Location, location, location: A guide for new investors

Suburbs with good infrastructure, respected schools and bustling local economies are always in demand - and having more buyers in an area means higher asking prices. Choosing a property in an area where there is high demand can significantly enhance the potential for capital growth.

Another old property adage to keep in mind is: 'Choose the worst house in the best area you can afford' - following this advice will set you on the road to success. Remember, you can renovate your home whenever you have extra funds, eventually turning that “worst house” into a dream home, but you can’t change the location. So, focus on getting a foot in an area where many would love to live.

Safe neighbourhoods with access to parks and open spaces (often described as 'leafy'), and public transport are very appealing to families as well as professionals. When looking at a property, always evaluate how the location aligns with lifestyle needs and daily routines.

Visit at different times of the day to see what the traffic situation is like, speak to people living in the area, ask the local police about the crime stats… In other words, do your research!

Rental income from two small properties could be a retirement fund for your old age and a legacy to leave to your children. However, as with buying a home for yourself, location also plays a pivotal role in determining rental yield from investment properties.

A property that is on the doorstep of a good school, a university, a business district and a transportation hub will attract a wide variety of tenants and is, therefore, likely to deliver consistently good rental returns.

Get to know the rental-market dynamics in the different locations you’re considering so that you can make strategic decisions that will maximise the rental income your property can achieve. Then, make “live, work, play” your mantra when assessing opportunities.

Sadly, infrastructure in much of South Africa is ageing and decrepit. You don’t want failures to add to the already significant woes of load shedding, potholes and water shortages. Look ahead and zero in on areas where there is future growth potential. Research what, if any, infrastructure upgrades are planned - like new highways (and - conversely - bypasses), public transport projects, substation maintenance and new commercial developments. Such projects can signal future growth and increased property values.

Keep an eye on government and local municipality plans as well as private-sector developments that could enhance the attractiveness of a location. Emerging neighbourhoods on the outskirts of major cities often offer more affordable entry points with the potential for significant appreciation as development progresses.

Gated communities, security estates, and areas with active community policing forums are particularly popular. So, as mentioned previously, it's important to research crime statistics and speak to locals when evaluating an area in terms of its safety.

Metros like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban have key employment nodes that drive demand for nearby residential properties. So look for the CIDs (City Improvement Districts), where businesses contribute funds towards the upkeep, cleansing and security of smaller business nodes. For investors, properties in these areas can offer strong rental demand and higher occupancy rates.

Coastal areas and those with natural beauty, such as the Garden Route or the Cape Winelands, offer unique lifestyle benefits that can increase demand and value.