Purchasing a property is an exciting milestone, but it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re investing in a luxury home or a chic apartment, making informed decisions is key. Our team at RE/MAX Living is ready to walk you through essential tips to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.


1. Make a list of what you want 

Before you start viewing properties, make a list of things you want in your next home. This could include having a certain amount of bedrooms, natural light, or an outdoor area for entertaining.

It can be tricky to think about these things but a good way to get started is to think about where you’re currently staying. Ask yourself what you would change or what you would need to turn it into your dream home.

Add whatever you can think of to your list—these are the things that are important to you! 

2. Consider the area

We all know that choosing a good area to live in is important, but do you know which factors to consider? Here are some things you can do when deciding where you want to purchase property:

  • Drive through the area at different times of the day, such as in the morning, afternoon and late at night. This can help you get a sense of noise, traffic, safety, and how comfortable you are in the area.

  • Consider the property’s proximity to important locations, such as your place of work, schools, hospitals, and shops. Depending on your needs, you might want to be closer to these places.

  • Check the local community pages on Facebook for the area where you want to live. This can give you a good idea of day-to-day challenges and concerns residents may face and how these are resolved.  

3. Think about the climate and weather 

In Cape Town, you’ll find a unique and diverse microclimate—a crucial factor to consider when buying property. For example, Cape Town is famous for its south-easterly wind and it would be difficult to spend time in an outdoor area if the space isn’t sheltered. 

Another factor to consider is the orientation of the property. Since Cape Town’s sunrise and sunset times change significantly from winter to summer, it’s important to consider an orientation that allows you to get as much sunlight as possible year-round. A North-facing property is usually a good choice. 

4. Consider noise factors 

Most people want to live in a peaceful, noise-free environment, making this an important factor to consider before purchasing a property. A noisy home can have a significant impact on your quality of life, so it’s important to consider the following:

  • Proximity to busy areas: Properties near schools, sports fields, or major roads might experience higher levels of noise during peak hours. 

  • Traffic and generators: If your property is located near shops or a busy road, traffic noise might be an issue. Similarly, living close to places where generators run when there’s no electricity can also contribute to noisy space. 

To determine noise levels throughout the day, it’s recommended to visit the property at different times to see what the typical sound level would be.

5. Keep your future property plans in mind 

When you purchase a property, you should always do it with your future plans in mind. For example, do you have plans to expand in the near future? 

If yes, it’s important to consider any zoning laws or heritage overlays your property may be subject to. In some cases, these regulations may prohibit you from building or renovating. 

Another factor to consider is current or future developments in the area. Not only do these contribute to noise levels, but they could also impact things like your view, privacy, and overall safety.

6. Starting to view properties 

Once you’ve made your lists, the exciting part can start—viewing properties! Choose a few properties in your area that you might be interested in and keep the following in mind during your viewing:

  • Inspect the property thoroughly: Look beyond the aesthetics or your imagination. Check behind furniture, inspect the ceiling and flooring, and examine plumbing and electrical systems.

  • Consider the building materials: Ask about materials like drywall and asbestos in the property. These could affect your quality of life and may even pose long-term health risks. 

To ensure you’re making the right choice, we also recommend viewing the property twice. 

During your first viewing, you might be the eternal optimist, but during the second, you tend to look with a more practical and critical eye.

7. Look at the paperwork 

Before making a final decision, it’s important to take a look at the relevant paperwork. This includes:

  • Title deed: Make sure the title deed aligns with the property description and ownership history.

  • Approved building plans: Verify that all structures comply with local regulations.

  • Property condition report: This details any existing defects, helping you to factor in any repair costs. 

Make Your Next Property Move with Confidence 

While purchasing property can be overwhelming, it’s also an exciting journey—and having a knowledgeable real estate agent can make all the difference! Choose RE/MAX Living for your next property venture and make this move with confidence.