A change in the banking landscape in South Africa has seen the banks shift from focusing on interest income to non-interest income, with a strong focus on unsecured lending over the past couple of years. 

The introduction of non-bank lenders into the property market has been a boost for property investors, buyers and business owners. 

While returns on listed property are expected to slow in 2013, following stellar performance of 36% in total returns for the year in 2012, the pressure on non-listed commercial property is set to increase during the year ahead.

As a result of low interest rates and an upbeat property outlook for 2013, buyers and investors are increasingly looking to take advantage of potential opportunities in the property market. 

Property investors and developers are upbeat about the South African commercial property sector in 2013, despite analysts’ and property professionals’ expectations that the market will remain sluggish.

Commercial property owners in South Africa are increasingly making costly mistakes when taking out property insurance, often through being given the incorrect advice, or not knowing what to consider when they purchase a property. 

South African non-bank lenders are experiencing an increase in the number of high-nett-worth consumers making use of short-term finance solutions, as an alternative lending option to the commercial banks.