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PROPERTY ANALYSIS & TREND REPORTS
Mark Pettipher

Mark Pettipher

  • Joined: 16 July 2025
  • Articles: 306

World FM Day 2026: Facilities management places people at the centre of the built environment

World FM Day

World FM Day 2026 placed people firmly at the centre of facilities management, exploring how the built environment shapes dignity, inclusion, productivity and belonging. Hosted by SAFMA at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Campus, the event highlighted the growing strategic role of FM across workplace experience, sustainability, technology and operational excellence. Discussions reinforced the need for stronger professional recognition, earlier FM involvement in projects, and human-centred environments that support both organisational performance and community wellbeing.

Township Retail Investment Summit (TRIS) 2026

Jason McCormick and Miles Kubheka

TRIS 2026 highlighted the rapid evolution of South Africa’s township economy from an overlooked informal market into a sophisticated ecosystem driving retail, entrepreneurship and innovation. Bringing together economists, entrepreneurs, educators and development organisations, the summit explored themes ranging from digital inclusion and township consumer behaviour to education, food safety and retail property. A consistent message emerged throughout the event: township economies are already innovating and evolving — the challenge is whether institutions and brands are prepared to engage meaningfully within them.

Fritz Swanepoel: A commercial leader reframing Leapfrog’s growth story

Fritz Swanepoel

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.

What the R3 million primary residence CGT exclusion means for South African homeowners

Samantha Smith STBB

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.

Transnet applies to reclaim land for port expansion

Transnet port

Transnet National Ports Authority has applied to reclaim 22.4 hectares at the Port of Durban to develop a new container terminal, targeting capacity of up to 11 million TEUs. Positioned within the Point precinct, the project forms part of the KZN Ports Master Plan to establish Durban as a regional hub. While boosting trade efficiency and capacity, the proposal will undergo environmental review and a 60-day public comment process.

Launch of Menlyn Mix in Pretoria redefines ‘business-meets-leisure’ accommodation

Menlyn Mix

The Beekman Group has launched Menlyn Mix in Pretoria, expanding into urban hospitality to meet rising business travel demand. Positioned in the Menlyn precinct, the development blends self-catering accommodation with meeting facilities and lifestyle amenities. Targeting the growing “bleisure” market, Menlyn Mix offers business travellers a flexible, integrated environment aligned with Pretoria’s role as a key corporate and conferencing hub.

Next phase of Golden Acre redevelopment underway as construction on retail revitalisation commences

Golden Acre

Construction of the Golden Acre’s retail component marks a key phase in transforming the precinct into an 18-hour mixed-use hub in Cape Town’s CBD. The upgrade will enhance tenant mix, safety, and pedestrian flow while supporting affordable housing above. Anchored by public-private collaboration, the redevelopment aims to revitalise a critical commuter node and create a more integrated, secure, and vibrant urban environment.

Don’t bet on a rate cut before you buy property, says Seeff

Samuel Seeff Chairman

Property buyers are being cautioned against waiting for further rate cuts, as global inflation risks may delay easing. Samuel Seeff says current conditions, including low interest rates and competitive bank lending, present a strong buying opportunity. With flat prices in key metros like Gauteng, buyers can secure value now, while delays may result in increased competition and higher property prices.

Historic Newlands (Cape Town) property selling fast, demand surges for luxury retirement

Cannon Brewery

Newlands is experiencing rapid sales momentum, with homes selling in under two weeks and prices approaching R10 million on average. High-value transactions now dominate, driven by limited stock and sustained demand. A notable shift is the rise in luxury retirement living, with developments like Cannon Brewery addressing a gap for affluent downsizers seeking independent, high-end urban lifestyles in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.

Storing fuel at home poses serious fire and legal risks

Michael van Niekerk

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.

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