Thesis (M. Hous. M.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007.

Thesis (M. Hous. M.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007.

Thesis (M. Hous. M.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007.

M.Ing. / This dissertation proposes to develop a procedure for effective property management that ensures sustainable social housing institutions. The social housing institution is a relatively new concept in South Africa. This industry experiences many problems that include poor relationship management and the lack of tenant participation. This research has shown that effective property management practices alleviate certain of these restrictions of social housing. The solution of the dissertation is based on a procedure that follows five stages. This dissertation recommends that end-user education be investigated in further detail.

The rise of globalisation has led to more and more companies expanding beyond their borders. Gray (2002) sees this rise as a direct result of technology. He feels that technology has been the main factor leading to internationalisation. Desai (2003) feels that it is a combination of both market forces and technology giving rise to greater cross-border trade. The flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) around the world increased by up to seven times between 1992 and 2006 (Hill, 2007). This led to a 150 percent increase in world trade value and a 45 percent increase in output (2007). According to Hill by 2005 stock of global FDI exceeded $10 trillion. The objective of this research is to understand the intricacies of the strategic decisions of multinational property companies that expand beyond their borders, with a focus on investment property. The research uses the internationalisation theory known as the eclectic paradigm as a lens through which to view the subject. The paradigm is made up of three sub-paradigms – ownership, location and internalisation - and focuses on how multinational companies internationalise their operations. Multinational property companies (MNPCs) are increasingly looking to increase their foreign direct investments into investment property outside their borders where the yields may be better, or perhaps to spread their risk (de Rauville, 2008). Using the case study methodology the research aims to understand not only how these companies achieve their fdi ends, but why they chose particular modes of entry; their specific country choices; and what led them to believe that they had the capability to ensure success. Of added interest is the application of the eclectic paradigm within this context. The research proved successful in that the intricacies of the strategic decisions made by the multinational investment properties in the study were revealed. These led to further insights for current and future work on the topic. In addition the eclectic paradigm proved a most useful lens with which to view the topic. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

There are several different investment opportunities for the private investor in South Africa in the asset class of immovable property. The purpose of this study is to identify the category of investment within this asset class that produces the most wealth creation. Four broad property investment categories exist. There are speculative investments involving short-term high profit returns. There are also long term income producing investment options. Property development is another category although there are often limitations in terms of financial accessibility for private investors. Finally there is the category of investing in listed property through property shares or unit trusts. Each category can be further segmented into property types such as residential, commercial, industrial, or undeveloped land. Each property type produces different returns and levels of profitability but is also affected by specific risks and externalities. Recent growth in the South African property market has caused a flood of private investors to enter the property market. Many of these investors lack knowledge of their asset purchase. This may be in terms of the potential financial return of their particular asset choice, or the variables and risks involved. Many potential investors feel that property investment is inaccessible to them and that it is reserved exclusively for the wealthy. This study undertakes to evaluate the category and type of property investment that offers the greatest potential for wealth creation for the private investor through research and calculation. It also serves to establish the profile and perceptions of potential private investors with respect to the different property investment options available to them. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Housing is currently a topical issue in South Africa which has a housing backlog estimated to exceed 2,5 million households. Banks are a critical component of the housing value chain. They have been struggling to facilitate the reduction of the backlog, citing a lack of market liquidity of townships relative to the suburbs as a primary reason for the failure to reduce the backlog. The aim of this research study is to determine the extent to which information asymmetry is a factor in the liquidity of the township property market, with a view to understanding the impediments to liquidity in the township real estate market, and make recommendations for parsimonious interventions. Quantitative analysis was performed by examining data obtained on Estate Agents, Properties Registered and Demographics. Descriptive statistics were employed to understand the structure of the market. Thereafter factor analysis was used to identify relationships and narrow the number of variables for further exploration. Finally, multiple regression was applied in order to understand how the variables identified interacted with one another. The findings revealed that estate agents and the type of housing product had a direct impact on market liquidity. Market liquidity in the township market could be improved by making practical and parsimonious interventions centred on the estate agents, and property developers. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The phenomenal growth of residential property prices when compared to other asset classes has resulted in property prices being the subject of significant debate in South Africa in the recent past. The reasons for the price increases are the subject of as much debate and uncertainty. This research attempts to determine whether there is a statistically significant relationship between the economic indicators selected and residential property prices, which could provide some indication of the factors influencing residential property prices in South Africa. The economic indicators selected were interest rates, real gross domestic product, average income, bond affordability levels, rand to US dollar exchange rates and inflation. Residential property prices in South Africa were measured using two data bases, the ABSA database, which comprised average residential property prices split into affordable, middle and luxury segments, as well as the Standard Bank database comprising median residential property prices in South Africa. The sample period was determined by reference to the period when data in respect of all the variables was available. Autocorrelation was removed from the data and thereafter a stepwise regression was performed to determine which economic indicators had a statistically significant relationship to each category of residential property price. It was found that quarterly lagged disposable income per capita (average income) had a statistically significant relationship to affordable and luxury property segments, as well as the median property prices. No economic indicator was found to have a statistically significant relationship to middle segment property prices. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The aim of this study was to show how Flanagan’s Critical Incident Technique may be used to conduct a systematic and objective study of training needs in the field of Real Estate selling. The data were gathered from 86 volunteer registered salesmen whose names had been randomly selected from a master file containing approximately 990 names of registered real estate salesmen. A total of 314 useable reports yielding 327 actual incidents and 88 items of general information were gathered and reclassified according to standard Critical Incident Technique methods. Agreement by two judges served as a check on the validity of the sorting and classification of each incident and item of information. It was found that more failures in selling may be ascribed to inadequate dealings involving property than to those involving people or monetary considerations. Within the limitations of the present study, the gathering of items of general information proved to be a valuable adjunct to Flanagan's Critical Incident Technique. / Arts, Faculty of / Psychology, Department of / Graduate

This study surveys commercial real estate agents on their use of trade area (location) analysis in the marketing (leasing and selling) of retail space. Throughout the study, the broad definition of the broker as an information agent on all facets of real estate is narrowed in order to isolate the purpose, type and scope of the trade area (location) information he processes. As such, the primary objective of the study is to determine the extent to which realtors practice trade area (location) analysis in their marketing of retail space. Real estate literature emphasizes two points that together serve as the basis for the study: (1) brokers should strive to become advisors to their clients and customers and (2) the importance of trade area (location) data for identifying a retail property's most beneficial use(s) and determining its value. Yet, even though these two points are well recognized, some question remains about the extent of trade area (location) information realtors are processing. For example, one large corporate real estate buyer has remarked that out of the many investment proposals he received from brokers, few contain sufficient market data to allow prudent investment decisionmaking. In addition, real estate practitioner literature, while noting the importance of trade area, offers few if any procedures that could be followed to develop a trade area analysis. Based on these observations, this study attempts to gain an insight into the realtors practices of trade area analysis. To accomplish this objective, trade area literature was reviewed to identify trade area characteristics, techniques of analysis, and data sources. From this information a set of questions was developed and used to survey realtors on their practices of trade area analysis. Data from the survey show: (1) the type of analyses developed, (2) the content of the analyses, and (3) the purpose of the analyses. Interpretation of the survey data indicates that there is a discrepancy between the trade area analyses that are currently being developed and the "state of the art" as evidenced by trade area literature. Recommendations are that real estate practitioner literature could devote more attention to including procedures that realtors might follow to develop a trade area analysis and that realtors could increase their use of real estate literature. / Business, Sauder School of / Graduate