Lower interest rates: Simon Brown on renting vs buying a home

Seasoned independent listed-property analyst Keillen Ndlovu shares insights on the sector in the first six months of 2025, noting that despite market volatility, it is up from a total return perspective and ‘on average earnings have improved, as well as guidance’.

Sinenhlanhla Sithomo from Investec Life weighs in on buying versus renting in the current economic climate, saying ‘you pay either way’ – and highlighting what to be aware of.

Rating the precinct as one of SA’s most successful public-private partnership models, the CEO of the Cape Town trophy asset adds: ‘For both the PIC and Growthpoint, this is arguably their most successful investment in property.’

Charles Thompson, the founder and MD of Devmco Group, says the broader mega mixed-use development zone north of Umhlanga, including across the M4 roadway, is still anticipated to realise around R50 billion in new development over a 20- to 25-year period, making it one of the fastest-developing property nodes in SA.

Karim Cheltout, senior vice president of development for the Middle East & Africa at the world's largest hotel group, shares insights on Marriott’s expansion plans on the continent, including into the safari or game lodges space.