South Africa's listed property sector is set to undergo consolidation in 2014.

Listed property sector should be able to perform better next year than it did this year, even with the threat of interest rates rising.

Concerns surrounding the communication and relationship between the public and private sector are diminishing as both parties are becoming more actively involved with one another, engaging in meaningful dialogue and working together on improving business and infrastructure in South Africa.

Simultaneous increases in the Rates Factor and property valuations resulted in municipal rates levied on commercial property owner’s rocket in July this year. 

The South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and the City of Cape Town will work to unlock opportunities by facilitating collaboration between the public and private sector.

The R223 billion South African listed property sector’s underlying property and fund fundamentals are showing improvement, despite the recent bond-driven share price volatility on the JSE Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) board.

Growthpoint Properties, the largest listed South African property company on the JSE and the largest REIT in emerging markets, has launched a DR programme.

Other listed property companies are expected to follow sector heavyweight Growthpoint Properties’ lead in converting its historically complicated capital structure to one of ordinary shares.

Growthpoint Properties Australia (ASX:GOZ) announced that it has agreed to acquire a portfolio of three prime industrial property developments in Melbourne, Victoria, for a total consideration of AU$60.2 million (approximately ZAR542 million). 

Volatile bond markets may have caused some suffering for SA’s listed property sector in recent weeks, but the opportunities for investors are still there, thanks to higher yields and sound market fundamentals.