Outlying towns in the Eastern Cape such as Sterkspruit – situated just before the Lesotho border, and Mthatha and Tsolo in what was formerly known as the Transkei, are experiencing an increased demand for retail space

The uptake of space at the new ‘Crystal Clear’ drive-thru in Roodepoort in the north-west of Johannesburg has been extremely positive, with the novel concept well received by the marketplace

While accessible location is key, large industrial users seeking to relocate to more spacious premises in order to accommodate growth in warehousing

JHI Properties was recently awarded the management contract for additional properties recently acquired by the Arrowhead Property Fund. 

Interest and activity in prime located commercial property in Cape Town’s vibrant Green Point and De Waterkant areas continues to gather momentum, says Selwyn Sharon, leasing, sales and investment broker for JHI Properties.

Having earlier this year (June 2012) acquired the management contract for Cape Joint Pension Fund’s portfolio of properties - which are predominantly located throughout the Western Cape – JHI Properties Western Cape region has been awarded further notable property management contracts.

Underscoring the importance of accessibility of location, a fully tenanted, light industrial property in prime position in Airport Industria, close to Cape Town International Airport, has been sold for R6.25 million by Seamus Daly, JHI Properties’ leasing and sales broker in the Western Cape. 

Rising transportation costs, including fuel and the proposed e-tolling, traffic congestion and the need for ease of access are just some of the relevant factors which impact on selecting a suitable location for a business, says David Reid, investment sales broker for JHI Properties.

Despite the prevailing economic challenges, an encouraging trend evident in the commercial property market is an increasing number of enquiries for distribution and warehousing space, reports Jonathan Klimek, leasing consultant for JHI Properties in the Johannesburg area.

As the year (2012) draws to a close, while the commercial property market in South Africa remains resilient despite being under constant pressure, it is apparent that the containment of operating costs is an increasingly key priority.