Property lessons from readers

Their insights highlight the emotional and financial realities of buying one's first home. By Neesa Moodley

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A few weeks ago, I wrote about property in the Money Cents newsletter, and the emotional and financial reality of trying to get on — or move up — the property ladder. Then I asked you, dear readers, to send me your own stories and lessons from the trenches.

My inbox turned into a mini deeds office of lived experience. No spreadsheets. No glossy brochures. Just grit, sacrifice, timing and stubborn optimism.

Here are three stories that stayed with me - and the money lessons hiding in them.

The 'koophuis' dream that took sacrifice

Lorraine grew up in a township in the Western Cape and says owning a house - having a koophuis - felt completely out of reach.

She married at 20 and had three children in quick succession, including twins. Property ownership simply wasn't part of the early plan. Then she and her husband heard about Garden Cities and government support for first-time buyers, including a five-year 33% subsidy at the time.

They bought their home in 1985 for R39,000. Lorraine describes it as a “truckload of money” - especially since they didn't even have enough for a deposit.