Coronavirus: How the economic slowdown will affect residential developments
Every major economic swing in South Africa’s history has resulted in big changes in the design, size and affordability of homes bought or rented by the public. The current lockdown and increasing recession will have a noticeable effect, especially on middle and lower-middle bracket homes.
Limiting project size
Developers will reduce their risks by limiting the size of future projects. It will be common practice to see developments with as few as five or six homes being built. Alternatively, developers can, and often do, divide their bigger projects into several phases – each designed to be occupied (and paid for) as soon as ready. The need to reduce risk has also resulted in industry leaders moving away from sectional title in favour of small town houses, which also have the great advantage of occupation upon completion. By way of contrast, sectional title developments often cannot be occupied until the whole scheme, or at least the whole block is completed.
This swing to small town houses fits in with a growing desire among buyers to be “on the ground level” and to have at least a small garden. This is especially the trend when people convert to working from home part or full time.
South Africans of all income groups still recognise the economical and psychological benefits of home ownership. They are prepared to make big sacrifices to achieve this, although they are less affluent than before. They and developers are continually adapting to the new market conditions which will ensure the survival of the property market.
Source: bizcommunity.com