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Olympus Sandton achieves stratospheric sales success

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The landmark Olympus Sandton residential and retail development has achieved a phenomenal R940 million in sales just days after its luxury apartments were launched for public purchase on 27 February 2025, with 295 apartments sold by the close of the public sales launch weekend.

Olympus Sandton is being developed by Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT), South Africa’s leading real estate investment trust (REIT), in partnership with Tricolt, a premier developer specialising in high-end residential projects. It is the latest development in Sandton Summit, where Growthpoint is shaping its vision to create South Africa’s premier walkable mixed-use precinct. At the high-profile junction of Sandton/Katherine Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton Summit is anchored by Discovery’s iconic head office building (co-owned by Growthpoint 55% and Zenprop 45%). Adjacent to this landmark, along Rivonia Road, the Olympus Sandton high-rise residential development will elevate fine living in vibrant Sandton, setting a new benchmark with 512 state-of-the-art apartments across its two towers.

The development’s first 24-storey residential tower, The Athena, is nearly sold out with 227 of its 288 apartments already secured by eager buyers.

Tim Kloeck, Chairman of Tricolt reports, “Olympus Sandton sales are exceeding all expectations. In response to the overwhelming demand, we are pleased to announce the immediate release of apartments for sale in the second tower, The Apollo. Tricolt brings its expertise in world-class residential living to this landmark project.”

The first 68 of The Apollo’s 224 apartments were snapped up swiftly on release.

Neil Schloss, Head of Asset Management: South Africa at Growthpoint Properties, adds, “The exceptional sales momentum has accelerated the Olympus Sandton development timeline, and we can confirm that construction of both towers should commence in the latter part of 2025 and early 2026. The development’s sales success exemplifies Growthpoint’s strategic approach to unlocking maximum value from prime real estate assets through strategic, market-aligned development and partnerships.”

Kent Gush from Kent Gush Properties states, “I have been selling property for 40 years in Sandton and Olympus has been the most incredible success story of my career.”

Olympus Sandton offers a variety of premium residences, with prices ranging from R1.49 million to R7.2 million for studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Penthouses are available from R14 million to R45 million.

The sales team notes that buyers report Olympus Sandton’s most compelling features are its prime position in vibrant Sandton Summit, offering effortless connectivity, premier amenities and a dynamic neighbourhood. Also enticing buyers is Olympus Sandton’s 360-degree skyline splendour with unmatched views across Johannesburg from the 24-storey tower, which will become the highest point in Sandton. Olympus Sandton’s elevated dining from Marble Hospitality Group, served with the breathtaking panoramas from around The Athena’s entire 18th floor, is a distinctive drawcard, as is the next-level ground-floor curated fancy foodie grocery experience from Pantry by Marble.

Beyond location and lifestyle, Olympus Sandton is a design icon — a landmark envisioned by award-winning Architects Clark Hopkins Clark. With cutting-edge, eco-friendly design, it redefines green luxury, offering smart, sustainable living at its finest.

Spear REIT FY2025 Pre-Close reflects a transformative year

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Spear REIT Limited (JSE:SEA), the Western Cape-focused real estate investment trust has provided an operational and financial update in its FY2025 pre-close presentation for the period ending 28 February 2025. Spear REIT’s FY2025 stands out in the sector due to its strategic focus and consistent robust financial metrics. The company reported a 13.58% year-on-year increase in portfolio value, reaching R5.26 billion assets under ownership, and maintained a high occupancy rate of 96.02% with a further 100bps increase in occupancies since HY2025. The company remains on track to deliver on its objectives and forecast, reporting impressive performance metrics and continued portfolio growth.

Highlights

  • Portfolio value: 26 billion, reflecting a 13.58% increase year-on-year
  • Market capitalisation increase of 5 billion to R 3.3 billion
  • Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio: 97%
  • Interest coverage ratio (ICR): 34 times
  • Fixed debt ratio: 18%, with an average debt expiry of 24 months
  • Proposed final payout ratio: 95%
  • Portfolio occupancy rate: 02%

At the pre-close presentation, Spear’s CEO, Quintin Rossi, noted: “FY2025 has been a transformative year for us, driven by the success of the new Western Cape portfolio acquisition. Thanks to our regional operating strategy, the portfolio has been successfully stabilised into the core portfolio ahead of schedule and under budget. Our commitment to the Western Cape real estate market has resulted in sustained portfolio growth, high occupancy levels, and strong cash collections.”

Portfolio and operational performance

  • Occupancy:02%, supported by a strong tenant retention strategy
  • Portfolio in-force escalations:34%
  • Renewals and new lets: 86,359m² concluded versus 84,620m² expiring
  • Cash collections:78% year-to-date
  • Rental reversions: Portfolio-wide positive reversion of 52%

CFO Christiaan Barnard added: “Active capital recycling and disciplined financial management have bolstered our balance sheet, ensuring a resilient and sustainable capital structure. Our lower cost of debt and risk mitigation strategies continue to support our financial stability which has been a positive contributor to overall performance during the year.”

Spear has successfully implemented a R1.15 billion portfolio acquisition, significantly enhancing its asset base and bolstering its market presence with this accretive 93 500m2 diversified portfolio acquisition. “With an entrepreneurial management team that remains laser-focused on active asset and portfolio management, the Spear investment team is looking ahead towards the new financial year with approximately R1 billion in new acquisition opportunities currently under review, positioning the company for continued and sustained growth”, announced Rossi

Spear’s organic development pipeline is set to add future value to the core portfolio, with strategic projects aimed at expanding its industrial and mixed-use asset base. The GTX Park in George, a 30,000m² industrial development, is progressing with a total capital investment over 5 years of R400 million. Bravo Park in Blackheath is set to expand to Phase 2 by 7,000m², with an R82 million capital investment. Meanwhile, the Marine Drive mixed-use development in Paarden Eiland, anticipated to commence the rollout in phases, will require a total capital investment of R1.5 billion over five years.

Sustainability remains a core focus, with over 60% of the portfolio now equipped with solar PV infrastructure. Ten new solar PV systems are scheduled for installation, following the acquisition of the new portfolio. Furthermore, Spear is exploring wheeling projects within the City of Cape Town to enhance energy security and resilience across its portfolio.

Outlook for FY2025

Looking ahead, Spear remains focused on growth, value creation, and sustainable operations. Management reaffirmed its full year guidance of distribution per share (DIPS) growth of between 2% and4% for FY2025 while maintaining a 95% payout ratio.

Rossi concluded: “With strong leasing momentum, solid regional real estate fundamentals, an enhanced portfolio, and our disciplined financial approach, we are confident in our ability to navigate evolving market dynamics and deliver sustained value to our stakeholders in line with our mission statement.”

Spear will release its results for the full year FY2025 on 22nd May 2025.

Redefine navigates uncertainty with focus on organic growth

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Redefine Properties (JSE: RDF) announced in its pre-close investor update for the half-year ending 28 February 2025 that its earnings outlook has stabilised despite a challenging operating context, driven by a focus on efficiency and strong demand for quality assets.

The company reported that its South African portfolio achieved a net operating profit margin of 77.8%, while EPP, its directly owned Polish retail property platform, improved its margin from 66.4% to 71.7%. This led to a consolidated group net operating profit margin of 75.9%.

Redefine CEO Andrew König highlighted that the global path to economic normalisation has been disrupted by changes in US policy under President Donald Trump, which introduced uncertainty around interest rates and inflation. “The stage is now set for a shallow easing cycle, and rates may not reach the levels we previously expected. While European interest rates continue to trend downward, escalating geoeconomic tensions cloud the 2025 outlook. To sustain growth in valuations, we cannot rely solely on interest rate movements. Our strategic focus remains on organic income growth, as this will drive value creation in the current market.”

Looking ahead, Redefine’s strategy is focused on disciplined capital allocation, the sale of non-core assets to reduce its loan-to-value ratio, restructuring joint ventures to enhance visibility of income streams, whilst delivering income growth. König noted that commercial real estate transactional activity is on the rise, which will support the company’s plans to offload non-core assets, with growing interest in the market.

Despite the disruption caused by the delayed national budget speech, König pointed to two promising initiatives from the National Treasury: efforts to remove South Africa from the greylist by October and the restoration of the country’s investment-grade credit rating. “This is critical for our business, as Redefine’s Moody’s rating was downgraded alongside South Africa’s. A reversal of this could improve access to international debt markets, and the delayed budget may even help with these efforts.”

 Green shoots in the SA portfolio

 Redefine’s South African portfolio has demonstrated solid performance, particularly in the industrial and retail sectors, which drove a 1% increase in overall occupancy since August 2024. Additionally, 80% of renewals were completed at stable or increased rental terms, a positive indicator of growth.

The industrial sector has proven especially resilient, with occupancy rising to 97.6%, alongside positive rental reversions in a competitive market. “The industrial sector continues to be one of our strongest performers, and we see potential for further growth if capital availability allows us to expand,” said Leon Kok, Redefine’s COO.

Conversely, the office sector remains challenged by excess supply and limited demand, except in select nodes. A significant lease renewal resulted in a -17% renewal reversion during the period. However, Redefine mitigated this impact through strong leasing activity in other locations, such as the Western Cape and Sandton, which benefit from proximity to the Gautrain. “Demand is focused on high-quality assets, and our active asset management ensures our portfolio remains well-positioned to attract this limited demand,” Kok added.

Sustainability commitments

 Redefine is making notable strides towards its sustainability goals, with an ambition to become the most sustainable property company by 2030. The company plans to expand its renewable energy capacity by 47%, with an anticipated 17% of energy consumption coming from renewable sources by year-end. Additionally, Redefine has achieved a 38% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across its European portfolio, further solidifying its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The company also received recognition from Sustainalytics, earning three badges, including being ranked the 16th most sustainable global real estate company, the only South African REIT to place among the top 50 worldwide.

Growth in Poland

 While South Africa faces ongoing challenges, Poland’s economic growth has benefited from European interest rate cuts and social grants that have boosted household spending and retail conditions. EPP’s core properties have seen impressive occupancy levels of 99.3%, with rental reversions rising from 0.2% to 1.5%. The rent-to-sales ratio remains well below 9%, indicating healthy tenant affordability.

Redefine is pursuing a strategy of selling non-core assets and restructuring joint ventures in Poland to reduce complexity and lower the see-through LTV. “We are exploring options to simplify our joint ventures to either exit or fully own them,” König explained.

 Strong cash generation

 Redefine’s financial position remains strong, with a liquidity profile of R6.4 billion as of November 2024. The company has also proactively managed its debt profile, including the FY25 maturities that are progressing well on the back of improved liquidity levels in the capital markets. As of February 2025, Redefine’s weighted average cost of debt decreased to 7.2%, providing some relief amid global inflationary pressures.

Ntobeko Nyawo, Redefine’s CFO, emphasised, “Our focus continues to be on generating organic growth from our existing portfolio, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and weathering the current economic cycle. We are positioning the company to capture opportunities in high-quality assets, while ensuring strong cash generation to support our dividend payouts.”

Looking ahead: Living the upside

Redefine enters 2025 with a focus on “living the upside,” aiming for sustainable, long-term value creation. König concluded, “While some macroeconomic factors, including US policy shifts, remain unpredictable, we are confident in our ability to create our own upside and deliver on our strategic goals.”

Despite macroeconomic challenges, the company is maintaining its earnings guidance for FY25, with distributable income per share expected to be between 50 and 53 cents.

 

 

 

SA REIT Association expects steady sector growth in 2025

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The South African Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector is poised for growth in 2025 driven by improving investor sentiment and property fundamentals, rising consumer confidence and falling interest rates.

According to the SA REIT Association December and January Chart Books, the sector is expected to deliver strong income returns of c.8%-9%.

Itumeleng Mothibeli, Chairperson of the SA REIT Research Committee and Managing Director of Vukile Property Fund Southern Africa commented:

“With the economic recovery, lower interest rates and robust demand for commercial property—particularly in the retail,  industrial and logistics sectors – we anticipate growth in the REIT sector this year. Our members are consistently reporting improvements in property fundamentals and the quality of earnings.”

“Township, urban and rural malls will continue to show resilience, while demand for logistics and warehousing space will remain strong. In the office sector, vacancies are falling as demand increases for smaller, high-quality spaces with features like co-working spaces, wellness facilities and smart technology are a draw card for tenants.”

Mothibeli said the defensive qualities of South African REITs such as their inflation protection, mandatory income distributions, liquidity and diversification advantages make them essential for building resilient portfolios. The predictability of real estate leases and rental income gives REITs a defensive edge, enabling more accurate earnings forecasts and lower share price volatility. REIT dividends are known to hedge against inflation, as asset values and rental rates often rise ahead of inflation.

“The cumulative 75-basis point interest rate cut will support sector growth, reduce borrowing and debt repayment costs for REITs, increase property values and returns for investors and boost distributions,” said Mothibeli.  

Despite the economy’s prolonged stagnation in 2024, Nedbank forecasts modest growth of 1.4% in 2025 and 1.8% in 2026. However, the bank expects fewer interest rates this year.

Nicky Weimar, Nedbank Group Economist commented: “Growth will be driven mainly by firmer consumer spending, supported by rising real incomes, subdued inflation, modestly lower interest rates and the withdrawals of contractional savings through the two-pot retirement fund system.

“Commercial property mortgages are recovering while home loans continue to slow. Nedbank expected both the commercial and residential property markets to improve moderately as the year progresses.”

Weimar stressed that the rapidly changing global landscape would probably deliver stickier global inflation and fewer US interest rate cuts, pointing to high-for-longer risk-free rates and continued US dollar strength. Against this backdrop, the South African Reserve Bank is likely to remain cautious.

Given upside risks to the local inflation outlook from a vulnerable rand, elevated US interest rates and the threat of global trade war, the current rate-cutting cycle is likely to be shallow. Nedbank forecasts only one more rate cut of 25 basis points in July. Consequently, monetary policy easing is unlikely to provide a significant boost to the property market. Instead, moderately faster economic growth in response to easing structural constraints and stronger consumer demand will support a reasonable recovery in the property market, said Weimar.

Gary Garrett, Managing Executive of Property Finance at Nedbank CIB commented: “We saw a significant increase in activity in the sector in the second half of 2024 which we attribute to the stability created by the Government of National Unity (GNU) as well as real evidence of interest rate cuts. We believe that this momentum will continue in 2025 should current economic conditions hold.”

The listed property sector outperformed other asset classes, including equities and bonds in 2024, further highlighting the positive sentiment and investor confidence in the sector, Garrett added.

Stor-Age delivers postive operational performance

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STOR-AGE DELIVERS POSITIVE OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE, CONTINUES TO EXECUTE ON ITS NEW LONDON DEVELOPMENT SITE AND GROWS PIPELINE OF UK PROPERTIES TO SIX WITH HINES

Stor-Age Property REIT Limited, South Africa’s leading and largest self storage property fund, announced robust trading results for the four-month period ending 31 January 2025, with total occupancy and average rental rates up.

 Stor-Age delivered a strong trading performance in South Africa in Q3 of FY25, ending 31 December 2024, which continued in January 2025. Occupancy in the owned portfolio increased by 5 400m2 compared to September 2024, to close at 93.5% at 31 January 2025. The portfolio achieved an average rental rate increase of 7.8% year-on-year.

In the context of a subdued economic environment and relative to publicly traded operators, the UK portfolio’s performance was resilient. With Q3 being the weakest trading quarter seasonally in the UK for the self storage sector, total year-to-date occupancy still ended up 1.5%, increasing by 1 400m2. The portfolio achieved an average rental rate increase of 4.1% year-on-year.

The company’s joint venture (JV) properties performed well in both markets, with occupancy since 30 September 2024 increasing by 4 100m2 and 2 700m2 in South Africa and the UK respectively.

Comments Stor-Age CEO Gavin Lucas, “We are pleased with the continued strong operational performance achieved over the four-month period. Our South African portfolio has performed exceptionally well, while our UK portfolio continued to demonstrate its defensive nature and resilience.”

The company has continued to expand its footprint in both markets. In Cape Town, expansion continued at the Parklands property which will increase the GLA to 6 900m2. In the company’s JV with Garden Cities, a purchase agreement was also recently finalised to acquire a parcel of land adjacent to the Sunningdale property, which has performed exceptionally well since its opening in May 2021, to expand the property to 10 500m2.

In London, together with its JV partners, the company completed the development of its property in Leyton (located in east London) in January 2025 and progress continued at the Acton property (located in west London), with a targeted completion date of Q1 FY26. The Leyton property will comprise 3 900m2 on full fit-out while the Acton property will comprise 5 800m2.

Adds Lucas, “There remains an undersupply of high quality self storage properties across both South Africa and the UK providing the group with an excellent opportunity to expand its presence in both markets. The long lease-up period (financing cost implications) required to reach stabilised occupancy at new properties in these high-barrier-to-entry locations also contributes to the defensive nature of our portfolio.”

The company has also continued to make significant progress with its third-party management offering, Management 1st, particularly with privately owned global real estate investment, development and management firm Hines. In addition to the three property Kent Space portfolio which closed in May 2024, the Hines development pipeline now consists of an additional six properties.

Adds Lucas, “Within the Hines pipeline, two development sites have recently been acquired in Chelmsford and Buckinghamshire. Construction at the first site in Chelmsford, Essex is scheduled to begin in Q1 FY26 and work is underway to submit a detailed planning application for the second site in Buckinghamshire by the end of March. Hines hold exclusivity over the four remaining properties in the pipeline, all of which are in various stages of planning.”

Looking ahead, the company remains focused on further expanding its portfolio while continuing to produce an attractive trading performance. Concludes Lucas, “The outlook for development activity remains positive and we are well positioned to pursue these opportunities with our JV partners as they arise.”

The share closed on Friday at R14.60.

Growthpoint delivers Longkloof Precinct heritage development

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Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has delivered the multi-year, multi-million-Rand revitalisation of the historic Longkloof precinct, creating a uniquely Capetonian urban gem.

The precinct redevelopment was thoughtfully curated by Growthpoint, South Africa’s leading real estate investment trust (REIT), in a heritage-led project to inject new life into the Longkloof Precinct. The multifaceted project involved the renovation of several Growthpoint-owned buildings and the creation of an attractive public square at their heart, which connects to the city via four different access routes.

“Growthpoint’s vision was to reimagine six buildings — made up of a historical school and an industrial building with its boiler room — and a vacant parking lot as a hip and vibrant mixed-use precinct that embodies Cape Town’s essence in something new and exciting, yet respectful of its heritage,” says Wouter de Vos, Growthpoint’s Regional Head: Western Cape.

This flagship precinct exemplifies Growthpoint’s commitment to enhancing the city’s built environment​ through urban renewal with quality assets. Its low vacancy rate, below 2%, reflects its desirability in Cape Town’s thriving real estate market.

Work on the precinct began in 2019 after several years of painstaking planning and most elements were completed by 2021. The 21,164sqm multi-use property has become a desirable address for innovative, creative and entrepreneurial businesses. Major office tenants include Travelstart, Mushroom Media and Workshop17. Longkloof is also the fifth Cape Town location of WorkAgility, Growthpoint’s pioneering agile ready-to-occupy office concept, which eliminates traditional office costs and complexity and can be secured for periods as short as one year.

The final hospitality and retail elements were originally planned to open in 2021 but were delayed by the Covid-19 lockdowns and the subsequent period of global and local uncertainty, and now complete and are coming to life around the precinct.

“Five years after the start of the pandemic, the resilience of the Cape Town market is undeniable, with an upswing in international tourism since mid-2023, together with ongoing ‘semigration’ from other parts of South Africa to the Western Cape,” highlights de Vos.

The 154-room Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof Hotel is the first of its kind in Africa and incorporates the façade of the former MLT House, the structure of which has been carefully preserved and integrated into the new design. The hotel entrance leads from Longkloof’s public open square – Longkloof Square – with newly curated retail and social spaces that enhance the precinct’s connectivity and community focus.

De Vos says the hotel is the perfect complement to the mix of uses and tenancies in the Longkloof precinct. “We are proud to welcome Canopy by Hilton to South Africa, which brings fresh, dynamic energy to the city’s hospitality scene, and captures the character, culture and creative charm of its location.”

This thoughtfully designed Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof hotel blends upscale comfort with the charm of Cape Town’s rich cultural tapestry, featuring custom art pieces that reflect the neighbourhood’s creative spirit, articulated in a Cape Malay colour palette, and inspired by fynbos, the ocean and nearby Bo-Kaap on different floors. With its prime Longkloof location, historical setting, and deep connection to local culture, the precinct offers seamless access to major landmarks and public transport, while the hotel delivers everything you expect from Canopy by Hilton—authentic connections, stylish design, and a vibrant social atmosphere.

Andreas Lackner, Vice President Operations, Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton, says, “We are delighted to start welcoming guests to the much-anticipated Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof and are proud to be the centrepiece of the iconic precinct. We congratulate our partners at Growthpoint for completing the development of Longkloof, revitalising the historic precinct with this world-class hotel, an attractive public square and more. The neighbourhood is set to be a destination in its own right, and we are pleased to be at the heart of it.”

Growthpoint has devoted specific attention to ensuring the right retail mix for the precinct, with only a few signs left to hang above its restaurant windows and storefronts. “In keeping with the intention to ensure that Longkloof Square is a destination and meeting point for the local community, we have sought out a mix of food and fashion that is unique to Cape Town. The retail premises are deliberately tailored to create a boutique environment with diversity and interest and will open over the next two months, and we’re excited to share these details soon,” says de Vos.

The retail is on ground level fronting Park Road, extending into Summit Lane and spilling into the square. Each shopfront expresses the identity of its occupant through a mix of timber finishes and different window choices, adding to the charm of the precinct’s distinctive red-brick facades and quirky industrial interiors.

Not all developments can be done with this degree of time and patience, but a heritage-focused project of this nature is an exception. “There is certain value in more difficult developments,” says Neil Schloss, Growthpoint’s Head of Asset Management SA. “The fact that they are hard to do, and there are few property investors who have the capacity to take them on, gives them scarcity and, given the right project, this creates greater value.”

“We are extremely pleased with what has been achieved with the redevelopment of the historic Longkloof precinct and we fully believe that it enhances its surrounds and the city, as well as the Growthpoint portfolio of property assets,” he continues. “This is a new gem to be discovered in Cape Town and aligns perfectly with Growthpoint’s strategy of creating assets that have value and growing relevance into the future.”