The use of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) method as a method of valuation within the South African property industry: A critical review

The Discounted Cash Flow method of property valuation is a fairly new method and research in other English speaking countries indicated a trend towards the use of the DCF method in preference to the Capitalization method despite an initial hesitance due to the perceived complexity of the method. The aim of this study was therefore to form an understanding if similar perception of complexity exists in South Africa and how these perception influence the perceptions and preference of use of the DCF method of valuation by valuation professionals within the South African context. The research was guided by three specific research questions which probed valuers' methodology preference, valuers' education, and difficulties experienced in accessing data needed for DCF valuation input variables. A mixed method research approach was adopted using questionnaire and document surveys to gather data from valuation professionals, lecturers of valuation education programs accredited with the SACPVP, and the curricula of these programs. The results indicate a general low preference for the use of the DCF method of valuation while the Capitalisation method is indicated as the most preferred method. This low preference was found to be the result of a high degree of difficulty experienced in accessing data needed for DCF valuation input variables. It was also found that the level of valuation education increases the acceptance and preference for the use of the DCF method.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Construction Economics and Management

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Pienaar, Petrus Terblanche

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mooya, Manya

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/14125

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/14125