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Consolidation in the listed property sector is being stalled by volatile markets, with investors reluctant to sell their stock at existing prices.

While most of last year was a pleasing one for Hyprop shareholders, 2016 has begun on a poor note. In fact, 2015 ended with little good news from the marketplace, as the stock plunged after a months-long rally.

SA investors may get their fingers burnt as they shift their money to offshore property stocks in a bid to counter the effects of a depreciating the rand.

The New Year will see the trend towards passive and real asset investing continue, with ongoing volatility in a positively trending global market, a potential recovery in Emerging Markets and the rise of robo-advice in South Africa.

There are signs that the South African listed property sector's strong run is ending.

The China slowdown and current uncertainty surrounding US interest rate expectations has hit emerging markets hard.

The biggest merger in the history of the South African listed property sector is going ahead, with Fortress Income Fund finalising the acquisition of Capital Property Fund.

High state spending, slowing economy, and a marked increase in longer term deficit targets.

While SA's listed property index is set to come under pressure during the rest of the year‚ certain companies are standing out as top performers.

Investors must be circumspect when it comes to investing in new off shore property companies that are listing on the JSE.