Article re-cap
- Belinda Clur, managing director of Clur International, reported a Q1 2026 annualised trading density of R43,340/sqm for the Western Cape.
- Gauteng edged ahead with a 5.6% y/y growth rate in retail property sector compared to Western Cape's own 5.2% growth.
- Super-regional centres showed the highest y/y% growth at 5.6%, indicating a shift towards larger shopping destinations.
- Community areas recorded a 4.9% y/y growth, with an annualised trading density of R49,131/sqm compared to super-regional's R53,225/sqm.
- The rental position remained stable at a base rent-to-sales ratio of 6.6%, outperforming the March 2026 CPI by 2.4 percentage points.
South African malls in the Western Cape continue to dominate trading densities, outperforming Gauteng despite higher growth rates in the latter.
Belinda Clur, managing director of Clur International, highlights resilience in the retail property sector with a Q1 2026 annualised trading density of R43,340/sqm and y/y% growth of 5.2%.
Gauteng edged ahead of Western Cape for top spot at 5.6% y/y growth, followed by KZN’s 5.2% and the Western Cape’s own 5.2%. Provincial trading density volumes showed Western Cape dominance.
Super-regional centres saw highest y/y% growth at 5.6%, marking a shift towards larger shopping destinations following their improvement since April 2025.
Community and smaller centres recorded 4.9% y/y growth, with community areas showing R49,131/sqm annualised trading density compared to super-regional’s R53,225/sqm.
The rental position remained stable at a base rent-to-sales ratio of 6.6%, outperforming the March 2026 CPI by 2.4 percentage points.
Clur International’s data underscore continued strength in Western Cape retail markets as property funds prioritize investments there.
Frequently asked questions
What was the annualised trading density for Clur International in Q1 2026?
Belinda Clur, managing director of Clur International, reported an annualised trading density of R43,340/sqm for the Western Cape in Q1 2026.
Which province had the highest y/y growth rate in Gauteng?
Gauteng edged ahead with a 5.6% y/y growth rate in retail property sector compared to Western Cape's own 5.2% growth.
What was the rental position for super-regional centres compared to community areas?
Super-regional centres showed the highest y/y% growth at 5.6%, while community areas recorded a 4.9% y/y growth, with annualised trading densities of R49,131/sqm and R53,225/sqm respectively.
How did the rental position compare to March 2026 CPI?
The rental position remained stable at a base rent-to-sales ratio of 6.6%, outperforming the March 2026 CPI by 2.4 percentage points.
What was the annualised trading density for Western Cape community areas?
Community areas showed an annualised trading density of R49,131/sqm in Q1 2026 compared to super-regional's R53,225/sqm.
What did Clur International highlight about the retail property sector?
Belinda Clur highlighted resilience in the retail property sector with a Q1 2026 annualised trading density of R43,340/sqm and y/y% growth of 5.2%, despite higher growth rates in Gauteng.