GLM TEAM 
Good news, future homeowners – things are finally looking up. With a dip in interest rates, rising salaries, and a boosted transfer duty exemption (hello, R3,300 savings!), first-time buyers are snapping up homes and styling them their way. In fact, nearly half of all home loan applications (46% to be exact) are now coming from first-timers who are prioritising smart spaces over sprawling square meterage.
Forget the mansion dreams for now – today’s savvy buyers are embracing starter homes: think one or two bedrooms, a single bathroom, and enough room to live well without the stress of major upkeep. According to Jonathan Spencer from OneDayOnly.co.za, these homes typically range from 70m² to 116m², offering the perfect blend of comfort, affordability and personal style potential.
“Starter homes are the ideal launchpad for new homeowners,” he explains. “They tick all the essential boxes without overwhelming you financially. Plus, there’s more room in your budget to create a space that really feels like you.”
Spencer adds that less space means lower utility bills, insurance and property rates and taxes, so you can channel your inner interior designer and splurge on a few luxe touches that transform a basic home into a beautiful haven.
Whether you’re planning to stay put or rent it out in future, he shares his top tips for making your first home feel effortlessly stylish and perfectly functional:
· Start with the Must-Haves: Before shopping for that Insta-famous rug, invest in your essentials: a comfy couch for weekend Netflix binges and a quality mattress – because beauty sleep is non-negotiable.
· Multi-Task Your Furniture: In a smaller space, everything needs to earn its keep. Opt for ottomans with hidden storage, dining tables that double as workspaces, and sleek bookshelves that work as room dividers.
· Fake It Bigger: Brighten things up with white walls, shiny surfaces, and statement mirrors. Keeping the floor clutter-free adds to the illusion of openness, and a few houseplants breathe fresh life into any corner.
· Make Every Room Multifunctional: A bedroom that doubles as a home office? Yes, please. A dining nook that triples as a workspace and weekend brunch zone? Absolutely. Smart furniture and clever layouts make it happen.
· Get a Little Quirky: Who says a chair can’t moonlight as a bedside table? Or that wall sconces can’t be both pretty and practical? Embrace small-space hacks that show off your personality.
· Light Like a Pro: Good lighting is like a great selfie filter; it makes everything better. Layer overhead lighting with lamps for a warm, inviting vibe – and don’t be afraid to swap out outdated fixtures for modern statement pieces.
· Slow and Stylish Wins the Race: Rome wasn’t decorated in a day! Take your time curating your space, because good style and great homes are worth the wait. Enjoy the process, collect meaningful pieces, and let your space evolve with you.
“With the right touches, even a compact home can feel luxurious and uniquely yours,” Spencer concludes. “Starter homes prove you don’t need a mansion to live beautifully – just a little creativity and your personal touch.”
About OneDayOnly.co.za
OneDayOnly.co.za is South Africa’s original daily deals website. Every 24 hours, the site is updated with discounts and limited supplies of items that are on sale at the lowest price in South Africa for one day only. From gadgets to groceries, the e-commerce merchant partners with top brands and key suppliers to offer products to over 2.2 million potential customers. Established in 2010, OneDayOnly.co.za today employs more than 350 people directly and thousands more indirectly, while also contributing to the development of several small -and -medium-sized enterprises. The company is a Proudly South African member and as such has made a commitment to make a meaningful contribution to building the country’s economy, alleviating unemployment and retaining existing employment opportunities. For more information, go to https://www.onedayonly.co.za or download the app.
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