The Property Corner with Rowan Alexander

Hosted by Rowan Alexander

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Aug 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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60 recent

August 25, 202614 min

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

August 17, 202618 min

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

July 20, 202613 min

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

July 6, 20267 min

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

June 22, 202613 min

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

June 17, 202610 min

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

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 Ruled 01:24 What Actually Happened? 02:08 What Does This Ruling Mean? 02:31 Breaking Down a Real Municipal Bill 08:05 Why Are Property Owners So Frustrated? 09:45 SAPOA's Position Explained 10:51 How Property Affordability Is Changing 12:35 What Happens After 30 June? 13:37 How Cape Town Could Replace the Lost Revenue 15:16 The Bigger Debate: Who Pays for Municipal Infrastructure? 15:58 Impact on the Property Market 18:34 Why This Matters Beyond Cape Town 19:19 Could This Accelerate Off-Grid Living? 20:32 Key takeaways #CapeTownProperty #PropertySouthAfrica #MunicipalRates #PropertyMarket #LandlordsSA Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4pOQP1aCiewij_VqSxwbWA Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple 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 Introduction 00:20 What We Expected for 2026 01:39 Why the Outlook Changed 02:14 From Rate Cuts to Rate Stability 02:53 Interest Rate Outlook for the Rest of 2026 04:23 What This Means for Property Buyers 05:56 Final Thoughts YouTube 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 Now 01:47 Future-Proofing Method #1: Alternative Energy Generation 03:55 How Rising Fuel Prices Impact Energy Costs 04:42 Future-Proofing Method #2: Water Security and Efficiency 05:31 The Overlooked Costs on Your Sewage Bill 06:05 Future-Proofing Method #3: Smart Energy and Water Management 06:56 Future-Proofing Method #4: Consideration of Building Materials and Methodologies 07:48 How Future-Proofing Translates Into Higher Property Value 08:28 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 Introduction 00:47 No New Tax Burden 01:13 A Stable and Credible Fiscal Environment 01:36 Capital Gains Tax Relief 03:34 Income Tax Bracket Adjustments 04:37 No Adjustments to the Transfer Duty Threshold 04:59 Section 13sex Allowances Remain Intact 06:02 R1 Trillion Investment in InfrastructureOver the Medium Term 06:35 The Bottom Line for Property Owners and Investors in South Africa Right Now #SABudget2026 #PropertyInvestment #SouthAfricaProperty #InfrastructureGrowth #PropertyWealth Subscribe to us on your favourite podcast platform : Youtube: http://youtube.com/@propertycornerza Spotify: https://shorturl.at/horJT Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/alFG7