Good news: threshold for transfer duty up

The raising of the threshold for transfer duty on properties sold for less than R900 000, up from R750 000, as announced in the national budget, is positive news as it provides some relief for first-time buyers, says Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

“This aspirant sector of the market is a key driver of SA’s residential property market, particularly in metropolitan hubs which increasingly draw a younger generation of home buyers wanting accommodation close to the workplace.

“Also welcome is the increased investment in infrastructure and transport networks, as well as integrated urban development projects and township precincts, as this helps provide a catalyst for growth in the housing market.”

Golding says further positive aspects of the budget include a concerted focus on education as well as tourism promotion.

“But the hefty increase in fuel taxes is a concern as this will create an inflationary ripple effect across the economy. The 39c a litre hike, comprising an additional 30c in the fuel levy and 9c in the RAF levy, will hurt the pockets of lower and middle income citizens, who are already contending with rising electricity and water tariffs, as well as property rates and food prices.

“South Africans are faced with a double-whammy as the zero-rating of Vat on fuel is to be removed in the 2018/19 financial year, which in effect constitutes a double taxation on fuel, says Golding.

“As a result we anticipate this will further boost the demand for residential property to buy and rent among those seeking to reduce transport costs and avoid traffic congestion”.

This presents an opportunity for developers to cater for this market, and may well give rise to further sectional title projects being launched in strategic locations.

“With the country’s economic growth rate sluggish and remaining a major challenge, we need to encourage investment among local and international high net worth investors.

“Setting the bar at a tax rate of 45% for those with a taxable income over R1.5 million per annum sends a less than encouraging signal to high net worth investors, and may dampen sentiment in luxury homes in the upper price band,” says Golding.