Century 21 Business Development Manager Eva August has her sights set on KwaZulu Natal.
August – who has been a real estate professional since 2008, working in various sectors of real estate from commercial and industrial to corporate real estate – has now found her niche in consulting and franchising real estate businesses and sees KZN as a province ready for expansion in this area.
We caught up with August and asked her a few questions about the current state of the KwaZulu Natal real estate market.
How has the franchise market in KZN evolved in recent years and what growth trends are you observing?
KZN has been hard hit in recent years – I would say since 2021 – from various political, socio economic and natural disaster perspectives. It has made for what I believe is a very resilient nation of South Africans. This has resulted in people taking a closer look, or audit, at business and life. I think it has created an opportunity to do life and business differently. A consideration I would say to better business partnerships, ways to scale, leverage and benefit from stronger networks. People are stronger together. This is why we are confident in our expansion into KZN. We want to support and therefore benefit from property professionals who are ambitious and want to work better.
So what are Century 21’s plans for KZN?
Our brand is ready to expand into KZN quite aggressively as we see the market conditions right now are good for a partnership, where real estate professionals want to scale their business with the right partner.
What is the timeline for this expansion?
We’re looking at two years – so hopefully we’ve achieved our objective by the end of June 2026.
What are you doing to make this expansion a reality?
The only thing that works is identifying and physically meeting with key Real Estate Business Operators that we feel could be great partners for both us and them.
What experience do you have to have to buy a franchise?
The relevant PPRA qualification – this is principal status or the equivalent to NQF5.
What advice would you give to would be franchisees?
Take time to do your research well. A business partnership in real estate is arguably the most important decision to make, it takes a village to raise a business and one needs to love their village. Century 21 is confident in what we offer franchisees. We have proven our model and know how to scale an independent real estate business.
What training and support does Century 21 provide?
For our new business leaders, we have high standards to comply with through our onboarding process and international leadership academy. Accountability and consulting with our leaders – Century 21 business owners and principal brokers – is ongoing throughout the entire duration of the partnership.
How do you support franchisees in navigating regulatory or industry-specific challenges unique to KZN?
There are no regulatory specific challenges that are unique to KZN. Our university department supports all our leaders nationwide, in navigating legislative challenges and requirements.
Why do you think people should invest in KwaZulu Natal?
One of the most attractive things about the market conditions of KZN right now is reflected in the Q1 2024 results of home price inflation rate, of which KZN has had the lowest nationally, at around 0.5%. This bodes well in the medium term, and I believe it lays the foundation for a seller’s market in KZN in the medium term.
What areas are buyers are most interested in?
This is no particular spike in sales for one suburb versus the rest. What I can say though is that the areas with an average sale price of R1.6 to R2 million are performing best, in terms of volume, and at a more consistent rate. Areas Like Umhlanga have a weaker performance due to the higher than average, luxury real estate prices.
Finally, for anyone reading this and interested to know more about a franchise in KZN what should they do?
They can connect with me with me directly via email at mailto:eva.august@century21.co.za or fill in the form on our website, www.century21.co.za
