The gradual revival of SA listed property prices since March has steered the sector to a recovery of over 9% during this period.

Norbert Sasse, Chairman of the Property Loan Stock Association, pointed out that the South African listed property sector is now at the same high levels achieved in January.

Head of property funds for Stanlib, Keillen Ndlovu explained that the pick-up in bond yields in mid-March this year resulted in an increase in listed property's appeal relative to the bond market, driving heightened interest in the listed property sector.

In the year to July, listed property has shown returns of 4.7%, compared to 1.4% for the JSE all-share index and 2.8% for the bond market. The listed property sector reported total returns of 1.2% for June, compared to negative returns of -2% for the all share.

The listed property sector is now worth over R130 billion, with property loan stock at R90 billion, spread over 13 publicly-traded companies.

Sasse noted that more new property loan stock listings are expected on the JSE before end of the year, including Dipula Income Fund.

"With two new listings already this year, and the further listings expected in the coming months, it is a good sign for the sector," Sasse said.

"They show opportunity and confidence in the listed property sector, based on its positive past performance and its capacity for healthy future returns both immediately and in the long-term".