Growthpoint Properties' phenomenal expansion path continues. In 2001 it owned all of nine buildings worth R100m. Six years on it has 427 properties in its portfolio, worth a hefty R20bn.

Growthpoint Properties has announced it is opting for an in-house management strategy

The South African listed property sector, which recently surpassed the R100bn market capitalisation threshold for the first time, could again double in size over the next two years as the much talked about foreign investment flow into local real estate stocks starts to materialise

Although property buying and development in SA remains the first choice for expansion-hungry listed property companies, there could also be opportunities in the rest of Africa — albeit with higher risk.

Property companies are expected to find it increasingly challenging to facilitate BEE deals

The price of listed property fund ApexHi's C units are up a staggering 245% in six months. Not too shabby a return for investors who bought the stock at listing in October 2006 as a higher-risk alternative to ApexHi's existing A and B units. C units closed at 280c on listing day and touched 690c/share last Wednesday.

The strong up-tick in demand for listed property stock in recent months has surprised even the most bullish of industry commentators

Growthpoint Properties is to acquire the R500 million Woodmead Retail Park from Investec Property Group

Although Finance Minister Trevor Manuel did not specifically include any property-friendly items in his budget speech last week, his scrapping of taxation on interest for pension funds is expected to be a major boost for the listed property sector.

What does the future hold for PUTs?