Should you buy a house or reap the benefits of being a tenant at JHC?

Should you buy a house or reap the benefits of being a tenant at JHC?

Becoming a homeowner is a dream for many, and it’s one of the biggest decisions you can make in your life. But it’s also one of the most expensive endeavours to take on. With the national economy looking as grim as ever, and the increasing gap of inequalities, it seems impossible for mid to low-income earners to afford housing in South Africa. So, when the time comes for you to decide between buying a house or renting a flat, you have to consider several factors. This will ensure that the process does not become an unexpected financially, mentally and emotionally taxing experience.

How to decide between buying a house or renting a flat?

If you’re in this earning segment and wondering which option is better between renting vs buying property, you have to look into all factors involved on both sides. For example, when you do some research, you may find some disadvantages of buying a house in South Africa, with the costs being at the top of the list. You may also learn that there are hidden costs when buying a house in South Africa, and these include transfer duty tax, administration fees, rates and taxes, among others. This means that you might end up paying more than you’re willing or able to pay. On the other hand, when it comes to renting, the costs you’ll have to incur as a tenant include a deposit of two to three month’s worth of rent, administration fees, moving costs, and maintenance fees.

So, while there are also pros and cons of renting an apartment, you have to weigh the costs of renting vs buying a flat against each other to decide which is more affordable for you. You’ll have to consider standard and hidden costs of both options. But if your finances are a bit tight for buying a house and you’re looking for a spacious, safe, secure and comfortable home, you may want to look more into being a tenant at the Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC). And, below, we’ll explain more about the benefits of renting an apartment at our properties.

What are the benefits of being a tenant at JHC?

JHC is a social housing solution specifically designed for mid-to-low income families looking for affordable housing in Johannesburg on a budget of between R1 500 and R15 000. Our properties are available in and around Johannesburg’s inner city. We have more than 4,513 rental housing units, which range from bachelor apartments to single room and double-room flats, as well as communal facilities.

Our tenants include seniors, families, young couples and young professionals who enjoy a safe and clean environment close to basic amenities such as public transport, schools, work offices, shopping centres, police stations, libraries and recreational facilities.

We are also more than a social housing company that offers affordable housing; we care and go above and beyond for our tenants to ensure that they live happily, healthily and harmoniously. This is a culture nurtured by the team at Makhulong A Matala (a seSotho term for greener pastures). They are passionate about turning houses into homes, buildings into communities and areas into neighbourhoods. They are also in charge of several activities that add value to all of our tenants’ lives, including the children of our tenants.

The activities include the tenant induction, which gives new tenants a full understanding of their roles and responsibilities at the JHC property. The activities also include anti-litter and recycling campaigns, where you’ll be taught how to maintain a clean living environment. Additionally, our wellness programmes aim to encourage tenants to learn about the status of their health and learn of ways to take control of their health, such as screening tests and fitness pop-ups to get them moving around. There are also safe and fun activities for children such as sports activities and playroom facilities, where they can play safely. Makhulong A Matala also encourages adult vitality and food garden programmes – a voluntary opportunity for tenants to grow their own produce and share it with each other.

Final thoughts

To know whether you’re taking a step in the right direction, you have to consider all of the factors involved in the processes of buying a house and renting a flat. In the end, you want to end up with a decision that won’t drain you financially. When you decide to search for an affordable apartment to rent in Johannesburg, connect with us and we’ll help set you up a home that you’ll be happy to live in.