Most analysts say SA funds will stay firm in 2008, but some aren't so sure

Despite the nine interest rate increases since mid-2006, South African property investors are sitting rather pretty compared to their American, British and European counterparts.

Merger and takeover activity in South Africa's listed property market is expected to hot up considerably over the next few months as dominant players vie more aggressively than ever for a slice of the JSE's R105bn real estate sector

The listed property sector’s underlying fundamentals still point to listed property as a solid investment, despite uncertainty on inflation and interest rates. Analysts expect at least double-digit growth for next year.

Despite higher interest rates and global credit fears, 2007 is turning out to be yet another bumper year for listed property investors - both in terms of income and capital growth

The listed property sector has bounced back from its low in the middle of last month, rising 7,5% in value

Resilient Property Income Fund and its sister company have acquired an effective 10% interest in JSE-listed Pangbourne Properties in a move described by Pangbourne CEO Craig Hutchison as a 'hostile attempt to take over the company by stealth'

There are opportunities for new property listings on the JSE despite an “incredibly competitive market” and low capitalisation rates, says Paul Duncan, investment analyst at Catalyst Fund Managers

The South African listed property sector has been experiencing some price volatility because of uncertainty about interest rate movements

SA's listed property funds are in a race for size that could leave the 26-fund, R94bn market cap sector with five or six giants and a few dwarves