and excited for what’s ahead in 2026.And make sure you stick around, there are some bloopers waiting for you at the end.#ThankYou #Grateful #Community #ThePropertyCorner #ChannelGrowth #Bloopers

December 18, 202511 min

2025 South African Property Market Predictions Recap

At the start of 2025, we made a series of bold property market predictions. In this episode, we look back at those forecasts and unpack what actually played out. From interest rate relief and entry level market recovery to semigration trends, foreign buyer activity, rental growth and the return of investors. We break down what we got right, what surprised us and where the market moved slower or faster than expected. A grounded, on the ground review of 2025 and the lessons it offers heading into 2026.In this episode:00:00 Introduction00:48 Continuous Interest Rate Relief01:58 Sub-R2 million market recovery02:48 Slowdown of Semigration05:39 Interest from Foreign Buyers06:32 Strong Rental Market Growth with Corrections08:22 Return of the Investor Read the full articles here:● Selected Historical Rates● Strong recovery in South Africa's housing market amid economic optimism● August 2025 sees strongest annual house price growth in + 3 years● Semigration to the Western Cape Slows – But demand remains resilient - Property24● Tshwane tops Gauteng’s housing recovery while Johannesburg makes strong inroads | Network News● South Africa’s richest city bounces back from rock bottom● South Africa’s average residential rental R9 132 in Q1 2025● Pretoria’s expanding student population fuels buy-to-let investment demand● Investors eye coastal buy-to-let properties as rental demand surges● Top suburbs for buy-to-let investments in South Africa: where to invest now #PropertyMarket #SouthAfricanProperty #MarketPredictions #RealEstateInsights #PropertyInvesting #PropertyTrends