By Tony Booth

The recently empowered black middle classes have created a property ownership gold rush, which has forced values up in wealthier regions of the country.

But the shadow of apartheid still lingers in the background, causing caution and reluctance amongst many more would-be overseas investors.

South Africa has ridden a wave of success for the last six years and property price rises have reflected this, with consistent and consecutive double-digit increases.

However, there are signs that the initial surge of year-on-year house value increases has started to slow.