Commercial Property Becomes New Market Indicator
In an interview with Jason Lee, the Head of Rawson Property’s new Commercial Franchise Division, the following facts emerged:
- Previously, the residential property market was the single major indicator of fluctuations in the economy. Economic upturn was traditionally preceded with increased activity in the residential property market. This trend, in recent times, has not been indicative of the economy’s movement in South Africa.
- Commercial property has, however, shown greater resistance to the downturn in the economy in recent times with negative growth rates straight-lining at less that 6% over the past two years
- The commercial property sector in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange has outperformed almost every other sector with the exception of certain commodities (precious and other metals)
- According to sherriffs’ reports, the repossession of commercial properties has been almost negligible when compared with repossession of residential properties
Lee believes that these trends are set to continue for the next year or two and that, when the economy finally bottoms out and turns around, commercial property will lead the trend.
Banks, and property investors in particular, have long been aware of the trends existing in the market and have leaned towards investment in the commercial property, offering favourable rates, minimum deposits and “user friendly” conditions.
Lee further adds “Those buying our commercial franchises are often highly experienced property investors and are by no means speculators: they are hard-headed business people who, with interest rates and prices at current levels, can see the potential for good returns in the property sector.”
Lee emphasized that his comparison between the residential and property markets does not mean that he disfavours residential property investment in any way.

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