Globally, the resolution of disputes before embarking on costly litigation is an increasing trend. And with the South African government about to make it mandatory for all court cases to go through a mediation process before they can be set down for trial, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched an internationally accredited mediation training programme in this country

The views held by some market commentators in the UK and across the Atlantic could perhaps be construed as somewhat optimistic, but at the very least they suggest where some of the key sector and niche market opportunities lie

Commercial property in the US, Canada, and Australia outperforms Europe in the first quarter of 2012; this as the UK market adapts with shorter lease terms in order to match business risk and flexibility requirements

Could unlocking the wealth potential of all townships be as big a step forward as Margaret Thatcher’s handing over of council houses in Britain to their tenants for private ownership?

Similarly to the UK and other developed markets, is SA in a potentially burgeoning buy-to-let climate as a result of various market imperfections and constraints?

For those businesses who prefer not to formally engage tenant representative firms because they choose not to sign formal contracts / agreements, answer this:

UK banking giant Barclays Plc has confirmed that it is relocating its Africa headquarters in Dubai back to Johannesburg

South African retail investment trusts offer better value than their UK and Australian counterparts, according to Angelique de Rauville.

Redefine Properties International, part of property stock Redefine's stable, announced on Monday that its subsidiary, Redefine International plc, was in conversation with UK company Wichford's board and advisers Rothschild regarding a potential combination of Redefine International plc and Wichford.

Estate agents have expressed confidence about the sustainability of foreign interest in the South African residential property space post the 2010 Soccer World Cup.