The number of Internet users in South Africa accelerated dramatically in the past year, thanks to the impact of both smartphones and ordinary mobile phones. As a result, the Internet is finally arriving in the hands of the mass market.

Buy-to-let buying remains in the doldrums and rental inflation directionless, and may remain so for some time. But a weak residential rental market may have been key in preventing interest rates from rising in 2011.

Have you seen the adverts about various products being tested on Brand Power or Zoot or 606 Product Networker on SABC channels? Well, I was curious about what they are and so I started searching the web for the name. And while searching I stumbled upon a really cool promotional website called Hometester club (www.hometesterclub.com).

Although growth in total residential transactions volumes slowed in 2011, following a surge in 2010, the FNB Estate Agent Survey points to 2011 having been a significantly better year for 1st time buyers.

While the twinkling lights and music of the festive season may beckon you to swipe your credit card yet again, deep down you know it’s never a good idea to spend your entire bonus before the year is out. And though we hate to admit it, the merriment of December soon loses its happy glow when in the sober light of the New Year the bills come streaming in. 

Standard Bank continues to support the local housing market by financing almost half of all new home loans originated by banks in the past year. This has helped provide much needed stability and liquidity to the local residential property market.

As women we are constantly trying new ways of making our lives work. And because we are constantly shopping for great bargains, we know that there are so many things in the shops that are vying for our attention.  So to help you decide what to buy before month end, here are four equipments you should consider buying.  If you can’t get all of them at least try one at a time, they will make your life simpler.