The conference afforded some 50 emerging market companies the opportunity to promote themselves to investors from other countries through one-on-one discussions and presentations. Redefine CEO Brian Azizollahoff reports that the international investors with which he met expressed a remarkable interest in South African real estate. Many already possessed an extensive understanding and knowledge of local market conditions and dynamics and had undertaken impressive research.  A UK investment house invested USD1,5-million in Redefine linked-units as a direct result of Redefine’s participation in the conference.

“The world-class quality of South African Real Estate investment was certainly recognised,” says Azizollahoff.

On the other hand presenting a barrier to international investment is the lack of liquidity in the local listed property sector, explains Azizollahoff. In addition, both consolidation and growth are required to present listed property companies which match the size required by the international investment community.

The good news is that South African listed property can expect an important new channel for international investment in 2008. South Africa is listed in the Emerging Markets Index, however South African listed property is not included on the EPRA-Nareit Index. Indications are that a sub-index will be created for emerging markets next year, in which South Africa will be included, creating a new opportunity for the inflow of funds.