Show will reveal Hot Property options

Given that the prime lending rate has just inched its way up to 11.5%, now more than ever, buyers need to carefully consider their options and make informed purchase decisions. Hot Property 2006 is the right show at the right time.

People buy residential properties for different reasons, ranging from putting a roof over their heads to acquiring a holiday or retirement home, through to securing a tangible investment with proven good returns and the potential to generate annuity income. The show caters for all of these varied needs.

Included among the exhibits will be some of the newest, trendiest residential property options like equestrian and game farm developments, alongside the still highly sought after golf and lifestyle estates. A look at some of the exhibitors reveals a fascinating cross-section of players in the property market.

Exhibitor, Imagine Developments is a high-tech, internet-based business that markets residential investment properties on behalf of developers. The company will be showcasing some of these developments at the show and introducing visitors to its one-stop online service for buyers, via its website at www.imagine-developments.com. Buyers who relish the idea of buying, among others, a stand on an island off the west coasts of Africa, will definitely want to visit Imagine at the Hot Property show.

New generation estate agency Hunters will demonstrate how employing innovative business processes, focused marketing and salaried agents, enable it to contain costs while maintaining professional service levels, and so charge a lower than average commission rate. Expect a 360-degree exhibit of the company and the added bonus of the Johannesburg launch of its coffee-table style magazine, The Hunt.

South Africa's biggest land developer, Moreland Developments will promote its latest developments along the Kwazulu Natal north coast, and showcase its distinctive approach to creating what it calls "coherent, sustainable environments". Its environmental consciousness and efforts to balance development with conservation are well documented and will be among the things highlighted in its exhibit.

Investors keen to cast their nets in foreign waters will find the St. James's Land offering especially interesting. The company sells plots of undeveloped UK land that have a high potential for obtaining planning permission, and which yield excellent returns on realisation thereof. St. James's Land will launch its first such site for South African investors at the Hot Property show. Called New Addington and located in Kent, the site is less than 30km (just 16 miles) outside of Central London. The 250sqm freehold title plots will sell for a launch offer of £10 000 compared to the normal starting price of £12 000.

Staying offshore, Dubai is a city that has the rapt attention of property investors around the globe, as development in the city progresses with unparalleled speed and determination. Positioned as the "tourist capital of the Middle East", Dubai offers sun, sand and shopping in abundance. The city is also rapidly gaining a reputation as the region's playground of the rich and famous and its property has accordingly become a highly desirable commodity. Property Plus Real Estate LLC in conjunction with Emaar Properties PJSC will use the Hot Property Show as a platform to showcase investment opportunities at the Dubai Marina and Burg Dubai Development - the latter reputedly the tallest tower and most prestigious square kilometre in the world.

Zimbali Coastal Resort, is the name on the lips of those in the market for a complete lifestyle change. This novel development combines the highly desirable benefits of resort and residential estates with the allure of the ocean and an 18-hole golf course. The Hot Property show will offer a close-up on this inspired development.

Among the other exhibitors at this year's show are: Hulett Development; Aston Lloyd & Partners; Emfuleni Properties; Dunblane Resort; Smart Property Marketing; Kingswood Golf Estate; Cape Coastal Property Group; Property Plus Real Estate; Prop X, Mult Projects, Hall Real Estate, Aucor, Ocean Estate International, Royal Palm estate, Highland Gate Estate, Silonque bush Estate, Wendy Mechanick Properties and Homenet Umhlanga.

Apart from what promises to be a thoroughly engaging expo, Hot Property 2006 will also feature 20 minute presentations and workshops, every hour on the hour, from 11:00 to 16:00 daily. These informative talks are free to anyone who wants to better understand their property options and will be conducted by experts representing various exhibitors.

Entrance to Hot Property 2006 is free and the show is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. More information on the show is available online at: www.hotpropertyexpo.co.za or from organisers Thebe Exhibitions on 011 549-8300.