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Africa’s property industry still offers incredible value for investors interested in a relatively secure income stream, despite the challenges facing the continent. This was the overall mood at the recent South African Property Owners Association, or Sapoa conference, held at the Sandton Convention Centre.

It was at the Sapoa conference where numerous real estate experts discussed investing in African property, saying the continent offers great returns for investors who are willing to study the market and do their homework. While there are risks in Africa, there are risks in any market.

Given the uncertainties caused by Brexit and the UK’s vote to leave the European Union, frontier and developing markets may again regain some attention and investment interest. Addressing the conference, Bronwyn Corbett, the head of Mara Delta, which is the only listed pan African fund, said interest is growing in African property, however, it remains a challenging continent to invest in.

Treat Africa’s Property Industry with Respect

Experts at the conference were in agreement that investors need to treat the African property markets with respect. Property remains a long term game in Europe, America and in Africa. While every African market is different, each poses a challenge that also offers potential for great returns.

“I appreciate that investors want us to make good deals. We are starting to find things but we have to learn as we go along. Many South African investors don’t actually know what happens on the ground in Africa and may expect things to happen more quickly,” Corbett said.

Real estate will continue to sustain in difficult economic times, as long as investors hold on to their quality assets, and purchase assets at the right price. While research shows prices prices per square metre have been rather higher in Africa than in similar investments developed in Spain, US and Canada, the African markets are more resilient, which further adds to its appeal.

Image courtesy of : Africa-ME