The flourishing industrial and commercial property market and the growing popularity of auctions has resulted in an increasing number of properties coming under the hammer, urging Aucor to consider holding two multiple auctions a month.

Property loan stock company South African Retail Properties, which hasa property portfolio worth nearly R1,1bn, including 27 shopping centres,has increased its distributable income to unit holders.

SA Retail Properties has outperformed market expectations with a 5,7% rise in distributable income to 65,9c a linked unit for the year ended March 31, 2004 (2003: 62,35c).

Multi-disciplinary construction company Group Five reported yesterday that it has started the year with a spate of international and local contracts.