The Old Mutual SA Quoted Property Fund, which invests in listed property stocks on behalf of clients, was named the top fund in the flexible property category over one year at Standard & Poor’s fund awards last week.

Speculation that listed property loan stock company SA Retail Properties could be the target of a hostile takeover bid by another listed property fund has set the market abuzz for the past two weeks.

Listed property unit trust Martprop Property Fund announced interim distributions on Friday that were below the listed property sector average.

Property unit trust Stanlib Property Income Fund, which invests in the property sector of the JSE Securities Exchange SA on behalf of its clients, recorded a total return of 36,7% last year.

The past 18 months have seen a flurry of corporate activity in the listed property sector with property acquisitions, mergers and new listings invigorating the sector and commentators expecting this trend to continue in the medium term.

Analysts expect acquisitions and listings to continue in the medium term

Growthpoint to take its South African pitch on Investec's UK road show in the hope of attracting European customers

Experts say move frees cash for core business.

Secondary listings on JSE may follow if exchange controls are relaxed

With privately owned funds offering stiff competition for assets, many listed funds are turning to development option