Land Claims of Indigenous Peoples ? The Impact on Property Values : A Comparative Study on South Africa and Australia

Land and land ownership has been a controversial subject ever since the creation of man. In both South Africa and Australia recent developments regarding land ownership rights have generated added uncertainty in the business community, both domestic and international. This uncertainty is having direct and indirect impacts on property values. This article explores some of the underlying reasons for this uncertainty as well as proffering suggestions as to likely future impacts on property. In doing so, the authors provide background information that may be valuable for international investors assessing the risks associated with property investment in either of these countries. The events in South Africa appear to have had a significant impact on property values whereas the events in Australia appear to have had relatively little, if any, impact on the overall property market