Why Engel & Völkers

By now the distinctive Engel & Völkers corporate identity is well-known throughout the region and increasingly throughout Southern Africa.  The ‘shop concept’, which was introduced into the Engel & Völkers residential property sector,  has already become a focal point in key locations with a new ‘shop’ set to open up in the Giftacres Shopping Centre in July.

Niël Cronje (CEO Engel & Völkers South Africa) says that a fundamental facet of the group's international imaging and marketing is Engel & Völkers' commitment to spending the equivalent of millions of Rands in its "shops" across the world, creating a professional and aesthetically-pleasing working environment for estate agents, backed up by supporting infrastructure.

 “These exclusive offices are placed in the best locations and are designed to reflect the company’s commitment to quality.” explains Riaan van Deventer (Franchise Director, Engel & Völkers South Africa)

Another prominent Engel & Völkers trademark is the distinctive red ball atop its white gallow. “We say that it’s the sign of our exclusivity and a demonstration of a company that ‘thinks big’ and insists on getting results”, comments Mr Cronje

And results are exactly what this leading international property company is in.  Last year the press buzzed with the sale of ‘the most expensive home in Pretoria.’  Villa Bella, now known as Castello Di Monte, was sold by Engel & Völkers Waterkloof office.  The sale saw an exclusive show evening attended ambassadors, prominent businessmen and investors.  Since then it has become common practice for Engel & Völkers SA to sell properties over the R20-million mark.

This year has already seen an accolade awarded to the Engel & Völkers Pretoria East office.  This office, which opened its doors in May 2003, earned the plaudits of the organisation globally by achieving the highest turnover in sales of any of the group's offices across the world for 2004.  What makes this achievement more remarkable is that it was judged in Euro terms, which means that the Engel & Völkers Pretoria East Office outperformed its international compatriots despite the disadvantage of a weaker exchange rate.

Mr Cronje and Mr van Deventer, who attended the International Master License Conference held in Hamburg at the beginning of April, were proud to receive the recognition on behalf of the Pretoria East office. “Pretoria East, being a model office, will fast become the template for offices across the world, leading in its example of professionalism, excellence in service and high level of achievement”, commented Mr Cronje on his return to South Africa.