Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March 2016 | Page 7

VIEW FROM THE TOP Raise Your Standards but Lead through your Actions I t must be said that the local economy, business and real estate environment is becoming a little bit more challenging by the day. When the chips are down and the mood negative the first thing to do is to focus on raising our standards. We have to aim to find a positive way to make an impact, become better individuals and also to adapt to rapid change as we go along. The government has acknowledged that the economy is in dire straights and that it needs fixing, with the emphasis on stopping a downgrade to junk status. The budget speech delivered by Finance minister Pravin Gordahn has been measured and is aimed at steering SA from the fiscal cliff but still calls for caution and lacks a proper growth plan. If the government can deliver on the plan this will give us much needed impetus to the economy and property market. The only real bad news for property investors is in the upper end of the market where transfer duties E This is a call for resilience and to look inwardly for opportunities. Prosperous investing. NEALE PETERSEN FOUNDER Welcome to the March edition of the Real Estate Investor Magazine conomic growth is under severe pressure in South Africa, leaving limited options for many investors looking for long-term investments. With the threat of ‘ junk-status’ looming over the economy, the attraction of offshore investments is greater than ever. Our cover feature examines the opportunities available to local investors looking to move their finances offshore. Our Master Investor this month is Gavin Lucas, the 34 year old CEO of Stor-Age, the largest self storage company in South Africa. We chart the www.reimag.co.za have been increased from 11 to 13% for property transactions in excess of R10 million, which decreases the chances of trading in those markets. Real estate still remains an excellent wealth builder and safe haven in any market. There is definite volatility in the financial markets in investments like stocks and commodities right now. Andrew Golding of Pam Golding Properties has down played the economy with a more pragmatic approach to it saying that, “Property is globally recognised as a means of wealth creation and here in South Africa is increasingly sought after among the new generation of young, first time buyers.“ He also says while suggestions of interest rate hikes from 100 to 125bps are imminent during 2016, they still remain low compared to the height of the GFC which was at 15,5%. 10-year rise of the company from a single complex in Edgemead to the national chain of storage centers that it is today. Elsewhere we take a closer look at the latest trends in urban planning, along with the innovations and advances in green building and construction. We also look at new opportunities in the residential market, discuss the advantages of buying off plan and offer advice on debt management. For those who focus on the opportunities at hand, the rewards are obvious. As always, REIM aims to provide the most up to date information and advice for the creative investor. Enjoy the read DREW HOOK EDITOR MARCH 2016 SA Real Estate Investor 5