The Property Corner with Rowan Alexander

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, ri...

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...

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 explo...

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...

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 co...

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 buil...

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 rewar...

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...

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...

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...

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 Int...

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 worthwh...

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 fa...

Finding reliable tenants is one of the biggest challenges for property investors. In this episode, we break down the entire process of securing quality tenants, from screening applications to setting up contracts, conducting inspections, and managing your property effectively. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an experienced investor, good tenants can make or break your property investment....

In this episode of The Property Corner, we bust the five biggest myths about property investment that often hold South Africans back from building wealth. From fears about affordability and tenant issues to concerns about market timing and returns, we break down the realities of property ownership and show how anyone can start their property journey. What you will learn in this episode: ● Why you...

Joint property ownership is becoming more popular in South Africa, but many buyers still feel unsure about the best way to structure it. Should you buy in your own names? Form a company? Or go the trust route? In this episode we break each option down in plain language. We cover everything from decision making powers to bond approvals to liability risks. You will also hear how I personally use all...

Can you really find a cash flow positive property in Cape Town? In this episode, I break down what it takes to get as close as possible to a property that covers its costs from day one. Using a real example from Belladonna Estate, I explore the shortfalls, breakeven points, and repayment strategies that matter for long-term investors. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:32 What is a cash flow p...

Thinking of buying your first home? In this episode of The Property Corner , Jason Blight from Alexander Swart Property Group shares expert advice on whether you really need a deposit when buying property. With 17 years of experience in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, Jason explains how a deposit can help your offer stand out, build trust with sellers and banks, and even save you thousands over...

In this episode, we explore age limits when applying for a bond in South Africa. Can you still get a bond at 70? How do the banks view applications from people nearing retirement? We break down how Absa, Nedbank, Standard Bank and FNB approach late-stage bond applications, including maximum repayment ages and loan terms. Whether you are planning your retirement, looking for a property investment,...

Not all income is seen the same way by the banks. In this episode we explain how banks view different income sources when calculating affordability. We cover salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, shift allowances, bonuses, rental income, maintenance, and even investment income. Each bank applies its own rules and percentages, which means not all of your earnings may count in full. We also highli...

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-deduc...

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....

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 th...

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...

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...