Latest news with #Bendall
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking additional income: how your home can help during tough times
A brand new event hall, nestled within the Phoenix Children's Centre, is now available for public rentals, offering an exceptional venue for a variety of occasions and gatherings. Image: Picture: Supplied Homeowners can unlock additional income through their homes while staying compliant with local zoning and insurance requirements, noted a property expert. Bradd Bendall, national head of sales at BetterBond, said the house one calls a home can be so much more than the place where they live. 'A home can also be a source of additional income, especially during challenging financial times." "It is possible to use your home to bring in some extra money that you can use towards your bond repayments or to contribute towards household expenses,' Bendall stated. He noted that if one has a spare room or space on their property, they can consider getting a tenant. He added that this works well if the room or space has its own entrance so that both parties enjoy some privacy and freedom of movement. Where the property has a small cottage or flatlet, this would be an ideal option. Student accommodation is always in demand, so those who have a room or flat on their property and live close to a tertiary institution could derive reliable income during the academic year. Bendall noted that unused spaces like a garage or driveway on the property can be offered to neighbours who may need additional parking or whose properties may not have space for their cars. "In Clifton, where parking is a luxury, it was not unusual for parking bays of 16 square metres to sell for R2.5 million, he said. "An empty garage can also be rented as a storage space," added Bendall. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A recent study on the economic impact of Airbnb in Cape Town found that 49% of hosts surveyed saw their Airbnb income as an 'economic lifeline' that helped them afford their homes. Half revealed that the additional income helped them keep up with the rising cost of living. With the launch of Airbnb Rooms, it is now possible to offer just one room in the home for short-term rental, if it meets certain criteria. These include a private bedroom with a door, access to a private or shared bathroom, and access to at least one common space such as a garden or kitchen. "Those hosting guests in their home for income must let their insurance company know so that they can be properly covered in case of theft or damage," advised Bendall. This means instituting hospitality risk insurance that will allow for hosting-related claims. He said that a home with distinctive architectural features or is set in a sought-after location, could be rented as a venue for events, weddings or even film shoots. "Historical homes are also sought after for films or magazine shoots. Do your research and register your home with a reputable location agent,' said Bendall. 'Before opening your home to film crews, be clear about which parts of your home will be used and the duration of the shoot so that you can minimise disruption. Having your home as a location can be a lucrative source of additional income.' Bendall said many people have shifted to remote working, and most homes have space for a home office. "You just need good internet connectivity or Wi-Fi, decent lighting, and a dedicated space to create a home office." He said having a solar system is also a good idea because this minimises the risk of disruption from load shedding and also saves on energy costs. Bendall said working from home or running a small business does not require special permission from the municipality. There are also tax benefits associated with using part of that home for business purposes. "So-called 'micro businesses' do not need special permissions to operate in a residential zone, he explained. These include small bed-and-breakfast establishments, hair or beauty salons, crèches or daycares with a limited number of children, and medical practices. Where one would like to open an independent or cottage school accommodating six or more children on their property, they may need to change the zoning to allow the property to be used as a place of instruction. With a few modifications, one's home can be used for a variety of activities or services. Home-based yoga studios or fitness centres are popular with those who prefer smaller group activities. "If a homeowner has a well-sized heated or indoor pool, they could offer swimming lessons. Always be mindful of the applicable zoning and land-use regulations," suggested Bendall. While within general residential zonings there are controlled opportunities for home businesses, larger business operations may require a consent use or temporary departure from the municipality. 'When deciding whether to run a business from home, consult with your local district planning office about the necessary permissions and zoning regulations. You will need to take factors such as parking and possible traffic congestion in a residential area into account,' he said. In June 2023, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) published an article titled 'Small-scale rental housing: an impact story', by then senior research specialist in the HSRC's Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) division, Dr Andreas Scheba, and Professor Ivan Turok, also a distinguished research fellow in the HSRC's EEE division. The research revealed that the growth of small-scale rental housing-especially in South Africa's larger cities-offers enormous opportunities, despite its informal and, in many cases, unauthorised character. 'Small-scale rental housing addresses some of the country's biggest development challenges through delivering affordable rental accommodation, stimulating local economic development and employment, and promoting social transformation," the research revealed. "Homeowners, many of whom once received a government-subsidised house, and entrepreneurial micro-developers are investing millions of rand in constructing higher-quality rental flats in their backyards, or across entire properties." "This is taking place without any direct government support. In fact, until recently, all spheres of government have largely neglected this phenomenon, thus inadvertently contributing to its largely informal, unauthorised nature and associated drawbacks," it revealed. Independent Media Property
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Six ways young professionals can get ahead in the property market
You're never too young to invest in property, says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond's national head of sales. 'For young professionals with a stable income, age really is just a number when it comes to getting ahead in the property game.' Whether the plan is to invest in a rental property that will bring in additional income or to buy a starter home to secure a foothold in the property market, Bendall recommends six ways young buyers can confidently enter the property market. According to BetterBond's data for the 12 months ending January 2025, the average price of homes bought by buyers between the ages of 20 and 30 was R1.2m, up almost 6% on the previous year. This reflects Lightstone's findings that buyers under the age of 35 are paying more for their homes than in 2018. Seven years ago, only 29% of these buyers were spending between R1m and R3m on a property. Now, this has increased to 36% of young buyers. Buy with a friend or family member Even for young buyers with a good income, being able to share a bond with a friend or family member will help lighten the financial load, says Bendall. 'Paying half or a third of a bond can make investing in a property more accessible and appealing for a young professional.' However, he highlights the importance of setting up the appropriate agreements to ensure that everyone understands their financial responsibility. Each party on the bond agreement is responsible for the bond repayments, and if one person defaults, everyone is liable. 'With more than one income, joint buyers also have increased purchasing power,' adds Bendall. Keep below the threshold The transfer duty threshold increased by 10% to R1.21m from 1 April, meaning that buyers who apply for bonds of less than this amount will save on additional transfer duty costs, says Bendall. According to BetterBond's data for the 12 months ending January 2025, the average price of homes bought by buyers between the ages of 20 and 30 was R1.2m, up almost 6% on the previous year. 'With the new threshold, these buyers will save R3 300 in transfer duties if they buy for less than R1.21m.' Buy off-plan Another way for young buyers to secure property without having to factor in transfer duty costs is by buying off-plan in a new development. This means buying a property while it is still being developed. Not only does this save on upfront costs, but the new property will also increase in value when construction is complete, says Bendall. 'Many young professionals buy in new sectional title developments that offer lock-up-and-go convenience and minimal maintenance.' House hacking For those who want to spend a bit more on a larger property, it's possible to rent some rooms or parts of the home to generate a secondary or passive income to help cover the bond. Known as 'house hacking', this is a good way to generate an income from your home while you are living in it, explains Bendall. A property with a garden flat or a section of the home that has its own entrance would be a good option for a house hack. 'The objective is to generate rental income to cover as much of the bond as possible.' Once the bond is paid, you can move out and invest in a second property using the income generated by the first. Fix and flip Start your property mogul journey by buying a fixer-upper and selling it at a higher price to make a profit. Often, properties that need a bit of work sell at below asking price, says Bendall. 'But if you do your research and buy in an area where there is a demand for the type of property you have, once renovated it can be resold at a considerable profit.' This form of investment would most likely appeal to Gen-Z buyers (younger than 28) who want financial flexibility and short-term returns, says Bendall. Identify opportunities in areas sought after by families for schools, or in developments offering appealing lifestyle facilities that attract a particular segment of the market, he advises. 'Urbanisation is a significant factor driving homeownership currently,' says Bendall. 'Mixed-use developments, micro-apartments in city centres and sectional title properties close to transport or economic hubs are therefore evergreen investment options.' Work with the experts It is always advisable to work with a bond originator who will calculate how much you can afford, based on your unique financial circumstances. 'Young professionals can also use BetterBond's online calculators to work out what they can afford, how much they will spend on bond repayments and how much they need to save if they want to pay a deposit,' says Bendall. In some cases, banks may be open to lending above 100% of the property value, depending on the buyer's risk profile. This could help cover additional costs such as transfer duties or legal fees, making homeownership more accessible for young professionals. However, this type of financing is risk-based, so it's important to work with an expert to understand the implications. Bendall recommends applying for a bond pre-approval to get an idea of the recommended price range based on income and financial obligations. 'BetterBond doesn't charge for a pre-approval. In addition, it can be completed online and at any time, which is ideal for those who don't have the time to fill in multiple documents and submit them to various banks.' The pre-approval application will also speed up the bond application and increase the chances of bond approval. Since BetterBond applies to more than one bank, home loan consultants can negotiate a better rate concession based on the buyer's risk profile. 'The current approval rate for clients who pre-approved with BetterBond first is 95% of all applications submitted to the banks on their behalf,' says Bendall. 'This high approval rate motivates young buyers hoping to enter the property market as their professional careers gain momentum.' Issued by: Lia Mundell
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Five charged in Massachusetts during ‘Operation Restore Justice' nationwide child sex abuse crackdown
BOSTON (WWLP) – The United States Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that 205 child sex abuse offenders across the country have been arrested as a result of 'Operation Restore Justice,' including five in Massachusetts. According to the Department of Justice, this operation was conducted across five days from April 28 to May 2 by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department's Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney's Offices throughout the nation. Mugshots released in Massachusetts 'Operation No Love' fentanyl takedown This team was organized to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators across the United States. A total of 205 child sexual abuse offenders within the country were arrested as a result of the operation, including school leaders, members of law enforcement, and registered sex offenders. Those arrested were accused of crimes ranging from possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to child sex trafficking. In the District of Massachusetts, the following individuals were arrested and charged as a result of Operation Restore Justice: Former Assistant Director of Admissions at Emmanuel College Jacob Henriques , 29, of Boston, is charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Henriques is accused of soliciting an underage college applicant to engage in commercial sex with him. Level 1 sex offender Justin Ouimette , 34, of Holyoke, is charged with possessing CSAM. Officers seized over 400 files depicting CSAM from Ouimette's home, including files depicting the abuse of victims as young as three years old. The defendant has a prior 2022 state conviction for possessing CSAM. Warren Messeck , 75, of Agawam, is charged with possessing CSAM. Messeck was allegedly identified as a user of an internet-based peer-to-peer network downloading CSAM. Officers seized over 40 electronic devices from his residence, and over 10,000 CSAM files were found on six of the seized devices. Brandon Bendall , 49, of Wareham, is charged with possessing and receiving CSAM. According to court documents, Bendall was identified as a member of an online chat group in which members viewed and posted CSAM. During a search of Bendall's residence and cell phone, approximately 9,400 images and videos of CSAM, including images of children as young as infants being sexually abused, were allegedly located. Cess Frazier, 32, of Boston, is charged with receiving CSAM. It is alleged that approximately 100 media files depicting CSAM were saved on the defendant's phone. 'Protecting children from exploitation is among the most sacred responsibilities we have in law enforcement,' said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. 'Each case serves as a difficult reminder that child predators are embedded in our communities. Some take on roles that increase their direct contact with children, while others prey on children from behind a keyboard. But make no mistake, we will identify, arrest, and hold every one of them accountable, no matter how long it takes or how far we have to go. As Child Abuse Prevention Month came to a close, Operation Restore Justice delivered a powerful and urgent message: protecting children is not just a worthy cause we recognize, it is a mission we carry out every day. We will not relent in our pursuit of those who exploit children, and we are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their tireless work to bring these predators to justice. This work will not stop.' Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mass. man accused of possessing thousands of child sex abuse files, DOJ says
A 49-year-old man from Wareham was charged on Friday for possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley's office. Brandon Bendall, 49, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornograph, the release reads. Bendall made his initial appearance in federal court on Friday and is being held in custody pending a detention hearing to be held at a later date. Bendall is accused of being a member of an online chat group where members viewed and posted child sexual abuse material. During a search of his home and phone, officials found nearly 9,400 images and videos of child sexual abuse material, including images of children as young as infants being sexual assaulted, Foley's office wrote. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to 'combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.' Mass. lawmakers eye lesser charge to deter animal cruelty 'Summer-like' warmth Saturday in Mass., storms likely, National Weather Service reports One dead after four-car crash on Route 28 in Reading 49-year-old Lawrence woman accused of ID theft for passport, license, DOJ says Trump gets put on blast for historic gaffe that disrespects 'greatest generation'
