Retail sales growth remains solid in real terms, having averaged 3.3% for the 1st 5 months of 2016, similar to the average growth for 2015 as a whole.

The past year has seen business confidence levels in the property industry at an all-time high, fuelled by low interest rates, a relatively strong Rand and a general acceptance that inflation is under control. All of this has been good for the property industry, which has seen occupancy levels improve, rentals firm and a strong appetite for property investment.