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Cape industrial market enters new phase as speculative development accelerates
Cape Town’s industrial property market is entering a new phase as developers increasingly build without securing tenants first. Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL says sustained occupier demand, rental growth and limited well-located land are supporting this confidence. Asking rentals at leading A-grade parks have risen by up to 58% since 2021, while strong investor appetite and constrained supply continue to underpin speculative development across the Cape Metropole’s industrial property sector.
A new chapter for Cape Town city living
Arlo & Co. is bringing a new style of city living to 80 St Georges Mall, combining heritage, hospitality and contemporary design in Cape Town’s historic centre. The development will offer 276 residences, curated amenities and Mojo Greenmarket at street level, creating a connected urban community. With homes priced from R1.275 million, VAT inclusive, the project targets professionals, first-time buyers and investors seeking a well-located CBD address with lasting appeal.
Pepkor builds R21.3bn fintech platform
Pepkor is creating a R21.3 billion fintech platform by combining Flash with Shop2Shop, giving the retailer a 57.1% controlling stake. The new entity will serve formal and informal merchants and process more than R200 billion in transactions annually. By integrating payments, cash management and value-added services, Pepkor aims to deepen its reach into South Africa’s merchant economy, support digital adoption and unlock future value through a potential separate listing strategy.
Rising hospitality costs: Where might inefficiencies be hiding?
As South Africa’s tourism sector prepares for a busy summer, rising costs are putting pressure on hospitality businesses to improve efficiency without compromising guest experience. Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional SA, explores how smarter laundry operations, from reducing water and energy use to extending textile life and using AI-driven analysis, can help accommodation providers cut waste and costs.
Leratong City anchors major Gauteng mixed-use development
Leratong City, a 35,000m² regional shopping centre opening in October 2026, will anchor a 350-hectare mixed-use development in Gauteng’s western growth corridor. Developed by McCormick Property Development and designed by MDS Architecture, the project combines flexible retail space, community-focused public areas and 3.3MW of rooftop solar capacity. Its amphitheatre, mining-inspired architecture and strategic location position the centre as a catalyst for investment, employment and long-term urban development across the region.
The retirement conundrum: Why downsizing your home doesn’t always add up
Downsizing may no longer guarantee a cheaper retirement for South African homeowners. Grant Smee, CEO of Only Realty Property Group, warns that weaker demand for larger inland homes and rising prices for secure retirement properties are reshaping the traditional retirement plan. With living costs also exceeding expectations for many retirees, property decisions increasingly need to be made earlier, with careful consideration of equity, ongoing costs and future lifestyle needs financially.
First-time landlords level up: important need-to-knows
South Africa’s rental market is expanding as more households rent and buy-to-let investment rises, but landlords must understand their legal obligations. Seeff Property Group warns that the Rental Housing Act applies to all residential rentals, requiring written leases, monthly invoices, proper deposit handling, inspections, maintenance and respect for tenant rights. Specialist rental agencies can help landlords remain compliant, reduce legal and financial risks, and protect long-term property investment returns effectively.
Construction Adjudication: High Court draws the line on unreferred claims
A Western Cape High Court appeal has clarified the limits of construction adjudication under JBCC contracts. In City of Cape Town v Pro Khaya Construction, the court ruled that an adjudicator’s jurisdiction is fixed by the notice of adjudication and cannot be expanded through later submissions. New claims introduced afterwards fall outside that mandate, while late responses do not waive genuine jurisdictional objections. Precision in drafting notices is therefore essential.
How to turn your home loan into your best financial tool
A home loan can be more than a monthly expense when managed strategically. By paying extra, using an access bond and borrowing carefully against property equity, homeowners can reduce interest, shorten repayment periods and access lower-cost finance. BetterBond’s Bradd Bendall says these facilities can support investments, renovations and major expenses, but cautions against funding lifestyle spending or depreciating assets that undermine long-term financial wellbeing and delay full bond repayment unnecessarily.
cidb Opens ERWIC Awards Entries with New Academics Category
The Construction Industry Development Board has opened entries for the 2026 Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction Awards, introducing a new category recognising female academics and researchers in the built environment. The awards aim to advance transformation, innovation and skills development while highlighting women’s contributions to South Africa’s construction sector. With women representing only 10% of the industry workforce, the programme seeks to promote greater inclusion, visibility and leadership opportunities.
Etana Energy, Growthpoint Properties and the City of Cape Town pioneer pooled renewable electricity wheeling
Growthpoint Properties, Etana Energy and the City of Cape Town have achieved a South African first with the successful implementation of pooled renewable electricity wheeling across multiple properties on the municipal grid. The initiative allows renewable energy generated remotely to be allocated across a portfolio of buildings, improving flexibility, scalability and efficiency. The project marks an important milestone in the property sector’s transition to cleaner energy and positions Cape Town at the forefront of municipal energy innovation.
Marlow on Mill penthouse sells for record R15.9 million
A penthouse at The Marlow on Mill in Newlands has sold for R15.9 million, setting a new apartment record for Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. Bought by UK purchasers for use during visits to South Africa, the sale highlights strong demand for secure, high-quality sectional title homes. The 281-unit development has already achieved nearly R350 million in sales, driven largely by investors and leisure buyers seeking rental income and capital growth.
Vukile opens R76.1m Nonesi Mall extension, strengthening Komani’s commercial core
Vukile Property Fund (JSE: VKE) has officially opened a R76.1m extension and refurbishment at Nonesi Mall in Komani, Eastern Cape. The fully pre-let expansion adds 3,100sqm of retail space, taking the centre’s gross lettable area to nearly 31,000sqm, and consolidates Nonesi Mall’s position as Komani’s leading shopping destination.
PIC-Backed consortium moves to take Balwin private
A PIC-backed consortium is seeking to acquire Balwin Properties in a R2.26-billion deal that would take the residential developer private and end its JSE and A2X listings. The offer of R4.35 per share has secured substantial shareholder support and Competition Commission backing. If approved, Balwin will become wholly owned by BidCo, combining GEPF capital with continuing founder ownership and management expertise while supporting longer-term residential development growth across South Africa.
ABB and Samsung partner to connect building intelligence with enterprise IoT
ABB and Samsung Electronics have expanded their partnership by integrating ABB Ability™ BuildingPro with Samsung SmartThings Pro, creating a connected platform for smarter building management. The solution enables building owners and operators to access real-time data, analytics and controls across lighting, climate, energy and access systems through a unified interface. The collaboration also extends to hospitality environments, helping improve operational efficiency, enhance guest experiences and support sustainability goals through intelligent building technologies.
SA Listed property holds its ground: But the next test is coming
South Africa’s listed property sector opened the third quarter positively, with the J803 All Property Index returning 2.24% in July and 26.11% over twelve months. Stronger balance sheets, distribution growth and active capital raising continue to support the sector. However, higher interest rates, softer retail footfall and pressure on consumers are creating uncertainty, making tenant performance, debt management and earnings guidance key areas to watch during the results season ahead.
Brahman Hills wins KZN top business Green Award for second consecutive year
Brahman Hills has secured the Renewable Efficiency & Green Initiatives Award at the KZN Top Business Awards for a second consecutive year. The property operates 85% off-grid, saves an estimated 477 tonnes of CO₂ annually, recycles water, reduces waste and supports biodiversity through extensive planting and beekeeping. Its 22-hectare Serenity Garden will further strengthen conservation, wellness and eco-tourism, reinforcing sustainability as a core part of guest experience at Brahman Hills.
While the country talks about saving, salaried South Africa is missing its payments
South Africa’s household debt crisis is deepening, with overdue unsecured balances rising almost three times faster than borrowing. Siva Dhever says the strain is concentrated among salaried consumers, not only the financially marginalised. He argues Savings Month should focus less on generic saving advice and more on helping households clear arrears early, protect credit records and address financial distress before missed payments trigger penalties, collections and longer-term economic damage nationwide.
NAD malls bring the FIFA World Cup closer to home
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathers momentum, New Africa Developments’ community malls are giving shoppers a front-row seat to the action. From Mams Mall to Acornhoek, Dwarsloop and Jumbo Mall, big screens are turning everyday shopping trips into shared football moments. Free, familiar and close to home, these centres continue to serve as places where communities gather, celebrate and belong throughout the tournament as excitement builds across South Africa.
Property auction market poised for 50% growth as Galetti records R328m in May sales
South Africa’s property auction market is evolving beyond traditional sales platforms, driven by data, targeted marketing and stronger industry engagement. Galetti Corporate Real Estate’s move to a new auction venue in Rosebank reflects this shift, creating a more interactive environment for buyers, sellers and investors. With auction activity gaining momentum and transaction volumes growing, success increasingly depends on market intelligence, strategic positioning and relationships that connect the right opportunities with the right buyers.
Reside Summit 2026 proves housing is no longer a siloed conversation
The Reside Summit 2026 highlighted a growing shift in South Africa’s residential property sector: collaboration is becoming essential. Bringing together developers, financiers, municipalities and investors, the summit explored affordable housing, climate-smart development, construction technology and institutional investment. Speakers stressed that solving the country’s housing backlog will require integrated partnerships, scalable delivery models and faster implementation. The message was clear — residential property can no longer operate in fragmented silos.
Fritz Swanepoel: A commercial leader reframing Leapfrog’s growth story
Fritz Swanepoel’s appointment as CEO of Leapfrog Property Group signals a strategic shift toward performance-driven growth and operational discipline. With a background in insurance and large-scale sales leadership, he brings a systems-focused approach to a changing residential market. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as agencies evolve into data-driven, client-centric platforms within an increasingly competitive and digitally enabled property landscape.
Estienne de Klerk takes the helm at Growthpoint
Estienne de Klerk has taken over as Group Chief Executive Officer of Growthpoint Properties, succeeding long-serving leader Norbert Sasse. With almost two decades at Growthpoint and extensive experience across listed property, capital markets and corporate strategy, De Klerk brings continuity to the role. His appointment, supported by Group CFO José Snyders, positions the company to strengthen portfolio quality, recycle capital and pursue sustainable growth across its local and international operations.
Growthpoint sharpens portfolio for growth
Growthpoint’s nine-month update points to a business sharpening its portfolio while maintaining operational resilience. Asset disposals are ahead of target, vacancies have improved across the South African portfolio, and logistics and retail remain key strengths. The V&A Waterfront continues to deliver strong performance, while disciplined capital management, improved funding margins and growing renewable energy investment support unchanged FY26 guidance for distributable income and dividend growth in a tougher market environment.
Emira delivers 4.1% full-year income growth for shareholders
Emira Property Fund delivered a resilient set of results for the year ended 31 March 2026, increasing its total dividend by 4.1% to 129.01 cents per share. The diversified REIT benefited from disciplined capital recycling, improved portfolio metrics and growing contributions from its international investments in Poland and the United States. A strengthened balance sheet, lower vacancies and continued strategic acquisitions position Emira to pursue further value-accretive growth while maintaining stable, long-term returns for shareholders.
Levy arrears, AGM reporting and POPIA: How much detail should trustees disclose?
At AGM time, trustees must balance financial transparency with owners’ privacy when reporting levy arrears. PMR 26 requires annual financial statements to show arrears by member and period, while POPIA demands minimal disclosure. A practical, POPIA-compliant approach is to report arrears by section or unit number, highlight total debt, cash flow impact and recovery action, and avoid naming owners unless legally necessary at AGMs overall.
What the R3 million primary residence CGT exclusion means for South African homeowners
South Africa’s 2026/27 Budget introduces a significant tax relief measure for homeowners, increasing the primary residence CGT exclusion from R2 million to R3 million. Effective from 1 March 2026, the change reduces taxable gains on property disposals, reflecting inflationary pressures and rising house prices. While beneficial, accurate record-keeping and professional advice remain essential to fully realise the exemption’s value.
Storing fuel at home poses serious fire and legal risks
South Africans are being warned against stockpiling fuel at home as prices surge, with safety experts cautioning that storing more than regulated limits significantly increases fire risk and insurance exposure. ASP Fire highlights that petrol’s volatility, combined with improper containers, can trigger catastrophic incidents. Non-compliant storage may also void insurance claims, leaving homeowners financially exposed, while posing additional health and environmental hazards.
Click on the cover of the
Rode Report 2026:2
to view the publication
In this issue, we can report that the South African property market continued its recovery in the second quarter of 2026. Thus far, our survey data shows little impact from the Middle East conflict.
The Middle East remains extremely volatile and uncertain, keeping a lid on financial and property markets. A short-term slowdown is a real risk. Therefore, the markets are waiting for Trump and Iran to reach a final resolution — or waiting for Godot, if you like. The latter refers to Samuel Beckett’s play, which premiered in 1953 and reflects the raw experience of waiting.
Click on the cover of
the new look Rode SA Property Trends to view the publication
In this issue, we report that the outlook for the SA property market is promising under the most likely future scenario. Positive factors include improved investor sentiment towards South Africa and lower interest rates resulting from the country’s new inflation target. However, don’t be overly optimistic, as political uncertainty and a potential fiscal cliff could undermine the medium-term outlook.
Click on the cover of the
Rode Retail Report
to view the publication
In this issue, we report that retail sales growth still outpaced inflation in the first quarter of 2026. Looking ahead, the short‑term outlook for consumer spending and retail sales has deteriorated, weighed down by weaker‑than‑expected economic growth and the mounting cost of living. This, of course, is due to the impact of the Middle East conflict, which triggered a sharp spike in fuel prices and related costs, some of which are yet to be seen at the till.
