This follows the formal announcement of REIT tax legislation for South Africa, published on 25 October 2012, after over six-years of preparation by the listed property sector and National Treasury to introduce this internationally recognised structure in South Africa. The JSE has been part of discussions with the various stakeholders for the last twelve months on these proposals.

From 1 April 2013, any qualifying company with a tax year starting on 1 April or after can adopt the new SA REIT structure at the start of its tax year.

All property companies currently listed on the JSE – property loan stocks and property unit trusts – converting to REITs, and new listings in this sector, will have to comply with the proposed JSE REIT Listing Requirements.

"The JSE welcomes the public consultation process for the proposed changes to its Listings Requirements to allow for the creation of REITs. We look forward to receiving the views of the industry," says John Burke, Director of Issuer Regulation at the JSE.

Norbert Sasse, Chairman of the Property Loan Stock Association (PLSA), which spearheaded the initiative to introduce a best-of-breed REIT in South Africa, says: "We're excited to refer industry participants to the public consultation on the JSE Listing Requirements for REITs."

The PLSA encourages all industry participants to read the proposed listing requirements and, where relevant, provide comments.

"This is another essential aspect in the overall process of having REITs formally implemented in South Africa," says Sasse. "Together we are shaping a solid base for South Africa's listed property sector to grow with tax certainty. We look forward to finalising the JSE Listing Requirements for REITs, which is one of the last steps in formally implementing REITs in South Africa."

The proposed JSE Listings Requirements facilitating the creation of REITs are available on the JSE's website www.jse.co.za. You can find it by following the link for 'How to List' then 'Listings Requirements' where it is under 'New Items'. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments by 25 January 2013. Comments can be submitted electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More information about SA REITs and the listed property sector is at www.propertyloanstock.co.za.