• 2009 expected to be the lower turning point in the current property cycle,
taking into account economic conditions and expectations.
• 2009 will be the time to buy property in South Africa, especially for
investment purposes. Capital return will be low, but the rental market will
perform well.
• Aspects around electricity infrastructure expected to have an effect in future,
impacting on the performance of various sectors, industries and the
economy in general. The supply of new housing might be effected, pushing
up demand for and prices of existing housing and properties currently under
construction to higher levels, which might eventually influence the
affordability of housing.
• Nominal house price growth is forecast to drop to even lower levels in 2008
and 2009, with prices set to decline in real terms (real price growth negative)
in both 2008 and 2009.
• Price growth and activity levels are forecast to pick up gradually on the back
of lower inflation and interest rates in late 2009/early 2010.