The tough property market has created good opportunities for investors who act on their conviction that better times are ahead.

This is the view of Paul Matthews, principal of the RealNet office in Gordon's Bay, who says many buyers have recognised the opportunities in the market, with a number of smaller investors returning to the market. "They are capitalising on softening prices to upgrade or re-invest," he says.

"Moreover, for the first time in a long time, it is not all doom and gloom. There are indications that the tide is starting to turn – with petrol prices and interest rates coming down - and that would be good news for the market as well as investors who act soon."

He adds that sellers may be reluctant to sell in what everyone perceives to be a "down" market. "But the reality is that even if you realise less for your property than you might have liked, the chances are that you will regain that amount and more when you return to the market to buy again.

www.property24.co.za

03/01/2008