Erika Stols, Property Professional

22/09/2026

For many homeowners, the appeal of going partially or fully off-grid is about more than property value. It is about having greater control over essential services and creating a home better equipped to handle interruptions.

But going off-grid is a significant investment, and it isn't necessarily the right solution for every property.

Start With Your Energy Needs
Solar panels, an inverter and battery storage can reduce reliance on the electricity grid and provide backup power when needed. The right system depends on your household's actual electricity consumption, which appliances you want to run and how much backup capacity you require.

Consider Your Water Supply
Water resilience can also be part of a more self-sufficient home. Depending on the property and local regulations, options may include rainwater harvesting, storage tanks or a borehole. Each solution has different installation and operating considerations.

Think About the Long Term
Going off-grid isn't simply about installing equipment. Quality, professional installation, maintenance and appropriate system sizing all matter. Before making a substantial investment, consider the costs involved, the expected lifespan of the equipment and whether the solution genuinely suits your property's location and your household's needs.

What About Resale Value?
Energy and water resilience can be attractive features to prospective buyers, but there is no guarantee that an off-grid investment will be recovered in the eventual selling price. The value will depend on the property, location, quality of the installation and what buyers in that particular market are looking for.

Expert Advice: If you're considering an off-grid solution, look at it as an investment in how you want to live. Any potential benefit to resale value should be considered an added advantage rather than the sole reason for making the investment.

E & OE

22/09/2026

If you've been wondering what your property could sell for, an online estimate or a neighbour's recent sale price can give you a rough idea — but it doesn't tell the whole story.

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) compares your property with similar homes in the area to provide a realistic indication of its current market value.

Recent sales are particularly important.
They show what buyers have actually paid for comparable homes, rather than what sellers are hoping to achieve.

Current listings provide another useful reference.
Pricing, condition and presentation all influence how a property compares with the competition.

Location and individual features also matter.
Renovations, stand size, parking, views and the overall condition of a home can all affect its market position.

A CMA can also highlight broader trends, including buyer demand, available stock and how quickly similar properties are selling.

The result is a more realistic indication of where a property sits in the market — useful whether you're considering selling now or simply planning. If you are thinking about your property's value, a professional CMA can provide a useful starting point.

21/09/2026

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln

18/09/2026

If you have pets, it is worth knowing which common garden plants can be harmful if eaten. Here are five plants found in many South African gardens that pet owners should be aware of.

𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗮𝗱𝘀
Cycads can be highly toxic to pets if eaten, particularly the seeds. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and potentially serious liver damage. Keep fallen seeds away from pets and avoid planting cycads where animals can easily access them.

𝗢𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿
Oleander is often used as a flowering shrub or hedge because it is hardy and requires relatively little maintenance. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. It can affect the digestive system and heart.

𝗟𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮 (𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆)
While it attracts butterflies and adds plenty of colour, eating the plant can cause problems for pets, including vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and, in more serious cases, liver problems. Regularly remove fallen leaves and berries if your pets have access to the garden.

𝗔𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀
Particularly recognisable for their white, funnel-shaped flowers, arum lilies contain compounds that can cause intense irritation of the mouth and throat when chewed, potentially resulting in drooling, swelling and difficulty swallowing.

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮
Clivia is indigenous to southern Africa and is commonly grown in shady areas. Its leaves and roots can be harmful if eaten and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea and other digestive problems.

If you suspect your pet has eaten a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly and, where possible, identify the plant involved.

A pet-friendly garden starts with knowing what is growing in it

18/09/2026

17/09/2026

Know Someone Looking to Move?

If you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling, I'd be happy to help them navigate the process.

They may be just starting to explore their options, looking for a new home, considering selling or unsure where to begin. A personal introduction can make it easier to start that conversation.

Send me their details and I'll get in touch. I’ll take the time to understand what they’re looking for and offer straightforward guidance.

16/09/2026

When you sell a property for more than you paid for it, you may make a capital gain. Capital Gains Tax is calculated on the gain, not on the full selling price, and is administered by SARS.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
For the 2027 tax year (1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027), the primary residence exclusion increased to R3 million, up from R2 million in the previous tax year. For individuals, 40% of the taxable capital gain is included in taxable income. The annual CGT exclusion for individuals has increased from R40,000 to R50,000 for the 2027 tax year.

Importantly, the applicable tax year is generally determined by when the property sale agreement is concluded, rather than when the property is registered. Therefore, a sale agreement signed before 1 March 2026 would generally fall under the previous R2 million primary residence exclusion and R40,000 annual exclusion.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱?
Your capital gain is broadly calculated by deducting the property's qualifying base cost from the sale proceeds. Base cost can include the original purchase price and certain qualifying expenses, such as transfer costs and capital improvements.

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀
Keep your original purchase documents, transfer costs, invoices for qualifying improvements and other relevant records. Good documentation can help ensure that legitimate costs are taken into account when calculating your gain.

𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹
CGT can be affected by how the property was used, the ownership structure and other circumstances. Your accountant or tax practitioner can calculate your potential liability and advise you on your specific situation.

Thinking of selling your home? I can help you plan the sale and connect you with the right professionals to understand the financial and tax implications of your transaction.

E & OE

15/09/2026

Your roof is your home's first line of defence against the elements, yet it is often out of sight and out of mind. Winter weather, strong winds and changing temperatures can expose minor problems that may become more serious if left unattended. A quick inspection now can help you spot potential issues and deal with them before they turn into bigger repairs.

Here are five practical steps for a spring roof check-up:

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹
Use binoculars to look for missing, cracked or misaligned roof tiles or slates. Pay particular attention to valleys and ridge lines.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴
Look at the flashing around chimneys and skylights. Check for gaps, lifting, or damaged seals that could allow water to enter the roof space.

𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Remove leaves and other debris from gutters and make sure downpipes are clear. Check for sagging sections or signs of water overflow.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗳𝘁
On a bright day, check for water stains, damp patches or daylight coming through the roof. These can be signs of damaged roofing materials or gaps that need attention.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀:
Look along the roof edges for peeling paint, staining, cracks or other signs of deterioration. These can indicate that moisture is getting where it shouldn't.

If you spot anything that concerns you, it is worth having the roof assessed by a qualified professional. Dealing with a small problem early can help prevent a much more expensive repair later.

14/09/2026

The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. - Eden Phillpotts

11/09/2026

The kitchen is often one of the busiest rooms in the home, so a little organisation can make everyday cooking and cleaning feel much easier.

You don't need a complete kitchen makeover. A few thoughtful changes to how you use your space can make a surprising difference.

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀
Think about how you move through your kitchen and group items according to how you use them. Keep knives and chopping boards close to your main preparation area. Store spices, oils and cooking utensils within easy reach of the stove, and keep everyday dishes and glasses somewhere convenient for serving and unloading the dishwasher. The goal is simple: keep the things you use together, where you naturally need them.

𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘀
A clear work surface makes preparing meals much easier. Keep frequently used appliances such as your kettle or toaster accessible, but consider storing seldom-used appliances in a cupboard. You'll gain valuable preparation space while giving the kitchen a cleaner, calmer appearance.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲
Don't overlook the backs of cupboard doors, walls and the space inside tall cupboards. Simple racks, hooks and organisers can provide useful storage for spices, chopping boards, foil and other smaller items without taking up valuable countertop space.

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Keep your most frequently used cooking utensils close to where you prepare or cook food. A simple container for spatulas, wooden spoons and whisks can be both practical and attractive, saving you from constantly opening drawers while you're cooking.

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺
The most efficient kitchen is one that follows your routine. Keep pots and pans near the stove, everyday crockery somewhere convenient for serving, and cleaning supplies close to the sink or dishwasher. Take a few minutes to observe how you actually use your kitchen — then organise it around that.

A well-organised kitchen doesn't just look better. It makes everyday life a little easier, one meal at a time.