Looking back on 13 years – over a decade of great growth and achievement in South Africa

It has been a little more than a decade since the German real estate group Engel & Völkers sold their first Licence Territory outside of Germany and expanded to South Africa.

It is now 13 years later, and as they celebrate the signing of the initial country licence agreement in June 2003, they also take the time to reflect back on the positive growth that the brand has seen, and even more so, the excitement of things to still come.

Engel & Völkers Southern Africa saw an explosion in the brand. “It was definitely the right move to expand the German brand into Southern Africa, bringing with it the unique systems, training and professionalism which the company has been developing for almost 40 years” explained Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.

“Our success is thanks to a dedicated team of staff, who are all passionate about the business and the brand. Each individual in our company live by our principals of offering an exceptionally high level of service to our clients, and this can only translate into even greater success going forward. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one in our family for making the past 13 years such a success. Their dedication and passion is clearly reflected in our performance on the sales barometer” Craig continued.

Not only do they have a strong corporate identity and unique shop concept, they are also the only real estate agency with their own monthly, national in-house publication which is the perfect platform for buyers and sellers from throughout the country looking to relocate. This is furthermore complemented by their Global Guide Lifestyle Magazine which adds the international exposure, together with their website giving you access to clients in all 36 countries in which they operate.

Many other changes has also been seen taking place, not just in the company but in the market aswel. “We at Engel & Völkers were one of the proud and fortunate real estate agents, strong enough to have survived the recession, and learning from that experience, we ensure that the company evolves with the markets and times” Craig added. It is important to keep up with change, which is why the brand is continuously expanding both nationally and inter-nationally, not only from a size perspective but also with systems, training and keeping up with client's needs. The E&V systems have been developed to integrate all of this with an advanced database system, a client service division, online shopping for marketing material, more practical and hands on training sessions and more.

Craig gave some insights into the company's future. Their forecast for this financial year is to increase both revenue as well as staff with 30%, as for expansion, their main focus is currently on the major metropoles, where after they will grow to the outlying areas, and hopefully expand into Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana within the next 5 years.

Due to their reputation of exceptional customer service and quality listings, the Engel & Völkers brand caught the eye of top television productions. The brand was featured in the film Mooirivier as well as regular features on shows such as “Guiding you home” on DSTV's home channel, the extravagant lifestyle show “Top Billing”, where presenters enjoyed the picturesque views and architecture in Ballito, and the popular show “Sunday Chillaz” on SABC 1. One can only look forward to seeing more great things coming from this international brand who believes “Think global, act local” will take them to new heights.