Podcast: Beyond Bricks and Mortar, a Global Property ETF Made for South African Investors

The first Ghost Stories for 2026 opens the door to property investments with Satrix. The Finance Ghost chats to Lauren Jacobs, Senior Portfolio Manager at Satrix, about the evolution of property investments and how Satrix is positioned to offer investors access to a range of property investment opportunities.  

The Listed, the Physical, the Admin

Lauren and Ghost offer their own perspectives on property investments, with Lauren preferring a more traditional approach while Ghost adopts a more modern approach. Both agree that investors need to be aware of the realities and hidden costs of property ownership in South Africa, including transfer duties, capital gains tax, ongoing maintenance, and estate duties.

Local Property Exposure 

Through two funds, one ETF and the other a unit trust, Satrix offers investors exposure to the local property market. The conversation unpacks the differences in index composition and capping mechanisms, emphasising the importance of fact sheets and understanding what makes each product unique.  

Introducing the Satrix Global Property ETF 

At the end of 2025, the Satrix Global Property ETF was listed on the JSE, providing local investors with rand-denominated exposure to international property. The feeder ETF tracks a diversified basket of international property stocks.

International Property Trends 

Global property sectors are evolving, with exposure now including data centres, healthcare facilities, and more. An evolution reflecting broader economic and demographic trends, the new ETF provides access to growth areas that aren’t as well represented in the South African market.

Currency and Tax Benefits

Currency risk is a key consideration for investors, with returns affected by rand strength or weakness. The Irish domicile of the underlying ETF provides a significant tax advantage, with only 15% withholding tax on US equities, compared to the usual 30%.  

Listen to the full podcast here:  

Disclaimer:

Satrix Investments (Pty) Ltd & Satrix Managers (RF) (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial services provider. The information does not constitute advice as contemplated in FAIS. Use or rely on this information at your own risk. Consult your Financial Adviser before making an investment decision. While every effort has been made to ensure the reasonableness and accuracy of the information contained in this document (“the information”), the FSP’s, its shareholders, subsidiaries, clients, agents, officers and employees do not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or suitability of the information and shall not be held responsible and disclaims all liability for any loss, liability and damage whatsoever suffered as a result of or which may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to any use of or reliance upon the information. For more information, visit https://satrix.co.za/products