EDITORIAL VIEW
It ’ s Not all Doom & Gloom
Investment pockets & bright spots in economic recovery
While South Africa undoubtedly has its fair share of economic difficulties , there are a few bright spots in the economy and even a few surprises on the upside . Despite extended lockdown restrictions , high unemployment figures and looting in Gauteng and KZN , which according to President Ramaphosa is “ damaging our efforts to rebuild the economy ”, we are still performing better than expected .
Recent StatsSA data showed the economy in the first three months of this year had grown on an annualised quarter-on-quarter basis by 4.6 %, exceeding expectations of 3.2 % growth . The economy is growing faster than expected and some of the recently launched initiatives , such as the self-generation power projects and the lifting off of SAA privatisation , suggest momentum is building to support further growth . However , these bright spots don ’ t come without caveats .
Industry commentators are seeing early indications of a slow-down in the residential sales market . In the rental sphere , an oversupply of vacant properties is driving down rental prices . Moving away from the residential and rental market does not mean there are not still opportunities for savvy investors .
Just Property CEO , Paul Stevens , says : “ There has not been a better opportunity in many years to enter the investment-property market or to increase one ’ s holdings .” Stevens shares his market predictions and advice on where to look for investment property in this issue ’ s Master Investor Feature .
PropTech is further delivering property investment opportunities through property platforms , which facilitate real estate investment anywhere in the world . We are proud to announce that on 19 August 2021 during the 3rd Annual Digitalisation Real Estate Virtual Summit , we will be launching REI Invest . In collaboration with PropTech pioneers , Global Wealth Group , Wealth Point and Quoin Online , we will be able to offer personalised investment opportunities which can be completed from anywhere in the world completely online .
However , if you are interested in moving away from traditional real estate investing and focus more on investment pockets , then this is your golden opportunity . South Africa as an investment environment is tailored towards niche sectors . Investors need to find the right niche sectors for their unique investment thresholds , ROI objectives and risk aversion . In an upcoming REI Invest webinar , sponsored by Opportunity Private Capital , the impressive panel of experts will unpack the investment market in South Africa . Comparing market performance , looking at the best performing niche sectors and the high , fixed returns available in alternative investing .
Stay safe and successful investing
NICHOLA LOOCK GENERAL MANAGER
Napoleon Hill
“ Within every adversity is an equal or greater benefit . Within every problem is an opportunity .
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine JULY 2021 3