Though industry insiders had a cautiously optimistic outlook for the property sector at the start of 2025, a tightening economic climate means it’s still far from plain sailing for sellers, realtors, and attorneys in the industry.
The market may have showed signs of improvement late in 2024 after the South African Reserve Bank cut interest rates, but the rising cost of living coupled with the looming threat of loadshedding and fuel and energy price hikes means buyers have remained guarded – creating a lag in the relief the industry is expecting.
And even then, while rate cuts may entice buyers, it will have no bearing on sale-related costs such as clearance certificates, levies, and compliance certificates that sellers and realtors still have to take into consideration, warns Michael Lenz, TransBridj CEO. “The interest rate cuts, the scrapping of the proposed VAT hike, and the increase in the transfer duty threshold (up to R1.21 million) create a positive sales outlook for the property market. But, for sellers and industry insiders, the same liquidity pressures remain.”
That’s where bridging funding plays a crucial role – and will continue to do so no matter how the market behaves. TransBridj’s platform is redefining property transaction funding by leveraging smart technology to accelerate deal closures, ensure instant fee settlements, unlock liquidity and eliminate manual processes for attorneys, realtors and property sellers.
Says Lenz: “We’ve seen our bridging funding play an essential role in ensuring deals stay on track in this uncertain market. Our digital platform means approvals and disbursements can be delivered within 24 hours of the transaction being accepted. Having that liquidity means players can make timely decisions to ensure deals won’t fall through due to funding delays.”
While the market remains cautious, funding support creates confidence and ensures agility – and that’s exactly what TransBridj delivers.