Thank you for attending Courtwell Consulting’s Property Outlook 2009 seminar on Wednesday last.

We are also grateful to the speakers who provided such invaluable insight into the year ahead.

The research into the residential property sector which Jacques du Toit (and ABSA Bank) has conducted over the years is truly excellent and provides us with definitive information which we can trust. Jacques’ presentation provided us with a clear indication of the projected performance possibilities within the residential sub-sector and his focused displays and sound explanations revealed that, whilst the South African market is and shall continue to face difficult conditions, our market should begin to show recovery during 2010, albeit house price value growth may never be as extensive as in years gone by.

Chris Hart’s understanding (and subsequent explanation) of international trends – and the subsequent projections under South African conditions – are of extensive value to us. Although his explanations of local conditions, although strong medicine, will help us to plan our property development and tenant mixes sensibly, knowing the risks of a high interest (and inflationary) investment environment. As usual, Chris’ explanations of advanced economics were delivered so that all delegates were kept enthralled, no matter what our level of exposure to economics has been.

Francois Viruly has been monitoring the commercial property sub-sector for over fifteen years and his clear (and entertaining) presentation was very helpful to us: virtually all of the commercial property categories have reached or passed 12 o’clock on investment dial and, therefore, it is time to consolidate, rather than speculate, our investment appetites. Using the projections presented by Francois, both the banking sector and property developers/investors can plan the next cycle of their property involvement with some comfort in the knowledge that our recessionary experience may not turn into a depression of substantial length.

Justice Malala provided us with one of the most clear and insightful investigations into the political scenarios facing us during the next twelve months that we could ever hope to hear. We are all aware of Justice’s experience and informed understanding of politics and his obvious preparation and dynamic presentation has helped us to gain instant clarity in a realm which may have become highly confusing during the past twelve months since the ANC Polokwane conference.

The property law minefield is unfolding in several directions and, whilst Jonathan Smith was only able to cover a few aspects, delegates are welcome to download a comprehensive analysis of our current property law .

We would welcome your feedback on the Courtwell Consulting Property Outlook Seminar 2009 and look forward to seeing you all again soon.