An investigation on the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFI) in building small emerging enterprises for property development initiatives in South Africa

Purpose of this treatise: The aim of this treatise is to identify the challenges facing emerging entrepreneurs in accessing funding for property development initiatives which results in high levels of declined loans thereby limiting participation in the property market as well as the interventions necessary to improve access to finance. Design / methodology / approach: The questionnaires were emailed to funding institutions and emerging property developers. The questionnaire investigates the respondents‟ perception of importance and evidence of questions on property development, finance and managerial skills drawn from the literature. Findings: The findings of this study are consistent with and support the findings of previous local and international literature on constraints that SME‟s have in accessing finance for various initiatives. The findings indicate that the emerging property developers in South Africa are characterised by insufficient number in representation in the property sector, high risk averse financial institutions that requires collateral to lend. The findings of the study indicate that broader and bolder initiatives aimed at improving the emerging property developer's representation in the market needs a holistic and collaborative approach from the various institutions to aide these entrepreneurs. Value of paper: The research is of importance to all stakeholders involved in the property sector, financial institutions and economic development of the SME sector. The results of the study will contribute to the understanding of the current financing limitations facing SMEs and will assist funding institutions to better understand the role and importance of effective collaboration in improving access to finance to emerging property developers