Data released by Statistics SA indicates that 363 000 black South Africans had mortgages in 2011

The residential property market survived 2012 with a few nicks and bruises but, generally it remained stable with positive signs; like the banks relaxing their loan requirements and the historically low repo rate to help matters along. 

Due to the current economic conditions fewer people are able to purchase a home – albeit it to live in or to buy-to-let. 

SA’s prolonged housing slump has already prompted 50000 estate agents to leave the industry since 2007, when close to 80 000 were registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board.

Forensic report on estate agency board is being kept under wraps