The September release of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB)’s quarterly bulletin provided some key national accounts and balance of payments data for the second quarter (Q2) of 2012. Of particular significance for the commercial property sector will be the deficit on the current trade account which recorded its largest deficit in nearly four years during Q2 as exports declined, mainly as a result of muted global demand.

As the global economic outlook remains uncertain, property investors should brace themselves for a slowdown in the capital appreciation of their existing assets.

Redefine International has successfully placed 168,069,337 of its linked units with qualifying investors for an aggregate amount of R955.6m.

The South African Reserve Bank Governor’s recent 0.5% hike in the repo rate has put a dampener on the local equities market, with listed property shares, and Property Unit Trusts (PUTs) in particular, among the victims.