Pam Golding launches Property Index

The Pam Golding Property group has launched what is being called the country's first comprehensive residential property index.

The CEO of the Pam Golding Property group, Andrew Golding, explained that the Pam Golding Residential Property Index fills the need for unbiased but in-depth analysis of national market information.

Rather than relying on sales averages, the Index uses a "repeat sales" methodology charting the price information of properties which have transacted at least twice within a specified period of time. This is through incorporating residential property transactions registered at the Deeds Office together with other data sources across the country's property market.

The company explained the first edition of the Index reveals "robust activity" in all price segments and acceleration in sales growth among properties valued at ZAR 1 million (USD 92,000) or less. Furthermore, whilst value growth in higher priced properties of more than ZAR 3 million has slowed, these properties continue to lead the market and have grown in value by approximately 15% year-on-year.

The Index also forecasts that that this trend will continue owing to growing confidence, demand from a growing middle class and accelerating urbanisation.

Adrienne Hersch Properties

Good day to all! If you're in search of your very own new and beautiful home, you should know that Adrienne Hersch Properties of Johannesburg some exclusive houses for sale! With hundreds of properties to choose from, you cannot go wrong. Also listed by Adrienne Hersch properties include commercial spaces, readied or flexible for you and your business. See them all at http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/ahproperties/

Have a great weekend!

Baker Street Properties

Good evening! Cape Town and South Africa are so beautiful and Baker Street Properties have the greatest choice of commercial properties for you and your business needs! This is with over 500 properties and counting, with option to buy or rent! Hurry now to http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/jamesshaw87/

Durr Estates

Good evening! Durr Estates, who are famed around the Cape, have some beautiful properties for you to own! Whether you are looking for a house, land or something for business, Durr has it! You have to see it to believe it, so view the properties at http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/destates/

Beyers Realty Group

Good morning! Are you looking for stunning residential spaces to buy or rent? Beyers Realty Group have some houses and apartments around gorgeous Cape Town including at Sea Point, Camps Bay and Table View. Have a look at http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/BeyersSw/

Dogon Property Group

Good evening! Dogon Group have some much sought after apartments for rent! Both furnished and unfurnished properties are available of different sizes and varieties! Also listed is a top floor home with amazing views. But how about this designer development?

See all of Dogon Group's properties at http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/DenisDogan/

Diamond Properties

Diamond Properties in Green Point, Cape Town have specialises in property management across Western Cape. They currently have this warehouse for sale, which is a state of the art factory which manufactures international electronic. View full details at http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/listing/200170914043437/ 

RE/MAX Kloof Street

We have more waterfront properties from RE/MAX, but this time the properties are from RE/MAX of Kloof Street, Gardens! Included are development opportunities as well as a striking architectural home. See this:

See http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/GerlindeM/

RE/MAX Living

Good day, all! Waterfront living is one of the most luxurious types of living and RE/MAX Living in Cape Town have some fabulous waterfront homes for sale! From penthouses to apartments, there is something for everyone.  

How beautiful is this? You can view full details of this and more at - http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/StevenNDelit/

Be sure to keep checking back on this blog and all our other platforms as we'll be posting more properties throughout the day. Happy Friday! 

Realtor of Excellence

South Africa's first cloud real estate company has listed with Commercial People! From monuments for commercial space to massive luxury homes, you're guaranteed to find please and escapism if you visit http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/Realtorex/

Just Property Group

Hello, again! We'd like to introduce to you some lovely commercial and residential properties around Cape Town from Just Property Group. Whether you are a bachelor or looking for a family home, there is something for everyone. If you're looking to develop your dream property yourself, land is available too! Head over to http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/Lizatlantic/

Chas Everitt

Good afternoon South Africa! Zurich based, Chas Everitt International Property Group have some  stunning properties for sale and to rent! Listing both commercial and residential; they have farms, offices, land, houses, even a wedding venue and more which could be yours if you visit http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/Elsawilken/

Green commercial buildings - A better investment

A recent study carried out by Investment Property Databank (IPD), alongside the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA), has found energy efficient commercial buildings within South Africa deliver better returns, indicating they are better investments.

The research results of last year indicated that energy efficient buildings had larger occupancy levels, generated higher net incomes per square metre and delivered higher net income growth in comparison to less efficient buildings.

Additionally, these greener buildings consumed around a third less of electricity and half the amount of water, equating to lower utility bills for occupiers and allowing businesses to reduce operating costs.

Commercial People - MIPIM 2015!

Hello, Commercial People South Africa! It’s Friday! However, Commercial People are bustling in each of our offices at the moment as agents are rapidly rolling onto our sites with their latest property listings.

• On www.commercialpeople.co.uk, Instant Offices have over 2,000 serviced offices across the UK – It is guaranteed there is an office available in your desired location. This is alongside many more other agents, surveyors and brokers listing in every Commercial People category from development sites to healthcare properties.
• www.commercialpeople.co.id is looking luxurious as numbers of serviced apartments are for sale – Nothing but gorgeous homes! Also available are offices throughout Jakarta and much, much more different properties across the country.
• Over at www.commercialpeople.co.za, there are a wealth of farms available, complimenting the stunning natural beauty of South Africa. To go with this, business spaces are also on offer including retail, trading and storage space. If in search of a new home instead, the residential listings on our South African sites are all from friendly and ideal locations for your livelihood.
• What ever business you are planning in India, the correct space is definitely on www.commercialpeople.in. Perhaps you wish to buy? Or rent? Not a problem, both options are available, suited for your needs and your business. There are also so many brand news home available for you to settle down in, even homes still under construction and you could live there first! Just make sure don’t delay, get your enquiries in soon -Visit our websites now.

You’ve probably seen our informative posts on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google+ and now, Instagram. But did you know we have individual pages on each social media platform for each country Commercial People have launched in? Commercial People will always keep you up to date with the latest listings and hot news across the property industries. Check out our sidebar to the left of each country’s blog for each respective country’s social media links.

So what’s next? 

Increasing property sector payouts

Well established property counters have revealed strong yearly results over recent weeks.

A 12.6% weighted average distribution growth was recorded for the year until June in comparison with the year to last June, based upon calculations by Meago Asset Managers — far ahead of the average 8% growth forecasted by most analysts.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have been advantaged from owning rand hedge investments in offshore property companies and from careful management of their assets such as malls.

The Resilient Property Income Fund, JSE’s fifth largest listed REIT, recorded a rise in its distribution payout to investors of 20.94%.

Signatura

Hello, South Africa! How was everyone's morning? If you're looking for a place to stay in Cape Town, Signatura have some modern apartments for sale! You can find out more by visiting http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/EnverDeedat/

We have now also opened http://www.pinterest.com/commpeopleza, we hope to see you there! 

10.6% distribution growth in Texton property fund

Texton Property Fund are betting the fund’s future growth on ‘tight management’, as the property counter announced a distribution growth of 85, 47 cents up by 10.6% for the year up to June 30^th.

Investors from Texton Property Investments purchased the management company of Vunani Property Fund for R117million last year, followed by a subsequent board reshuffle which Texton claims the benefits of this shakeup have been evident.

Benefits of the report for the financial year includes the fund increasing its acquisition activity by 40% in comparison to the previous year, which has been said to enhance the portfolio quality and income sustainability.

Marshan Franco

Good morning! Are you in search for a new home? George based, Marshan Franco have some spacious houses for sale. Don't miss out and view them all at http://www.commercialpeople.co.za/author/leonnpgen/

Have a great weekend! 

Prime Properties

Hello, Commercial People of South Africa! We hope you had a good morning. Are you looking for plots of land or a farm? Prime Properties have a variety of properties available which can be viewed on our website at http://commercialpeople.co.za/author/primeprop/

  

We'll be keeping you posted on newly added properties throughout the day. Be sure to follow us on some of our new social networks!

www.twitter.com/comm_peopleza

www.facebook.com/commercialpeoplesouthafrica

www.pinterest.com/commpeople

www.linkedin.com/company/commercial-people-south-africa

www.instagram.com/commercialpeople

See you there!

Edcon Place purchased for R150million

Vunani Property Investment Fund (VPF) revealed on Thursday that it had acquired Edcon Place office block for R150.47million, in Johannesburg CBD.

Edcon Place quarters Edcon‚ owner of Edgars and CNA. Vunani purchased the property from Windfall 50 Properties.

Vunani was recently overtaken by Texton Property Investments. The deal is intended to expand Vunani from a small property fund with R2billion assets to a medium-sized fund.

The merger will see the CEO of Vunani Property Investment Fund, Rob Kane take up a shareholding in Cozifor, owning 100% of Texton and remaining as VPIF’s CEO.

Ms Marelise de Lange will also remain as the CFO of VPIF and will be a shareholder.

The Texton management team will include Gerard de Rauville, Angelique de Rauville, Thys van Heerden and Chick Legh.

In compliance with the new DTI BEE codes as well as the Property Charter, Texton will place a BBBEEE share scheme at VPIF level.

Developing Limpopo

The Limpopo province is the latest region to be a part of South Africa’s goal to develop rural areas across the country. The Ministry of Rural Development and Land Reform have been appointed to the forefront of rural progress.

South Africa has a major mining industry, with the country’s economic foundation having been built upon it. It delivered great amounts of income, establishing and attracting big-business ventures. This led to the modernisation of urban South Africa.

Presently, as part of South Africa’s goal, malls are now common in rural South Africa, with many more under construction. The Limpopo province is now a rural infrastructure buzz, being included in this new development.

The arrival of luxury shopping to Limpopo has benefitted young rural consumers as well as their families. This owes to convenience of close proximity and therefore saving money on travel.

Waterfall development to feature mixed commercial use

A waterfall development, spanning either side of the N1 highway from Allandale to Buccleuch Interchanges, has already secured developments valuing over R7billion. This makes this one of the fastest-off-the-ground mixed-use developments yet, of Gauteng.

Capital growth property fund, Attacq, which is widely involved in the development, claimed yesterday that the project is procuring rewards and expecting an eventful year as a number of its major developments are completed.

Situated midway, effectively closing the gap between Northern Sandton and Midrand on a 340 hectare acre tract of land lined by the Buccleuch, Kyalami and Woodmead suburbs, the Waterfall development boasts 1.753 million square metres of bulk for development. To date, over 175,000 square metres has already been developed.

Foreign buyers in South Africa's Luxury Real Estate Market

Cape Town’s ‘the Castle’, an imitation of Germany’s Lichtenstein Castle, a historic neo-Gothic fortress, houses a banquet hall lined with armour suits and stained windows, 12 bedrooms and a swimming pool. With views over the city's Hout Bay, there is a helipad and natural waterfall, accessible only by a private mountain road or helicopter.

‘The Castle’ is one of the most famous real estate landmarks of Cape Town, formerly a guest house and popular wedding reception venue.

However, it has now closed a deal during 2012, sold to a ‘high-profile’ Russian businessman for $2.2million.

This is just one piece of prime real estate acquired from the Cape Town market by a Russian. It has been claimed by local real estate agents that affluent Russian buyers have also purchased numerous other multi-million-dollar homes along the city's coast over the last several years, moving into the region's blend of sun, mountains and sea.

Residential property trending amongst investment trusts

Freedom Property Fund, the fourth property company listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) this year, last week announced it had launched two major residential property developments in an attempt to boost the group’s portfolio.

Residential property exposure on the JSE was mostly represented by two sister companies, Octodec Investments and Premium Properties — However, this is set to shift as interest in the residential sector is accelerating amongst South Africa’s listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Retail assets such as shopping centres have been proving popular, however property funds are finding opportunities within housing.

Listed property unlikely to be affected by repo rate

A 25 basis point increase in the repo rate today, is unlikely to have any effect on South Africa's listed property sector.

The little interest rate hike will not impact longer-term funding rates as well as not ad to a slowdown in economic activity.

The Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) decision has allowed a breather ahead of the next meeting, where interest rates are likely to remain on hold if there are no major external shocks and if inflation expectations continue to be anchored, albeit at levels within the upper end of the SARB's targeted range.

The MPC does not have a mandate supporting economic growth, however it acknowledges the impact that its monetary policy decisions have on the wider economy. Against a backdrop of decelerating consumption expenditure, notably in the private sector and ongoing labour unrest, South Africa’s economy is not positioned to absorb significant interest rates hikes at present.

Therefore, interest rates are assumed to stay at lower levels for longer, which should provide support to present listed property valuations and contribute to motivating distribution growth throughout 2014 and 2015.

Global retailers look to South Africa

Recent research by CBRE has revealed global retailers as well as retail property investors are seizing advantage of South Africa's appeal as a competitive retail destination.

This is as it was reported that South Africa is presently ranked at 53 out of 61 countries in terms of international retailer presence - up 14% during 2013 – As reported by the director of research and marketing, Elaine Wilson at Broll Property Group, part of the CBRE affiliate network.

The increased ranking indicated growing interest from retailers around the world.

Johannesburg has the highest volume of global retailers and includes recent entrants such as City Chic, H&M, Lush and Lovisa.

Listed property outperforming

South Africa's listed property will remain to attract investors seeking firmer ground for trading.

Last year, equities outperformed the listed property sector as an asset class, although head of property funds, Keillen Ndlovun at Stanlib, delivered convincing reasons to include listed property in investors’ portfolios, during last month’s IPD SA conference in Sandton.

He quoted the Hebrew proverb, “He is not a full man who does not own a piece of land.”

Listed property of South Africa delivered total returns of 8.4% last year, overtaking cash and bonds. Bonds returned 0.6% as cash returned 5.2%. Last year however, since 2009, equities overtook listed property for the first time, with a 21.4% total return, over double the sector’s 8.4%. Over the previous 15 years, listed property has overtaken bonds by 13.3% each year, a direct consequence of the asset class’s ability to produce inflation-beating income growth.

Porsche South Africa - Highest bidder of Kyalami

The Kyalami Racetrack has been sold for R205million to Porsche South Africa, who intend to preserve the property as a racetrack.

Yesterday saw South Africa’s first racetrack auction with the highest value received for High Street Auction Co, according to Joff Van Reenen, the lead auctioneer. The auction was held at Summer Place in Johannesburg.

Seven bidders were registered for the property, depositing a refundable R4million for participation in the auction.

As well as the racetrack being retained, the name will also remain to be Kyalami Racetrack. Van Reenen has also claimed to be pleased with the purchase price.

600 to 800 participants were anticipated for the auction.

Sandton development

In just four years, Sandton is scheduled to see the opening of Discovery’s latest 87,000 square metre head office.

The head office is to be developed by Growthpoint Properties and Zenprop, in a joint venture which has been called the largest single commercial office development of Africa.

55% of the building will be owned by Growthpoint, as the remaining 45% will be owned by Zenprop.

Growthpoint’s CEO, Norbert Sasse explains that this is systematically four/five years’ worth of property acquisition – A longer term project than it may seem.

The head office will be situated at the corner of Katherine Street and Rivonia Road, a region which has become a commercial development centre during recent years.

Kyalami track under auction

Kyalami racetrack, host to Formula One Grand Prix races for almost twenty years, is to be sold and may be given to motorsport, according to auction organisers today. 

A minimum price of 200million rand ($19million) has been set for the celebrated circuit upon 72 hectares of land within a rapidly developing region, North of Johannesburg, as claimed by a representative of the High Street Auction Company. 

It is said if a developer is to purchase the track, the nature of the Kyalami property would be expected to vary quite considerably, with the possibility of there no longer being a track. 

However, some potential buyers were looking at the possibility of keeping the track whilst developing its surroundings. 

More residential building plans passed, contribute to ZA leading index increase

South African Reserve Bank figures have today revealed that South Africa's leading index moderately increased during May, after remaining stable the month before.

The leading index, measuring perceptions of economic conditions in the future, increased by 0.1 points to 99.6 during May, from 99.5 the month before.

Four out of 11 components increased during May, as six decreased and one remained unchanged.

May’s slight improvement owed to a drive during the twelve month percentage change in job advertisement space, plus a rise in the number of residential building plans passed.

The leading index declined by 1.2% yearly during May, following a 1.5% decrease during April.

The coincident index, measures present economic activity, which increased by 0.9% to 118.3 during April from 117.3, the month before.

Meanwhile, the lagging index, measuring previous economic conditions, rose by 104.3 during April from 102.2 in March.

Interest in Western Cape Residential Market

Estate agent, Pam Golding Properties have found that many South Africans still aspire to reside in ‘cosmopolitan’ Cape Town. This is as well as foreign buyers who are attracted to the favourable rand exchange rate.

The FNB Western Cape housing price index has reported that the average price for a house in the region has risen by 12.5% during the second quarter year-on-year.

An FNB survey of estate agents also found that the period for a house of the Western Cape to sell has decreased from an average of 13.7 weeks to 13.3 weeks.

Agents estimate that 81% of sellers are currently being requested to decrease their asking price, in comparison to 95% early last year.

The managing director of Pam Golding in Cape Town, believes the residential property market throughout South Africa is receiving intense interest. The market is enjoying what seems to be a continuing upturn, defying the economic constrictions said to be experienced by other sectors.

The areas within and surrounding the Western Cape, specifically the Cape Town metropolis, provide an intriguing sample of the whole country's housing market, resulting in the region often being considered as a national property barometer.

Despite the growth rate of Western Cape's property sales, FNB analysts claim it is second to Gauteng as the most affordable residential market.

The most expensive property ever on the South African market

The most expensive property to ever come on the South African market has been valued for over US$35million.

Described as ‘The Great Gatsby-esque’, it is situated in Camps Bay, Cape Town, known as ‘Enigma Mansion’. It is home to seven bedrooms and bathrooms, Persian carpets in every room, a luxury Olympic sized swimming pool, an elevator, as well as a six car garage.

The property is also characterised with over US$5million worth of imported handmade door handles, hinges, chandeliers and lamps. Additionally, the wallpaper is said to be velvety, which was imported into the property as it was hand printed at Zuber, Paris. It also offers sea views.

Randburg Rising

Randburg, which lessened some of its charm on the back of Sandton’s popularity over recent years, is now poised for the return of developers and investors.

Consisting of over 32 suburbs, with the majority being upper-income residential suburbs, the area had begun to wane. A JHL leasing consultant explained that there was a migration of industrial and retail investors toward Northern suburbs, such as Cresta and Sandton.

However, with municipal plans to renew and upgrade infrastructure, JHL forecasts Randburg to attract new investors as well as former investors. It is now a designated a priority area and significant commercial point of the City of Johannesburg’s five-year Integrated Development Plan.

Therefore, Randburg as well as other suburbs, will benefit from developments in road infrastructure and public transport of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) expansion. It is aimed to provide easy access to Johannesburg suburbs via the Rea Vaya BRT system, which the City of Johannesburg are calling the ‘corridors of freedom’.

Foreign buyers purchase within developing regions of South Africa

Nigerians have been ranked amongst some of the top foreign buyers of choice properties throughout different parts of South Africa, who are particularly focusing on developing areas rather than the major regions of Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

For example, Nigerians alongside other foreign buyers purchased around 670 properties worth approximately R800million in Kwazulu Natal and 260 properties worth approximately R23million in the Eastern Cape. It has been revealed that there is a growing trend amongst the said foreign buyers towards purchasing properties in South Africa as an investment, rather than for personal use.

First post!

Hello, South Africa! We hope you're having a good day. We're happy to announce our website is now LIVE!

www.commercialpeople.co.za

Commercial People deliver a property search portal. Initially set up to advertise commercial properties for sale or rent, we are also Residential People, advertising houses and villas to studio apartments. We are global, already listing on www.commercialpeople.co.uk (our UK headquarters) and www.commercialpeople.co.id (Indonesia). 

In preparation for the launch, we also created this current blog layout. What do you think of it?