John Loos
Johannesburg
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Articles by John Loos
The housing boom that could backfire
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Search jobs Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries South Africa’s housing market carries a surprising weight in the economy: residential property accounts for almost a quarter of the country’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket. Housing and utilities have a 24.1% weighting, ahead of food and transport, with rentals alone accounting for 15.5%. But the numbers reveal an intriguing contradiction.
Cape property surge fuels private capital demand
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries The Western Cape's continued property market surge is creating increasingly sophisticated transaction requirements, driving growing demand for commercial funding solutions that can provide the speed, certainty and flexibility often required in complex property deals.
Why Gauteng’s slowdown exposes South Africa’s one-engine growth risk
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries Economic and political boundaries often do not align, leading to a skewed focus when addressing South Africa’s growth challenges. Gauteng’s size and economic dominance have drawn increased attention to Johannesburg’s infrastructure and governance issues, which is a positive shift.
South Africa: Economists warn inflation spike could weigh on household spending
The CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation rate for April 2026 came in at 4,0% year-on-year, significantly up from the 3,1% rate recorded in March. Transport CPI inflation was the key driver of the surge in CPI inflation, but still not the single biggest contributor to overall CPI inflation.
Rent vs buy? Far more to consider than Rands and cents
John Loos | Independent Economist | John Loos Economics | mail me | Housing market data has shown a broad rise in the house price/rent ratio over some years. This trend would point to relative affordability shifting in favour of the rental option over buying. However, there is far more to consider in the “rent vs buy” debate. We recently saw the release of StatsSA’s House Price Indices for December 2025. This release completed the house price performance picture for last year.
Economists warn: Inflation spike could weigh on household spending
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries The CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation rate for April 2026 came in at 4,0% year-on-year, significantly up from the 3,1% rate recorded in March. Transport CPI inflation was the key driver of the surge in CPI inflation, but still not the single biggest contributor to overall CPI inflation.
OPINION | How to survive the big salary squeeze
Structural reform might aid your personal finances over the long term, but, in the meantime, you need to be proactive about your spending, write John Loos and Paul Yon. For more financial news, visit News24 Business. The conflict in Iran has created a long-running economic shock that’s affecting individuals and companies globally. Oil prices are jumping around, reaching a Brent crude oil of $107 in early April, and official forecasts suggest it could stay above $95 in the near term.
The squeeze is real: what rising consumer debt means for South Africa's economic road ahead
21 April 2026 | Economy | General | John Loos, Economist & Paul Yon, CEO of VeriCred Credit Bureau Headwinds, hard choices and good reasons for South African consumers to build confidence in tough economic conditions The conflict in Iran has created a long-running economic shock that’s affecting individuals and companies globally. Oil prices are jumping around, reaching a Brent crude oil of $107 in early April, and official forecasts suggest it could stay above $95 in the near term.
The fuel price challenge
Last week saw the country consumed in debate around the April fuel price hikes linked to the Middle East conflict. The question repeatedly asked is what can we do to mitigate this shock? The seemingly obvious answer, right here and now, is ‘very little’. Government did offer temporary fuel levy relief of R3 per litre to reduce the magnitude of the price increases, cushioning the blow for consumers.
Fuel price challenge: can we afford not to cut taxes?
South Africa has been consumed in the debate around the April Middle East conflict-related fuel price hikes. The question that has been repeatedly asked is what can we do to mitigate this shock? The seemingly obvious answer right here and now is ‘very little’. Government did offer temporary fuel levy relief of R3/litre to reduce the magnitude of the fuel price increases, cushioning the blow for consumers.
Bizcommunity.com· 1d How Iran conflict has forced SARB's hand on repo rate 4 min read
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How Iran conflict has forced Sarb's hand on interest rates Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries After this week's latest round of deliberations regarding interest rates, the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep its policy repo rate unchanged at 6.75%. This implies prime lending rates of major banks remaining unchanged at 10.25%.
Bizcommunity.com· 16h Sectional title gains momentum as South Africa's house prices climb 4 min read
List of Partners (vendors) Information about your activity on this service (for instance, forms you submit, non-advertising content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (such as your previous activity on this service or other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (which might for example include possible interests and personal aspects).
Sectional title gains momentum as South Africa's house prices climb Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries South Africa’s housing market continued its upward momentum in October 2025, with the latest House Price Indices from Statistics South Africa showing further acceleration in year-on-year growth.
South Africa's economic reforms bear fruit with 5th consecutive growth quarter Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries South Africa’s economy demonstrated resilience in 2025, recording 1.1% growth for the year and a 0.4% expansion in the fourth quarter, according to Statistics South Africa. This latest performance marks the fifth consecutive quarter of growth, underscoring the country’s ability to navigate a challenging global environment.
Is an oil-induced economic slowdown inevitable? Experts weigh in Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries As the second week of escalating conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran unfolds, global oil markets face mounting pressure, with Brent Crude surging to around $107 per barrel from $92.69 last Friday.
The Household Sector Economy
09 March 2026 | Economy | General | John Loos, Independent Economist In a potential full-blown oil price shock scenario, including a resultant economic slowdown and inflation-driven interest rate hiking, transport and hospitality-related spending could be significantly impacted as consumers make spending adjustments.
2026 looks set to be a stronger housing market year, but Middle East conflict poses a key risk
02 March 2026 | Investments | Property | John Loos, Independent Economist HOUSE PRICE GROWTH PEAK EXPECTED IN 2026 Economic Backdrop – Mild improvement in 2026 South Africa started the year with CPI (consumer price index) inflation very much “under control” at a 3.5% rate in January.
John Loos | Protect yourself against nasty shocks from fuel and power
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Consumer inflation data shows that the cost of electricity, gas and other household fuels surged by more than 660% since January 2008. By comparison, transport-related fuel costs rose around 170%. George Pachantouris/Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
John Loos | SA house prices to pick up, but watch out for Iran war
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Growth in the value of new residential mortgage loans improved in 2025 on the back of the interest rate cuts. andreswd/Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
#BehindtheCampaign: Showmax says dare to believe Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies In a world where most TV and movies come from America, it’s easy to believe that most heroes do too. But talent is universal, even if opportunity is not.
Interview: With ‘Before’ and ‘Out of My Mind,’ Judith Light Continues to Conquer Even the Trickiest of Genres
Light is back in the Emmy conversation with Apple TV’s horror-drama Before and Disney+’s coming of age comedy Out of My Mind, two wildly different projects that showcase her seemingly boundless versatility Judith Light in her prestige TV era is quite a sight to behold. Not only does the Emmy, two-time Daytime Emmy, and two-time Tony winner consistently show up in fascinating, challenging projects but each character she embodies feels radically unique, specific, and somehow only achievable by her.
Bull Brand expands ready-to-eat meals range with new variant Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Bull Brand is expanding its ready-to-eat meals category with the launch of a new variant: Curried Chicken Mince with Vegetables. Bull Brand’s latest innovation lands at the intersection of category growth and consumer-driven innovation.
Residential struggle continues as non-residential building gains ground Original
Advertise your job vacancies 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Building sentiment, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, saw a marginal improvement to 41 in 1Q2025, from 40 in 4Q2024. Source: Supplied. Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, Senior Economist: FNB. The current reading means that the majority (almost 60%) of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions.
From desks to homes: how residential conversions are tackling office oversupply Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies In a striking shift that signals the office market’s adaptation to post-pandemic realities, nearly one in five office property purchases in South Africa is now intended for residential or mixed-use conversion. Source: Supplied. John Loos, Senior Property Economist at FNB. In Johannesburg, that number soars to 38.1%, according to FNB’s latest Property Broker Survey.
The battle of clarity: Construction safety regulations fall short, say industry experts
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Retiling your bathroom or repairing a wall after storm damage could soon require notifying the Department of Labour seven days in advance — or risk facing legal action. That’s one of the more controversial proposals in the newly published Draft Construction Regulations, which recently closed for public comment. Source: Supplied. Adv. Hendrik Terblanche, Managing Director of Legricon Legal Risk and Compliance Consultants.
2025 CE Index reveals top performers in banking customer satisfaction
Advertise your job vacancies 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more In a first-of-its-kind announcement, FNB and Standard Bank have been named joint winners of the inaugural Customer Experience (CE) Index for the consumer banking sector in 2024. This new benchmark is poised to transform the way brands evaluate and enhance their customer experience strategies.
Pick n Pay and FNB boost rewards: Earn up to 30% back with expanded partnership
Advertise your job vacancies 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more FNB and Pick n Pay are expanding their partnership to add more value for all FNB and RMB Private Bank’s customers. The bank’s retail and commercial customers will all earn up to 30% of their spend back in eBucks when using Pick n Pay’s asap! on-demand delivery service, and up to 20% back from all items when shopping at Pick n Pay stores from 1 April 2025.
Pick n Pay and FNB boost rewards: Earn up to 30% back with expanded partnership
Advertise your job vacancies 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more FNB and Pick n Pay are expanding their partnership to add more value for all FNB and RMB Private Bank’s customers. The bank’s retail and commercial customers will all earn up to 30% of their spend back in eBucks when using Pick n Pay’s asap! on-demand delivery service, and up to 20% back from all items when shopping at Pick n Pay stores from 1 April 2025.
Why South Africa’s top companies advertise on BusinessTech Original
Advertise your job vacancies 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Thanks to BusinessTech’s high-end audience of South African decision makers, the country’s top companies advertise on BusinessTech on a regular basis. BusinessTech is South Africa’s leading business news website and the advertising partner of choice for top South African companies looking to promote themselves.
Interest-rate cuts hint at a revival in residential construction for 2025 Original
Advertise your job vacancies 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more The December 2024 residential building data from StatsSA completes the weak picture for this segment of the construction sector. However, while challenges persist, there are indications that planned building activity may have been edging towards positive growth as 2025 approached. Source: Supplied. John Loos, senior economist at FNB Commercial Property Finance.
#BizTrends2025: Cautious optimism for better times, but risks are abundant Original
Advertise your job vacancies 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more 2024 felt like a key “turning point for the better” for the South African economy. John Loos, senior economist at FNB Commercial Property Finance. This included not only the turn of the short-term cycle as interest rates began to decline again, but possibly also the start of a gradual turn in the bigger long-term economi“super-cycle”.
John Loos
John Loos John Loos is a senior economist at FNB Commercial Property Finance. Loos began his career as an economist at the National Treasury under Finance Minister Trevor Manuel. Since 2018, Loos has focused on commercial property analysis, conducting surveys like the FNB Commercial Property Broker Survey to assess market activity and broker sentiment. John Loos is a senior economist at FNB Commercial Property Finance.
Mild Improvement Amid Shaky Economicy
Cautious Optimism for Better Times, but risks are abundant. 2024 felt like a key “turning point for the better” for the South African economy. Thisincluded not only the turn of the short-term cycle as interest rates began to declineagain, but possibly also the start of a gradual turn in the bigger long-term economi“super-cycle”.
Interview: June Squibb (‘Thelma’) is Firing on All Cylinders and Having the Time of Her Life [VIDEO]
Watching Academy Award nominee June Squibb scoot and shoot through her delightful new action film Thelma, a quote from the late Maggie Smith in her Oscar-winning role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie immediately sprang to mind: “You…must be on the alert to recognize your prime, at whatever time it may occur, and live it to the full.” At 94, June Squibb is absolutely in her prime. After decades of sterling supporting work, Thelma marks her first leading role, and it’s an action film to boot.
Interview: For Judith Light, ‘Shining Vale’ and ‘Julia’ are Two Sides of Her Own Versatile Coin
Fresh off her first Primetime Emmy win for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Poker Face, Judith Light re-enters this year’s Emmys conversation with a pair of scene-stealing guest roles that showcase her wide range and extraordinary attention to detail. On the comedy side, Light gives us the wonderfully glamazonian Joan in Shining Vale, the critically acclaimed comedy-horror Starz original that was sadly not renewed for a third season.
Record median prices in the Helderberg underpinned by upcountry and foreign buyers
Search jobs A marked increase in upcountry and foreign buyers has boosted both the sales and rental markets in Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay during the past three years with ongoing development to meet the growing demand. Source: Supplied. Fairhaven Country Estate.
Record median prices in the Helderberg underpinned by upcountry and foreign buyers
Search jobs A marked increase in upcountry and foreign buyers has boosted both the sales and rental markets in Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay during the past three years with ongoing development to meet the growing demand. Source: Supplied. Fairhaven Country Estate.
Has the rate of “semi-gration”, be it of businesses or households, slowed?
By: John Loos, Property Sector Strategist at FNB Commercial Property Finance FNB commercial property and finance property insights Has the rate of “semi-gration”, be it of businesses or households, slowed? That’s what some say, and it is possible, but such a slowdown may only be temporary due to normal cyclical factors. Recently, there have been claims that South Africa’s inter-regional “semi-gration” rate may have slowed, or even reversed.
June Retail Sales data point to near-term retail property market pressure continuing
By John Loos, Property Sector Strategist at FNB Commercial Property Finance June Retail sales recorded the 7th consecutive real (inflation-adjusted) year-on-year decline, to the tune of -0.9%, following on a revised -1.6% decline in May 2023. Hopefully, this slower rate of real decline points to a levelling out in real retail sales.
Alarm raised over increasing municipality rates that contravene Treasury guidelines
It says that despite National Treasury guidelines, municipalities have regularly increased their rates by over 10% per annum over the past few years, more than the annual consumer price index (CPI). Water and property rate prices rose by a substantial 140% from 2010 to 2021, almost double the rise in the general price level.
Tough times for retail property as April sales show continued declining trend
A key cause of weak real retail sales has been the sharp surge in retail price inflation from only 3.8% year-on-year in March 2022 to 8.5% in March 2023, before slowing only slightly to 8.2% in April 2023.
Interest rate hike contributed to expectation of slower commercial property market and mortgage lending in 2023
By John Loos, Property Sector Strategist at FNB Commercial Property Finance This latest 50 basis point interest rate hike on its own has a limited dampening impact on the commercial property market. But it brings the cumulative interest rate hiking in the current cycle to 475 basis points since late-2021, and that amount of interest rate hiking, and this is very significant in magnitude, much of the cooling impact of earlier rate hiking still yet to impact on the commercial property market.
Why property prices or valuations indices do not tell the full story of market weakness
By John Loos, Property Strategist, FNB Commercial Property In a downturn, property market values can deviate dramatically from the market ‘equilibrium’ value, which can be lower in recessionary times due to strong resistance by the market to dropping values in order to sell. The result can be a significant oversupply in the market and subsequent weakness. Property values typically adjust very slowly to changes in economic fundamentals.
As Western Cape property rockets with semigration, will other regions strive for better rates and services? Original
By John Loos Recently, heads of some major listed property funds have again been highlighting the challenge of municipal rates and utilities tariffs that continue to rise in excess of general inflation rates. This is becoming ever-more troublesome for tenants and property owners, as they contribute to operating costs eating into a rising portion of property incomes. It has been made worse in recent years by property income growth coming under pressure from a long-term economic stagnation.
A tough year ahead for commercial property - key themes to look out for in 2023
With consumer price inflation slowing, FNB believes that interest rates are near their peak, but the full impact of rate hikes has yet to be felt. The industrial property market is expected to remain the relative outperformer, albeit with a slower year in that property class also anticipated. The recently strengthening residential rental market may 'level out', and 2023 is expected to be slower for residential development.
September stats confirm Q3 slowed growth in new residential buildings
Growth in third quarter residential building plans passed slowed into negative growth territory. The slowdown is believed to be the impact of high consumer inflation and rising interest rates, along with renewed pressures on the economy. These factors have likely cooled housing demand in the new home market. The release of Stats SA September residential building statistics complete the new residential building picture for the third quarter of 2022.
Interest rate hike likely to add to commercial property market "cooling" already underway
Source: Property_Baloncici © 123RF.com The cumulative impact, accompanied by interest rate hiking globally that is cooling off the global and domestic economy, is believed to be having both direct and indirect “cooling” impacts on the commercial property market.
Western Cape on ‘vastly different trajectory’ to other major provinces
By John Loos Not only is the Western Cape on a different load shedding schedule (four while the rest of the country is at 6 stage) but years of building a popular “brand” as a lifestyle and well-run region appears to be increasingly paying off for the Western Cape economy and property market, writes FNB economist John Loos.
Office, retail property still struggling, industrial top of the 3
By John Loos The Industrial Property market is still perceived to be the strongest of the the major commercial property sectors of Industrial, Retail and Office. Story continues below Advertisement This is according to a recent FNB report looking at third-quarter 2022 results of its Commercial Property Broker Survey.
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