Nicola Mawson

Freelance Journalist

SA homes surge again, but rising costs leave many locked out

Nicola Mawson|Published

A mix of interest rate stability, improving affordability and changing buyer priorities is driving the recovery that started in mid-2025.

South Africans snap up green homes as energy, water bills soar

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how community housing schemes are leading the charge in sustainable living.

Poverty’s hidden price tag starts in the nursery

Nicola Mawson|Published

Find out how poverty has dire economic effects on children.

Strong rand and cheap oil give inflation a breather

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how recent fuel price drops could provide much-needed relief for South African households grappling with rising costs.

South Africans brace for budget that could change the cost of living

Nicola Mawson|Published

With South Africans grappling with soaring food and fuel prices, all eyes are on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as he prepares to unveil the Medium-Term Budget ...

Every single mother in SA needs a financial safety net

Nicola Mawson|Published

With 42.3% of South African households headed by women and child-raising costs reaching R1.6 million, financial planning has become essential for single mothers. ...

How to avoid the Black Friday shopping hangover

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how to navigate Black Friday without falling into debt.

Unconventional ways to repair your finances

Nicola Mawson|Published

With 10 million South Africans drowning in debt, our financial experts share truly unconventional strategies, from reassessing medical aid to leveraging loyalty ...

Salaries are up again – but here’s why it doesn’t feel like it

Nicola Mawson|Published

Here' s what' s happening with salaries.

Pain for people on medical aid: Private healthcare faces shake-up as NHI showdown looms

Nicola Mawson|Published

As legal challenges to the NHI Act unfold, South African medical schemes face uncertainty, potentially leading to increased costs for private medical cover and impacting ...

Discovery, Bonitas, Momentum: How your 2026 medical aid increase compares

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how medical aid schemes are adapting to ensure affordability amidst rising healthcare costs.

Post-greylist: A surge in foreign investment in South African real estate?

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa' s exit from the FATF greylist is poised to reignite foreign interest in local property, providing a much-needed boost to the economy and creating new ...

Pension fund penalised for violating member consent

Nicola Mawson|Published

A provident fund has been hauled over the coals by the Pension Funds Adjudicator for making payment of a member’s withdrawal benefit without consent and for acting ...

South Africa delisted from FATF greylist: What it means for your bank transactions

Nicola Mawson|Published

South Africa' s recent removal from the greylist promises to lower banking costs for citizens, signalling a commitment to improved financial practices and attracting ...

How South Africans are maximising rewards while cutting back on spending

Nicola Mawson|Published

About two-fifths say their household is worse off than a year ago, up slightly from the previous survey, while a similar share feel better off.

South Africa's inflation rises slightly, but food prices ease

Nicola Mawson|Published

Food prices, which have been a key driver of inflation in recent months, showed signs of easing, helping to temper overall price growth.

Fewer debt summonses for South Africans, but total debt continues to rise

Nicola Mawson|Published

Stats SA reports a significant drop in civil summonses for unpaid debts among South Africans, yet the total amount owed is on the rise, raising concerns about financial ...

Consider future needs before buying a home in Cape Town

Nicola Mawson|Published

With Cape Town's property prices on the rise, homebuyers are urged to look beyond immediate needs and consider how their new home can adapt to future life changes, ...

What every first-time homebuyer should check before signing

Nicola Mawson|Published

Buying your first home? Property experts reveal the critical checks that could save you thousands - from pricing trends and neighbourhood research to hidden costs ...

Limpopo emerges as South Africa's leading property hotspot with soaring house prices

Nicola Mawson|Published

Limpopo has emerged as South Africa's unexpected property hotspot, with a remarkable 12. 3% increase in house prices in May 2025.

Gold rush rewards: Krugerrand investors strike it rich after 30 years

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how Krugerrands have transformed into a remarkable investment over the past 30 years.

Are European holidays still a dream for South Africans despite a stronger rand?

Nicola Mawson|Published

Despite a stronger rand, the dream of a European holiday remains elusive for many South Africans, with daily costs in Spain and the UK far exceeding local earnings. ...

Watch VideoLOOK | Stillness Manor sets a new benchmark with R59.8 million sale in Zwaanswyk

Nicola Mawson|Published

Zwaanswyk's historic Stillness Manor has set a new benchmark with a staggering R59. 8 million sale, showcasing the area's luxury property appeal and the unmatched ...

Understanding the impact of overpricing on South Africa's luxury property market

Nicola Mawson|Published

Discover how a record-breaking R157 million sale on Nettleton Road exemplifies the explosive growth of South Africa's luxury property market, with over 120 properties ...

What bumper harvests mean for your budget

Nicola Mawson|Published

While food inflation may be slowing, prices are still rising. Discover how this affects your purchasing power and what recent agricultural trends mean for your budget. ...