“We expect the property market to pick up again after elections, but for the next six months the market is likely to be quiet,” says Stevens. “With a nominal-growth outlook, our advice to home-owners is to use this time to shore up equity in their properties.” “Equity is what your property is worth to you – in other words, its market value less your bond or mortgage,” Stevens explains. “In a normal market, the value of your property to you will increase as you pay off your bond. So that’s one of the things you should focus on now while the market is not encouraging for sellers.”

In a rapidly changing real estate environment, it’s beneficial for property sellers to take note of the new products, styles and habits that are likely to catch on and cause a long-term shift in lifestyles – and the home design preferences of prospective buyers. Decluttering and choosing to accumulate memorable experiences rather than objects. “Minimalist decorating is increasingly popular, especially among millennials, so we expect to see a growing preference for homes with elegant and unobtrusive built-in storage units, cupboards and dressing rooms.” Growing your own food. “Plant-based diets, greater self-care and a concern for the environment are all trends that are encouraging home owners to improve their properties not by making alternations or additions but by turning their gardens into food-producing urban ‘farms’, complete with raised beds, tunnels, rain tanks and irrigation systems. Among those who don’t have access to a garden or balcony, there is also greater demand for interior ‘living walls’ and vertical gardens that ensure access to healthy produce with a low carbon footprint,” he says.

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