No one could claim that the South African property market has done well in 2011. Sellers are finding that their estimated prices need to be lowered; buyers are eager but struggle to buy with banks hesitant to approve home loans. The result is that the market suffers and speculation is rife as to how long this downturn will last. While the debate is relevant it is only so in the short term. This is because property really is a long term investment and seen from this perspective the current market down-turn takes on a different level of importance. Bruce Swain, Managing Director of Leapfrog Property Group believes that; One must not forget that for most South African households owning a home equates a good investment and stability which in the long term is not overly affected by the international drama. Consumers being transferred or being in need of up or downgrading or all the other good reasons for buying or selling, can do so under any market conditions. For the run of the mill property owner life goes on, for the investor the short term market remains depressed.