The Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl property market already tops R5.7bn in sales for the first nine months of this year, a whopping 82% higher than five years ago, but agents report that unrealistic sellers are losing out on good deals.
Ms Billy Rautenbach, Sales Director for Seeff says that agents are almost unanimous in their view that seller expectations are hampering sales. “After a rather subdued winter, we welcome the warmer summer months, traditionally a busier period for the market. The message to sellers though, is that if you do not adjust your price expectations to match the deteriorating market conditions, time may well be running out“.
The agency says that Propstats data shows that the total value of sales for the nine months to end September for the combined Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl market stands at R5,752,615,370. “While the rand-value of sales overall is down by only 3% year-on-year, the number of units sold is down by 15% and our agents are observing a declining trend as the year progresses“, says Ms Rautenbach.
Overall, the market is down by about 15%-20% from the 2015-highs.
The market performance has been largely propped up by the sectional title sector which still offers lower, more accessible pricing, but Ms Rautenbach says that the sector above R15m has slowed notably.
Adrian Mauerberger and Cecily Sher, luxury sectional title agents for the Atlantic Seaboard note that it is mostly the sub-R8m price sector that is still seeing activity, but there is a fair degree of ‘fence-sitting’ amongst buyers. “Although we have the challenge of high price expectations, there are many good buys in the market and this is perhaps not the best strategy if you consider how prices have risen over the last few years“.
“The average sectional title selling price currently stands at R7,030,321, a phenomenal 147% more compared to five years ago. Buyers should not hesitate to put in offers, even if it is below the asking price. Remember, when market conditions slow-down, it is a good time to increase your property portfolio as you are able to buy at more conservative price levels. Once the market turns, you will reap the rewards“.
Pola and Nadine Jocum who operate in Camps Bay support that view, noting that the suburb has seen some of the best value growth over the last ten years and it remains a solid bet for investors. The biggest demand for apartments is in the R4m-R10m range and for villas in the R10m-R18m range, although the team have concluded sales well over R20m in the past few months for luxury apartments and villas. Standard of purchasers in this market are extremely high and they caution the sellers against overpricing. There are many properties on sale over R20m which do not meet the criteria.
Adding to that, Rochelle Serman and Lyn Pope who also operate in Camps Bay, note that while prices have stabilised, they are not likely to come down and if you find a well-priced property, you should not hesitate. “This area is not just a solid investment, but boasts excellent rental income and there is a high demand for short-term rentals. Older homes at affordable prices are highly sought and always a great investment for buyers looking to get in low and then upgrade and expand“.
On the seller side of the scale, the team notes that property stock has increased and continues to increase. That means notably more competition for sellers and much more for buyers to choose from. “We are seeing a shift to a buyers’ market and sellers need to keep their price expectations in line with that”, say Mses Serman and Pope.
Karen Lurie who operates in the full title sector notes that even suburbs like Bantry Bay and Fresnaye now see sales activity largely below the R15m price band. She too cautions that buyers should not sit on the fence for too long. “The average full title selling price for the Atlantic Seaboard as a whole currently stands at R14,261,434 and, while this is down from last year, it is 78% more than five years ago (2015), thus a clear demonstration of the investment value“,
Seeff’s City Bowl full title sales team of Colette Jackson, Michele Apperley and Doris Ricketts say that they are noticing that sellers are using online portals and advertised listings to set their asking prices. “This is a recipe for failure. You need to use a proper market comparison based on actual sales. It is vital too that you work with an agency with a track record. You may not want to hear their advice, but remember that it comes with many years of hands-on-experience“, say the agents.
The team also recommends that buyers not be put off by high asking prices. “Put in an offer. Sometimes, when confronted with the reality of prices, the sellers may just accept“. They also note that the R5m-R15m price band remains the most active and sound a similar caution to buyers not to hesitate. The current full title selling price for the City Bowl which stands at R6,922,625, is 118% higher compared to 2012, thus more than double in just five years.
Bryan Ginsburg and Hilary Biccari, Atlantic Seaboard sectional title agents note that they have seen a shift to a buyers’ market below the R3m price range. In the Sea Point and Green Point areas for example, the number of units sold is down by 23% from last year. Sellers should be wary of agents who are promising high prices as the data simply does not support that.
Mauerberger and Ms Sher advise buyers to also take care not to overpay. Rather, work with reputable agents who hold correctly priced mandates and can assist in closing a deal at a market related price in the current economic environment.
On a final note, Ms Rautenbach says that regardless of the state of the market, smart sellers, buyers and agents will always find a way through. “Sellers need to take note of the slowing month-on-month trend. The FNB National House Price Index for September for example rose by just 4.1% while inflation has spiked to 5.1%“.
“We are getting ready for the annual influx of visitors to the city and expect many to take the time to look into investing in property. For serious sellers, there is still time to make a good deal, but perhaps not for that much longer“, she concludes.