Looking ahead, we predict that most trends to emerge in 2023 will follow on from the market shifts that have begun in the post-pandemic environment of 2022, with continued recovery across all sectors as the priority.
Galetti’s six major trend predictions are as follows:
Logistics will continue to outperform the rest
The industrial sector was the strongest commercial property performer in 2021 and 2022, reporting the highest rental growth rate and lowest vacancy levels in comparison to office and retail. The sector’s growth has stemmed from the logistics segment due to high demand for warehousing and vacant land in industrial areas.
We expect this trend to continue in 2023 due to continued high demand and low supply for these kinds of properties, particularly in sought-after areas such as the Western Cape.
Retail sector expected to return to pre-COVID levels
The retail property sector is expected to continue its recovery in 2023, with South Africa’s commercial landlord Growthpoint Properties reporting a 5.8% retail vacancy rate and a 82.7% renewal success rate in its latest Shareholder Update. This recovery is especially stark in comparison to Growthpoint’s office vacancy rate (21.4%) and renewal success rate (61.2%)
The Investor Update states that the company expects continued improvement in key retail metrics, reporting that turnovers at most of its shopping centres are at pre-COVID levels as are consumer footfalls.
In-person auctions regain popularity
The COVID-19 pandemic briefly put a stop to in-person property auctions, resulting in the industry pivoting to online with auctions conducted via the web or game-changing mobile apps. Now that the immediate health risk has passed, in-person auctions are expected to dominate once again.
The energy and excitement of an in-person auction experience create a competitive bidding environment which often results in a better-than-expected outcome for the seller. Auctions also help properties realise their true value – sometimes selling for 10 to 20% more than the traditional market would pay.
Space as a service
The continued high office vacancy levels in South Africa have forced landlords to become more innovative, resulting in many changing the traditional office space as we know it. Today there is a lot of talk around ‘space as a service’ and this is set to gain further momentum in 2023.
Historically, offices were viewed as merely ‘four walls’ to work in, however, today landlords are breathing new life into their buildings. Spaces are being repositioned and reinvigorated as a service.
Demand for B-grade office spaces
Another trend that has emerged is centred around B-grade office space. This classification refers to generally smaller, older buildings with fewer amenities.
There is massive opportunity in B-grade space for investors to revamp vacant buildings and bring them to market. Most A-grade spaces standing empty have failed to attract tenants despite already catering to their wants and needs. In contrast, many B-grade buildings have unrealised potential and savvy landlords are breathing new life into these neglected spaces.
Increased emphasis on aligning to ESG requirements
Tenants are increasingly opting for buildings that align to their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements, and this is set to continue in 2023. They are looking to buildings that have been built to ensure a positive impact on both the environment and the communities in which they are located.
In recent years we have seen an increase in tenants prioritising the ‘E’ in ESG by requiring landlords to implement green building standards such as solar energy, carbon reduction measures, LED lighting, recycling, and recycling wastewater.
Interested in selling, buying, auctioning, or leasing in 2023? Chat with our team of experts who can assist with your requirements!
