Rode Media

Rode Intelligence logo
PROPERTY ANALYSIS & TREND REPORTS
Mark Pettipher

Mark Pettipher

  • Joined: 16 July 2025
  • Articles: 304

Does a mixed-use building with residential and commercial components require an EPC?

mixed use

With the 7 December 2025 deadline approaching, owners of mixed-use buildings must assess whether parts of their properties require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Under South Africa’s EPC Regulations, commercial components exceeding 2,000 m², clearly separable from residential areas, and accounting for more than 10% of total energy use must display an EPC. Hotels (H1, H5 classifications) are exempt, but mixed-use properties require separate assessments for compliance.

New CSOS practice directive: What community schemes need to know

Community Scheme

The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) has issued a new Practice Directive tightening governance and compliance requirements for bodies corporate and homeowners’ associations. The directive strengthens oversight, transparency, and enforcement across community schemes, empowering CSOS to intervene earlier and impose penalties for non-compliance. Trustees and managing agents face greater accountability, while owners benefit from stronger protections—marking a decisive step toward professionalising community scheme governance in South Africa.

Green buildings outperform as GBCSA launches training of next-generation certification tool

V&A Watershed

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has launched Green Star New Build V2, a next-generation certification framework for new and refurbished buildings. The updated tool aligns local property standards with global ESG benchmarks, broadening the definition of sustainable development to include carbon, resilience, health, and inclusivity. Backed by major industry players like Balwin Properties and the V&A Waterfront, it equips professionals to design future-ready, high-performing, and socially responsive buildings.

Lenz Quarter opens its doors to a new era of shopping in Lenasia

Lenz Quarter signage

Lenasia’s new R230 million Lenz Quarter officially opened on 30 October 2025, introducing a fresh lifestyle-convenience retail experience to Johannesburg South. Developed by Luton Prop and managed by Retail Network Services, the 11 500 m² centre features 30 retailers including Checkers FreshX, Woolworths Food and Dis-Chem. With solar power, free Wi-Fi, and modern design by TJA Architects, Lenz Quarter blends leading brands and local independents in a vibrant, community-anchored shopping destination.

Lifelong learning is key to relevance in today’s marketplace

Natalie Zimmerman

Wits Plus, the University of the Witwatersrand’s continuing education hub, offers professionals and organisations hundreds of short courses to stay ahead in a fast-changing world. From AI to environmental law, these multidisciplinary, Wits-certified programmes provide accessible, flexible learning that promotes professional relevance and socio-economic opportunity. “A skill that’s essential today is obsolete tomorrow,” says CEO Natalie Zimmelman. “Are you ready for what 2026 expects of you?”

Westown Square ignites Durban’s western transformation

Westown

Just six months after its opening, Westown Square in Shongweni is redefining Durban’s Outer West as the heart of the New City of the West. Developed by Fundamentum Property Group with support from Absa CIB and the eThekwini Municipality, the project has already earned top honours at the 2025 Africa Property Investment Awards and the BRICS Urban Innovation Awards. With new infrastructure, lifestyle amenities, and green design, Westown Square is setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban growth.

 SA’s next wave of green entrepreneurs takes root 

10 Green Seeds competition

Ten South African entrepreneurs have been selected for the 2025 Green Seeds Competition, a sustainability-focused accelerator co-created by Attacq and Property Point. The 12-month programme nurtures black-owned small businesses developing innovative green solutions for the built environment. Participants gain mentorship, pilot opportunities, and access to Attacq’s property portfolio. According to Attacq CEO Jackie van Niekerk, the initiative embodies “corporate co-creation” — linking innovation, transformation, and sustainability to build South Africa’s green economy.

Key Considerations when investing in a Buy-to-Let property

Renishaw Hills

South Africa’s buy-to-let property market is thriving in 2025, offering rental yields between 9.4% and 15.2% and affordable investment entry points from R800 000 to R1.8 million. According to Barto van der Merwe, MD of Renishaw Property Developments, key success factors include investing in coastal areas, secure lifestyle estates, and off-grid properties. Developments like Renishaw Hills on the KZN South Coast combine strong rental appeal, sustainable design, and lifestyle amenities for lasting value.

Waterfall City retains South Africa’s best masterplan title

Werner van Ryan & Willie Vos

Waterfall City has once again earned top international honours, receiving the Best Masterplan South Africa award at the 2025 International Property Awards – Africa Chapter in London. The city also secured nominations for Best Masterplan Africa and Sustainable Residential Development South Africa 2025–2026. CEO Willie Vos was recognised with a Special Award for Real Estate Leadership, celebrating his visionary role in developing Africa’s leading smart, sustainable, and liveable city.

Growthpoint acquires a 30% stake in new R390m Boston Hydroelectric Plant

Boston Hydro electric

Growthpoint Properties has acquired a 30% stake in the R390 million Boston Hydroelectric plant, developed by Serengeti Energy within the Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme. The investment advances Growthpoint’s renewable energy strategy and supports its 195 GWh annual power purchase agreement with Etana Energy. Through its new e-co₂ wheeled electricity initiative, Growthpoint will deliver certified, zero-carbon power to tenants, pioneering scalable renewable energy solutions for South Africa’s commercial property sector.

You cannot copy content of this page