It was found that the issue of access to finance in the property and construction industry is an ongoing concern. Developers viewed the loan to equity ratios as very conservative and unworkable, particularly when combined with shrinking valuations and a lack of second tier finance; while the view from the finance sector expects a turnaround when global markets are less skittish.

While developers expressed a willingness to go beyond traditional sources of funding, it remains to be seen whether second tier financing will re-emerge, enabling greater competition in local funding markets and reduced borrowing costs.