South Africa is the country at the tip of the gloriously and spectacularly varied African Continent. If you think that South Africa is a poor and undeveloped country, then you are really far from truth. South Africa is very rich in mineral resources. South Africa is an eager exporter of whatever the latest is on demand from international buyers. We are kept up to date with world trends manufacturing the latest and most exciting goods through export channels. As well as being a healthy manufacturer, South Africa is a rich continent with much to offer and much to share with the rest of the world.

South Africa has undergone massive growth since the early 1990’s and there is much hope for the future of export and import as the potential is endless. South Africa has a great history of successful exports or imports and an attractive attitude towards paying on time. An advantage of importing from South African is that they are linked to the rest of Africa through the Southern African Customs Union which is made up of South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland and Namibia. Of the 15 members of the South Africa Development Community, 12 members have recently launched a free trade zone.

Africa has thirty regional trade arrangements and each country belongs to an average of about four groups. From international waters, many goods, such as industrial items, enter duty free. When the item is not duty free the rates charged fall mostly between 5% and 25%. Goods which value does not exceed R400 are not liable for customs duty. Some goods, for example consumer goods being exported from South Africa will require an export permit, but this is not difficult to acquire and restrictions or limitations are minimal. There has been recent and exciting growth in the IT sector of Export or Import and South Africa is looking forward to a growing market of computer software and hardware for export and import. South Africa is a top exporter of the worlds pharmaceutical products with yearly exports reaching millions. South African Logistics assist in making the export business quick and cost effective. With our times being similar to Western Europe this makes for efficient business. South African is up to date on the latest export trends and stands strong alongside the rest of the globe.

South Africa is known for its diversity and there are eleven official languages spoken throughout the country. However English is the most commonly spoken language in business circles. South African cuisine is heavily meat-based and barbecues or ‘braai’ are a popular social gathering. South Africa is a warm and hospitable country, both in climate and friendliness – the community is keen on welcoming foreign nationals to their country. The country is home to a unique landscape: there are pristine beaches, dense forests, and beautiful mountains. South Africa is one of only seventeen countries in the worldwide to be considered Megadiverse – a group of countries that are home to the majority of the earth’s species, which include lions, leopards, giraffes and elephants. As a result, more and more people want to settle in South Africa.

There are a number of reasons as to why buying property in South Africa as an investment is becoming so popular: South Africa has been a prominent tourist destination for many years. Because South Africa occupies the topmost position as a holiday destination, this has boosted the real estate industry; the next important point that deserves mention as a pivotal factor in buying property in South Africa is the affordability of the real estate options.

The fact that the economy of the country is strong and stable means one can expect good returns on investments made in real estate; there is no VAT to be paid on the property that is purchased in South Africa nor is there any stamp duty; people who own property in South Africa are not liable to pay any inheritance tax either. As a result, buyers reap in many benefits when they own an investment property.

South Africa faces a shortage of housing facilities, and as a result, the government has placed this problem on its high priority list. The growth potential of the real estate market is therefore high and the returns are good. The South African real estate developers are being given tax breaks of up to 20%, and another 20% tax break on rental property is available for renovation projects. As a result the property market in South Africa has outperformed the western world. .

There are a number of steps before a property sale is completed, for example: finding a property in an area you’re happy with and actually looking at the property yourself; negotiating a price; signing a deed of sale – a deed of sale normally takes the form of a document titled ‘Offer to Purchase’; a five-day cooling-off period; paying the deposit; opening a bank account in South Africa. There are several other steps that haven’t been mentioned, and it is a wise investor who seeks professional advice to help them buy property in South Africa.

In conclusion, when buying property, South Africa not only offers a buoyant property investment market, but can offer property investors with year round summer temperatures, exciting wildlife and an affordable lifestyle.