NORBERT SASSE
TOP FIVE INVESTMENT TIPS
NORBERT SASSE
Australia . Sasse said Growthpoint Australia was on track to achieve strong earnings and distribution growth . In contrast , the South African market remained difficult , according to Sasse . “ There are many headwinds in the domestic market . I believe that we are managing them well , however , I admit it is tough here ,” he said .
“ Business confidence is low and , most notably , the retail market has come under new pressure . Consumers have become weaker , and there is too much new stock coming on to the market . SA is currently overshopped ,” he said .
Growthpoints eco-friendly e bikes takes the company ’ s environmental innovation beyond its buildings and into the streets , connecting people and places , and creating a valuable , much-needed resource for all Sandton Central ’ s businesses , residents and visitors .
The Greenovate Awards are also intended to act as a feeder programme for potential Growthpoint graduates and internships , allowing Growthpoint to recruit students who have a good understanding on the subject of sustainability - a focus area of major importance to Growthpoint .
Students from the University of Cape Town walked away with the first-ever first prize in the Greenovate Awards . As part of their prize , Rowan McKenzie , Dijon Ross and Miekie van der Merwe , have been fully sponsored to attend the GBCSA ’ s Green Building Convention in 2016 , taking place from 26 to 28 July , at Sandton Convention Centre , where they will present their research project .
The success of last year ’ s Greenovate competition has seen it grow to include the University of the Free State and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2016 . The intention is to take the awards programme to all South African universities with the appropriate built environment faculties .
Australian Investment Growthpoint Properties are continuing their focus on growing their existing investment in Australia . Says Sasse , “ We have looked throughout Europe including countries such as Romania , Poland and the UK and we continue to do so . I find Australia is currently very attractive , and there may be more opportunities there ”.
Growthpoint already has significant exposure to Australia through its subsidiary , Growthpoint
Growthpoint ’ s existing shopping centres were facing competition from new malls , he said .
Often customers would leave existing malls to experience the new ones as soon they opened , as they were attracted by hype and opening specials , which immediately reduced turnover . These customers could then return to their regular centres later on .
Sasse said that , nevertheless , middle-income and upper-income shoppers at its centres were resilient . Cape Town retail was also performing well , especially at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront , of which Growthpoint owns 50 %.
“ We will look at all opportunities that come our way ,” he said .
Many South African funds have bought properties or created joint ventures with property companies in eastern and central Europe in the past couple of years . The cost of funding has been lower there than in SA , and yields have been more attractive , with deals being earnings-accretive immediately . This has boosted distribution payouts .
TOP FIVE INVESTMENT TIPS
• Buy listed property
• Get some offshore exposure
• Diversification
• Don ’ t fall in love with your investments
• Nobody ever went broke taking a profit
• ( leave something on the table for the next investor )
RESOURCES
Edison Power Group
10 AUGUST 2016 SA Real Estate Investor www . reimag . co . za