Commercial property still offers the best returns

"There is always a particular fascination with sandy coastlines and tranquil mountains" commented Carl Kleinhans in reference to a grandiose home being marketed by In2assets.

Luxury homes in the R10 million and more category have led the way out of the residential property lean years, according to statistics collated by Pam Golding Properties (PGP) Western Cape.

The residential property market in key areas of the Western Cape is again approaching the levels last seen before the spectacular downturn in 2007/ 2008.

Planning phase of residential building activity showed double-digit growth in the first half of 2014, while construction contracted.

Foreign investment into International Housing Solutions' second private equity fund which will create over 20 000 new homes in a major boost to affordable housing in SA .

Freedom kicks off new residential developments to meet SA's demand for quality housing

Knight Frank's Prime Global Cities Index shows luxury residential prices across the index's 32 cities rose by 6.2% on average in the year to June 2014.

The planning phase of residential building activity in the South African market for new housing, as reflected by the number of building plans approved by local government authorities, recorded relatively strong growth in the first five months of 2014 April 2014 compared with the corresponding period last year.

Owners of properties earmarked for acquisition by the state could find themselves pinned firmly in a corner when it comes to negotiating market-value prices.