During what may be described as a tumultuous 2016 to date, while trading conditions in the property auction arena have proven challenging, retail shopping centres, service stations, hotels and residential blocks have shown resilience throughout this period and are still in strong demand.

Two high-profile industry achievement awards were announced recently at the 20th Annual SA Council of Shopping Centres’ (SACSC) Congress, acknowledging the exceptional contributions of the retail industry’s top talent.

Following the uncertainty prior to the elections, the second half of the year should be much more positive for the property sector, according to Norman Raad, CEO of Broll Auctions and Sales.

The Pretoria decentralized office market continues to suffer from the aftermath of overzealous development coupled with weak demand for space to rent.

Ideally located close to the N1 highway, Midrand is fast establishing itself as the new Northern suburbs of Johannesburg.

Growthpoint Properties today introduced the first electronic bike hubs to Sandton Central in a pilot project that pioneers a new, convenient and environmentally innovative alternative mode of transport for South Africa’s financial hub.

Retail cannibalisation is becoming a growing reality in South Africa and, until now, it has been all too easy to place the blame for this squarely at the feet of shopping centre developers.

“While many South African consumers have started to feel the economic pinch in recent months, the demand for accommodation in the greater Johannesburg area has continued unabated, and this has ensured that the residential rental property market in much of the region has remained robust.

The property and broader built environment sector has an important role to play in Africa’s growth, but it needs to be taken more seriously and prioritised.

The SA REIT Conference is again proving to be the gathering place for the sharpest minds in property, finance and investment, and an exciting platform for debate and interaction.