Introduction and Background

The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern-most tip of the African continent. It shares its borders with neighboring countries like Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland.

Natural resources and a growing economy as a leading emerging market, South Africa is on a developmental path to growth and success. Immigration from Europe and settlement on numerous cultures from around the world, make it a vibrant nation and country. Racially diverse with the largest population of people of mixed racial background, European, and Indian communities anywhere in Africa. Black South Africans account for roughly 75% of the population – the definite majority in the newly established democracy. Diverse People Unite OR Unity in Diversity is not only the motto, but also very descriptive of the whole region and county and its people that live there.

There are three capital cities: Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative) and Bloemfontein (judicial). Johannesburg is the largest city in the country. There are 11 officially recognized languages.

Geographical Regions

The country or Republic of South Africa spans a total area of 1,219,912 km² and is the twenty-fifth largest country in the known world. The growing population total 44,344,136 (26th, in 2005) with a density of 36/km² (136th).

South Africa is located at the extreme south of Africa, occupying the most southern tips of the continent. It has an extensive, far-stretching coastline (2,500 kilometres (1,550 mi) and reaches across two oceans (the Atlantic and the Indian).

South Africa also has one possession, the small sub-antarctic archipelago of the Prince Edward Islands, consisting of Marion Island (290 km²/112 mi²) and Prince Edward Island (45 km²/17.3 mi²;

Climate

Year-round sunshine and moderate/mild winters makes for a wonderful climate across the county – for many a key reason to invest, buy, own, rent or let property.

South Africa has a great variety of climates. It ranges from extreme desert of the Kalahari near Namibia to lush subtropical climate along the border with Mozambique. It is described by many as semi-arid, with lots of variation in both climateand topography.

Scrubland, ,desert-like (Kalahari/Karoo – more sparsely populated), to the eastern coastline, lush and almost tropical(Kwazulu Natal and eastern coastal regions are highly popular for exactly that reason!). The extreme south west has a climate remarkably similar to that of the Mediterranean with wet winters and hot, dry summers – this is the renowned wine-regions of the Cape. Also known for its winds and rough seas around Cape of Good hope.

Johannesburg, in the centre of the Highveld, is at 1,740 metres (5,709 ft) and receives an annual rainfall of 760 millimetres (30 in). Winters in this region are cold, although snow is rare. Lowveld areas have particularly high temperatures, and is also the location of traditional South African Bushveld.

The high Drakensberg mountains can get snow and offer limited skiing opportunities in winter. The coldest place in South Africa is Sutherland in the western Roggeveld Mountains, where midwinter temperatures can reach as low as –15 degrees Celsius (5 °F). The deep interior has the hottest temperatures: A temperature of 51.7 °C (125 °F) was recorded in 1948 in the Northern Cape Kalahari near Upington.
(Source: www.Wikipedia.com)

Common Routes To Buying

To make any sense and inroads into this local foreign market, there are many options. There are numerous local and internationally affiliated Estate Agent in South Africa, property development, ,Internet and virtual providers of realty listings, referral services. Touring, visiting and looking around are all recommended to get to know the area and the factors at play. Magazines, Exhibitions, Referrals/friends, even off-plan purchases are all available.

Estate Agents In South AfricaBusiness directories, privately held businesses and independents, major banner affiliates and conglomerate providers and offices across the country. Local, national and international networks, individuals and institutions to choose from, including property management firms and developers, who offer services for both residential and commercial interest.

Go & Look Around Yourself - South Africa As A Place To Invest!

60th wealthiest in the world
localized development, infrastructure and modern technology
Four economic centra - Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Pretoria-Johannesburg
Poverty and housing are priorities for the local government and populace with ongoing development initiatives, there is a huge divide still between have and have nots.
Concerns: unemployement, affirmative action and discriminating practices, some cultural intolerance, crime, corruption, and HIV/AIDS, somewhat restrictive labour laws, privatization and uncontrolled spending by the government – which all affects the GDP
Despite all of the above, it has a strong currency, construction, tourism, agriculture and domestic services all flourish and this bodes well for any property investment and foreign or non-resident interest and prospecting.

Developing Legal & Administrative Systems

Middle-income, growing economy, with lots of natural resources, infrastructure and potential.

It is a country with huge potential, just making its way back onto the international stage, after years of economic sanctions and political reform. It is reshaping itself and the natural beauty and bright future of the rainbow nation all bode well. The local housing market is booming and South Africa is a nation of 44.8 million people of diverse origins, cultures, languages, and beliefs – truly reflective of our larger global village and a modern-contemporary community to live, work and invest in.

Being familiar with the local tax, realty and financing policies, procedures and considerations are again all important if you are considering investing in equity or realty inside the borders of this young, up and coming emerging market!