Thandiwe Mafongosi

Homeownership for me has meant freedom and peace of mind. Having had to move around, renting, for almost 12 years in Gauteng and Eastern Cape. The relief of not having to deal with rental agencies and landlords who make sure you are left with almost nothing when you move out of the property even though you have been a loyal and reliable tenant, is a load off my shoulders. My hard-earned money can now go to an investment that will allow me to have space and comfort with my family without the worry of that dreaded "Your lease is about to expire, are you staying or vacating?" or the"Your rental for November is increasing and top-up to deposit is required." Every cent is now directed to a property I can call my own (actually have my own address for proof of residence), have my family and friends visit and in future, have my kids take it over someday. It has also helped me think bought budgeting and balancing expenses and income in order to be able to service my loan to term.