Residential property market expected to remain robust

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This was unusual to see, as the residential and commercial markets are usually counter-cyclical. The interesting fact is that even though South Africa was not as affected as the rest of the world by the property market crash, we have not seen the same level of recovery in our markets as Europe and the US has.

That said, we are now expecting to see a return to 'normal' in terms of the counter-cyclicality of the residential and office space markets. The residential property market is expected to remain relatively robust, while we anticipate the office market will continue to experience lacklustre trading conditions in the year ahead.

Secure investment

What has been evident over the past year is that residential property in Johannesburg's northern suburbs continues to be a secure investment option. While South Africa's financial markets, currency and resources have been volatile for most of the year, residential property in most areas throughout the country has remained on an even keel, and even though growth has been mediocre overall, it has still been a solidly performing asset class.

South Africa has not experienced negative equity on residential property due to inflation. With rising inflation, it's doubtful that residential property will see negative equity in the near future either. That said, growth prospects for residential property in 2016 are expected to remain muted in line with global economic trends.

Despite much speculation to the contrary, I don't believe that there is a residential property bubble on the horizon for South Africa. Demand in some areas continues to outstrip supply, added to which the level of residential property development has been controlled and fairly subdued due to the financial institutions' caution around financing developers, based on their past bad experiences and fallout from the 2008 international recession.

Rental market

Even though a constrained economy and tough financial climate has affected many consumers' ability to qualify for home loan finance, the rental market has picked up the slack during 2015 and will continue to remain strong throughout 2016.

There has been more development of residential apartment blocks purely for rental accommodation in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, with a noticeable move from institutional investors into this space. We have also seen a number of large private investors invest into schemes that have been developed purely for rental purposes.

There is sufficient demand in and around Johannesburg's main business nodes and CBDs for continued development of rental accommodation to take place. The interest rates, which have an impact on consumer spending and home loan finance affordability, will remain in an upward cycle during 2016.

Impact of higher rates

The higher rates, no matter how small the increases, will translate into less movement in the residential property market coupled with lower growth. However, buyers who are relying on finance should bear in mind that since late 2010 we have had one of the lowest interest rates that we have seen since 1979.

While overall the property market outlook may not seem too exciting, there are area trends that will be worth taking note of in the year ahead as there were during 2015. Prime examples this year have been the boom in development in the Bryanston, Rivonia/Sandton and Rosebank precincts. Many investors in these developments have benefited from high growth rates that are well above the average over a short period of time.

Those looking to purchase property during 2016 can't go wrong, provided they do their research about the micro market in which they want to buy and make well thought out, researched and informed investment decisions.