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.

Jackie Van Niekerk, Chief Executive Officer of Attacq, has succeeded Growthpoint’s Estienne de Klerk as Chairperson of the SA REIT Association. The planned handover comes as the listed property sector enters a renewed growth phase, supported by stronger balance sheets, rising investor confidence and increased capital activity. Van Niekerk will lead a streamlined, delivery-focused operating model aimed at strengthening research, market engagement, transformation, regulation and international positioning across the sector.

Returning South Africans are increasingly investing in property, drawn by lifestyle value, remote work flexibility and comparatively affordable homes. According to Only Realty Property Group CEO Grant Smee, foreign earnings and offshore capital are helping buyers secure well-located properties offering security, convenience and family appeal. Demand remains strongest in the Western Cape, Johannesburg’s established suburbs and KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, where schools, secure estates and quality of life support long-term value.

Vukile Property Fund reported strong FY2026 growth, with funds from operations and dividends per share rising 9.3%. Its portfolio expanded to R63.7 billion across South Africa, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, with 66% located in Europe. Strong retail performance, low vacancies, and strategic acquisitions supported growth. Through Castellana and new Italian investments, Vukile strengthened its European presence while maintaining a robust balance sheet and positive growth outlook.

A R150 million coastal restoration project is set to transform St Francis Bay, restoring beaches damaged by decades of erosion while boosting confidence in the local property market. The initiative combines rock groynes with large-scale sand replenishment to stabilise the coastline and enhance tourism, recreation and environmental health. Strong buyer demand, limited housing stock and surging land values are already supporting market activity, with renewed optimism for long-term growth across the region.

Growthpoint Properties’ GEMS programme celebrated a decade of transforming lives through education at its 2025 Top Achiever Awards, recognising outstanding learners, students and graduates supported through the initiative. Since 2016, GEMS has invested more than R63 million in 570 young people, combining academic, psychosocial and leadership development. The programme’s impact is increasingly generational, producing graduates, professionals and entrepreneurs while strengthening families and creating long-term opportunities beyond the classroom.

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.

SAFMA’s evolving leadership under President Batabile Sibaca signals a decisive shift towards industry transformation, with a five-pillar strategy focused on SMME inclusion, public-sector alignment, skills development, grassroots awareness, and strategic partnerships. Backed by a strengthened board and advisory structure, the organisation is positioning facilities management as a recognised, influential discipline within South Africa’s built environment, with council recognition now firmly within reach.

Growthpoint Properties remains confident of delivering full-year distributable income per share growth of 3% to 5%, despite a lopsided interim performance shaped by V&A Waterfront timing effects and offshore pressure. South Africa’s portfolio led the first half, supported by lower vacancies, solid like-for-like growth and reduced finance costs, while a stronger second half is expected from the Waterfront, including profit recognition from 5 Dock Road residential sales.

The SA REIT Conference 2026 reflected a clear shift in sentiment within the listed property sector, with improving macroeconomic conditions, stabilising interest rates and renewed investor engagement supporting a more optimistic outlook. Industry leaders, analysts and policymakers engaged in data-driven discussions on regulation, capital flows, governance and global REIT trends. A consistent narrative emerged throughout the programme: the sector is transitioning from resilience and balance sheet repair towards sustainable growth, strategic adaptability and long-term relevance within a complex, globally interconnected investment environment.