Discussing hot topics in the realty industry

Three highlights were -

Steven Ngubeni, Chairperson of Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority of South Africa, who said: "The anatomy of the local real estate market does not reflect the demographics of South Africa (SA).

"More opportunities need to be created for black people, Africans, women, the youth and persons living with disabilities, but not at the expense of white people. The industry as a whole should reflect the trans-formation agenda of SA."

Kenny Parcell (see photo above) was the keynote speaker of the event. He is a realtor and President of the National Association of Realtors® (in America) and said during his talk: A changing industry - The relevance of the estate agent: "I honestly believe the best way to build wealth is still through real estate; to be a property owner."

Stephan Potgieter, Executive: Asset Ownership at Nedbank, who said: "Approximately half of all our transactions are from first time home buyers of which 70 % are single buyers, as opposed to buying properties jointly.

"The 'semigration' [moving to coastal and smaller cities] trend [also] continues to gain traction and we have noticed that the activity rate in smaller municipalities is gradually increasing."