The properties, to be auctioned by Intersite Property Management Services, belong to the city of Johannesburg.

Intersite, formed from the property division of the SA Rail Commuter Corporation in 1991 to manage its property portfolio, also manages the National Roads Agency Portfolio as well as Johannesburg metropolitan council properties.

'The first two auctions attracted a great deal of attention, with the last auction closing at R21m,' says Intersite marketing and new business development manager Neil Gopal.

Properties on which bids in the first two auctions, held last year, were lower than expected have been rolled over to this auction, which will run for about seven days on Intersite's website.

Gopal says the properties have been rezoned, and the process has taken cognisance of public objections and environmental issues.

The properties include seven in Olivedale, varying in size from 8000m² to 35000m² and zoned for business and residential purposes, and three properties in Sunninghill, each about 40000m² and zoned for residential use. Properties in Soweto, Roodepoort and Houghton are also going up for auction.

'The auction is live, and the public can view the details of the respective bidders,' says Gopal.