Planning your property goals for the new year and beyond

Can you believe the festive season is upon us already and the year is almost a thing of the past? As is the case every year, it's time to start planning our "new year's resolutions", and hopefully the ones we make about property and our homes are easier than trying to quit smoking or being nicer to our in-laws. The CSi Property Group looks at some of the best property-related resolutions that you can make for the new year.

Resolution 1: Become a homeowner

Making the transition from being a renter to an owner is a great move for your financial future. While renting can be more affordable - mainly because you get to bypass paying rates, levies and other property-related expenses - it does not create an investment for your future. Being a homeowner means that you're paying off an asset that will one day be your own, rather than paying off your landlord's asset. If you're not sure how to make homeownership work on your budget, there are a few ways to make your dream match your reality:

• Consider buying a smaller home or buying in a slightly different area.
• Dedicate next year to saving up for a deposit
• Look at other areas where you could cut down to save towards being a homeowner

If you want to buy a property, the first step is to engage the services of a bond originator to help you get the best possible home loan deal. End User Finance will leverage the strong relationships that they have built with the banks to get you the best possible deal. The best part is that while all the banks will be approached on your behalf, you only have to fill in one set of paperwork.

Resolution 2: Finding a rental home better suited to your needs

Perhaps homeownership isn't for you - but for whatever reason, your current home isn't quite meeting your needs either. With the wide variety of rental properties available in various corners of Gauteng, there's no reason why as a renter you can't find a home that's perfect for you. Perhaps you're looking for a quieter neighbourhood that still offers reasonable access to the office - if so, there is an abundance of rental homes in Centurion that could be perfect for you. With the abundance of residential areas in Gauteng, there's no need to endure a longer-than-necessary commute to work.

If your family has grown, it might be time to consider an extra bedroom - or if your children are starting to fly the nest, the opposite might be true. One of the biggest advantages of being a tenant is the freedom and flexibility to relocate as your circumstances change - so make a move if necessary and find a home that is a natural setting for your family's way of life.

Resolution 3: Starting your retirement the right way - by finding the right home

If you've pushed back your desk chair for the last time and said hello to retirement and all that joy and freedom that it has to offer, you've earned the right to live in a home that suits your new way of life. Gauteng's many retirement homes offer the widest imaginable array of amenities, from walking trails and heated pools to social activities and plenty of opportunities to make new friends. Make the most of retirement by finding a home designed specifically for retirees - and the bonus is the knowledge that your changing needs will be catered for as you get older.

No matter what your property-related resolution is, the CSi Property Group is here to help if it involves property in Gauteng. Contact us today and let's talk about how we can help you achieve your goals next year.