

Cape Winelands airport set to soar: A visionary aviation hub in the making
In a transformative endeavor set to redefine aviation in Cape Town, the Cape Winelands Airport (CWA) is emerging as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity. The ambitious project, backed by a dedicated team of experts and partners, aims to establish a world-class aviation hub that will link cultures and places across the globe.

Atterbury’s premium mixed-use development drives Cape Town’s commercial growth
Atterbury continues to strengthen Cape Town’s commercial landscape with its flagship Richmond Park development, setting new standards for mixed-use properties in the Western Cape. This multi-billion rand development along the N7 highway in Milnerton represents the company’s commitment to creating integrated business environments that serve diverse commercial needs.

Office parks reimagined: When sustainability meets market leadership
In an era of unprecedented environmental and operational challenges, South Africa’s office parks stand at a critical juncture. Energy insecurity, water scarcity, and ageing municipal infrastructure are no longer distant concerns but immediate challenges that demand innovative solutions.

Strong demand for rental properties in Durbanville and surrounds
The rental market in Bellville, Durbanville and Parow is experiencing strong growth. Some of the reasons for this include an influx of residents from other provinces to the Western Cape, and the area’s proximity to business hubs like Tyger Valley and Century City. Demand is outpacing supply, so the market has become more competitive, with resulting increased rentals and a shortage of rental stock.

Riverstone Mall nears opening
Alley Roads Group has confirmed that the construction of its Riverstone Mall has been completed, with occupational handover to tenants being finalised before the mall’s opening at the end of the month.

House prices and the critical role of interest rates in the economy
House price growth, especially outside of the Western Cape, has largely been dismal over the last two years. After growing at rates of between 5% and 9% in the 2020-2022 period, it declined to as low as 0.5% by mid-2024.

Infrastructure spendng boost despite VAT woes
Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group commented on the budget speech presented on 12th March, “It was positive to note that the critical need for infrastructural improvements has been highlighted in today’s National Budget, as investment in sound infrastructure with a focus on energy, clean water supply and adequate sanitation, well-maintained roads and other transport facilities, as well as affordable and effective broadband connectivity, promotes economic growth, and fosters employment opportunities.

How updated Public-Private Partnership rules and fiscal policy could transform South Africa’s commercial property sector
South Africa’s National Treasury has simplified the approval process for public-private partnerships (PPPs) under R2 billion to boost infrastructure projects and attract private investment. This move, effective June, eliminates the need for Treasury approval of smaller projects, expediting developments like mixed-use facilities and renewable energy sites. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s reform aligns with the World Bank’s recommendations to reduce red tape and stimulate economic growth. Despite concerns over a potential VAT hike and economic forecasts, the updated PPP rules emphasise governmental focus on collaboration with the private sector to foster economic recovery and enhance commercial property values.

Affordable housing investment needs direction
In his 2025 address, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized transforming South African cities into economic hubs through central housing and reclaiming hijacked buildings. TUHF, a leader in impact investment, champions urban densification for economic growth. Current peripheral housing developments, though cost-effective initially, lead to urban sprawl, fiscal strains, and economic exclusion. Research is needed to align housing development with economic goals. TUHF advocates infill projects to stimulate socioeconomic activity and supports government-led research for informed urban planning.

The climate change reality in South Africa: An engineer’s call to action
In South Africa, the impact of climate change is no longer a distant concern – it’s a harsh reality that is already reshaping the landscape. The country faces an unpredictable climate that brings with it an escalating frequency of extreme weather events.
…while the challenges are formidable, they are not insurmountable. The time for action is now, and engineers in South Africa are calling for climate action that can mitigate the damage and build a more resilient, sustainable future for South Africa

Crumbling infrastructure, deteriorating municipalities, threaten property sector
South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) said the ongoing deterioration at municipal levels not only put strain the financial viability of property owners but also create an environment of uncertainty that could drive investment away from South Africa’s real estate market

Cape Town opens electricity grid to energy traders after successful pilot
The City of Cape Town officially opened the electricity grid to energy traders after a year-long “wheeling” pilot project. Equites is proud to have been involved as one of three participants in the pilot and will remain a partner to the City in this initiative.

Rode Publications concludes a strategic capital raise with REdimension
Rode Publications & Media is thrilled to announce a strategic investment from REdimension Capital, marking a major milestone in our journey to becoming South Africa’s premier real estate market intelligence platform

SA REIT Association expects steady sector growth in 2025
The South African Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector is poised for growth in 2025, driven by improving investor sentiment and property fundamentals, rising consumer confidence and falling interest rates.

Hyprop achieves double-digit income growth – year ending 31st December
Hyprop Investments has reported double-digit growth in distributable income of 14.5% to R765 million for the year ended 31st December 2024 with a 14.4% increase in distributable income per share to 201.4 cents per share.

Vukile acquires flagship Spanish mall in EUR305 million deal
Vukile Property Fund (JSE: VKE), the leading specialist retail real estate investment trust (REIT), through its 99.5% held Spanish subsidiary Castellana Properties, has acquired the largest shopping centre in Spain’s Valencia province, the iconic Bonaire Shopping Centre, from multinational retail REIT Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.

Growthpoint’s positive financial outlook enhanced: Half-year results delivered
Growthpoint Properties Limited delivered stronger-than-expected results for its six-month interim period ending 31 December 2024, reporting distributable income per share (DIPS) of 74.0cps, up 3.9% from HY24, while maintaining its distribution payout ratio at 82.5%.

Multi-Million Rand opportunity for bank to accelerate property transactions
The property transfer process is an intricate web of communications and approvals, historically bogged down by legacy systems and paper-based interactions. Thanks to the digital transformation and solutions that automate cumbersome processes, property transfers happen faster and far more efficiently than ever

Prferential launches AI-driven app to revolutionise tennant screening in SA
As South Africa’s property management landscape becomes increasingly complex, the demand for innovative solutions that can simplify and streamline operations has never been greater. Preferental, a leader in property management innovation, has responded to this challenge with the introduction of its new tenant screening app.

Mall of Mthatha: A new name for a new era of retail in Mthatha
Since its acquisition in May 2024 by Flanagan & Gerard Property Group and leading retail REIT Vukile Property Fund (JSE: VKE), Mall of Mthatha (formerly BT Ngebs City) has undergone significant enhancements aimed at elevating the shopping experience and reinforcing its position as the region’s leading retail destination.

FPG Fund acquires Sandown
FPG Property Fund has announced the successful acquisition of Sandown Retail Crossing, a prominent 30,948m² retail asset prominently anchored by Checkers Hyper.

NAPAfrica Internet Exchange achieves 5Tbps traffic milestone, driving Africa’s digital transformation
NAPAfrica, along with the support of its dynamic peering community, has reached a new milestone of five terabits per second (Tbps) of traffic.

FNB: Property market overview and current trends
The latest FNB House Price Index (HPI) accelerated to 1.2% y/y in January, from 1.1% in December (revised from 0.9%) (Figure 1). While still subdued, this marks the highest growth rate since June 2023, reflecting a gradual market recovery. The upward trend suggests improving buyer sentiment, supported by easing financial pressures and evolving lending conditions.

Burstone Group JV expands fund management strategy in Australia with growth of industrial and logistics platform alongside TPG Angelo Gordon
The Burstone Group’s Australian joint venture (JV) with the real estate fund manager, Irongate Group, has established an agreement with TPG Angelo Gordon, a diversified credit and real estate investing platform within TPG, with approximately US$91 billion assets under management. TPG is a leading global alternative asset management firm.

Shaftesbury Capital reports strong financial growth in 2024, outlines optimistic outlook for West End portfolio
In a comprehensive overview of its 2024 financial performance, Shaftesbury Capital has reported impressive growth in rental income, valuation, and customer engagement despite challenging macro-economic conditions. The company’s West End portfolio, renowned for its prime location and vibrant cultural appeal, continues to draw substantial interest from both local and international investors.

African Development Bank: New report highlights Africa’s strengthening economic growth amid global challenges
Growth rates above 5 percent expected in close to half of the continent’s countries in 2025; 12 of world’s 20 fastest growing economies will be African.
The continent also continues to grapple with geopolitical tensions, structural weaknesses, climate-related disasters, and prolonged conflicts in regions such as the Sahel and the Horn of Africa

JSE Listings Requirements: Simplification Project – proposed amendments to the valuation report provisions
JSE Listings Requirements: Simplification Project – proposed amendments to the valuation report provisions

Airbnb and Sectional Title: Navigating the rules and regulations for short-term letting
As more Airbnb and short-term letting options come to the fore, concerns from property owners and tenants in complexes, estates and apartment buildings are growing, with issues related to noise, parking, property damage and security coming to the forefront.

Property sector showdown: Sakeliga challenges South Africa’s PPRA regulation
South Africa’s property industry faces a significant legal battle as the business interest group Sakeliga takes on elements of the Property Practitioners Act of 2022. The group argues that the Act enforces excessive regulatory control and compels Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) compliance in unwarranted ways. A successful challenge could have widespread implications for numerous businesses, offering them more operational freedom without mandatory BEE certifications.
Click on the cover of the
Rode Retail Report
to view the publication
In this edition, we report that retail sales rose significantly in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter a year earlier. This increase was driven by a slowdown in inflation, reduced interest rates, and two-pot retirement withdrawals. Regarding the availability of shopping space, Rode’s data indicates that the new supply of malls will rise sharply in 2025, reaching the highest level since 2019.
Click on the cover of
the Rode Report 2024:4 to view the publication
It’s been quite a dynamic start to 2025, hasn’t it? With Donald Trump back in the spotlight, his policies and statements have undoubtedly stirred the pot on the global stage, and even South Africa has faced criticism.
What are we to make of all the noise?
Click on the cover and find out!
Click on the cover of
the new look Rode SA Property Trends to view the publication
Welcome to another issue of Rode SA Property Trends. This publication provides a six-year outlook for the South African property sector until 2029, using two macroeconomic scenarios.
