We are very pleased to speak with Adrian Goslett, Regional Director & CEO, RE/MAX of Southern Africa, who will talk to us about South Africa’s real estate landscape and where he sees the sector going in the years to come. We also look forward to his views on the luxury market in particular.  

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Perhaps as a starting point, could you tell us about the history of RE/MAX in South Africa, considering that RE/MAX is an international brand with a global footprint. 

Adrian Goslett: RE/MAX of Southern Africa was founded in 1994. Our founders, Peter Gilmour and Val Gilmour , went across to the State’s long before ‘94 and studied this RE/MAX model. They knew that it could work here. They brought it back in ‘95. We sold our first franchise in Cape Town and subsequently RE/MAX has grown from strength to strength all throughout the country. We are regarded as the pioneer of the RE/MAX international expansion as it was the first country franchise to be sold outside of North America. Since our inception, RE/MAX SA has grown to over 2 800 agents operating from over 160 offices in 6 countries in Southern Africa.  

LLA: Can you talk to us about the real estate market in South Africa pre and post Covid-19?  

AG: Remarkably, within the pandemic year, the South African property market experienced somewhat of a boom. Record-low interest rates and the change in lifestyle owing to various lockdown restrictions resulted in an increase in buyer activity that kept the real estate market alive and thriving. This hyperactivity has continued to date with no clear end in sight.  

LLA: In your view, what will the next few years look like for the local property scene? 

AG: With things changes as rapidly as they have been over the last few years, I remain hesitant to make any predictions other than to say that the South African property market is resilient and no matter what lies ahead, real estate will remain a good long-term investment strategy. 

LLA: As one of the leading agencies in South Africa, what do you believe sets RE/MAX apart from other real estate agencies? 

AG: The difference with the RE/MAX business model is that each of our over 160 offices are independently owned and operated which gives Broker/Owners the freedom to run their own office with the support of a global brand behind them. Our brand also enables top agents to join as independent contractors which allows them to recruit agents and form their own independent teams operating under the brand. In both instances, the Broker/Owner or independent contractor receives all the benefits of running his/her own business but is saved some of the administrative headaches and marketing expenses of establishing a brand from scratch. Effectively, by joining RE/MAX, real estate entrepreneurs remove some of the biggest stumbling blocks that often cause new businesses to fumble during the early stages of their company setup. 

LLA: You have developed quite a footprint in the luxury real estate space, how have you managed to achieve this?  

AG: I think our business model attracts top producers because we allow them the opportunity to earn 100% of their commission. This motivates them to work harder, because they get to enjoy the full fruits of their efforts without having to share a percentage to their brokerage. That’s why so many top, luxury agents have joined our brand.   

LLA: In your view, how do luxury real estate clients differ from others? 

AG: Being as used to excellence as they so often are, luxury real estate clients expect the highest levels of service. To operate successfully within this market, luxury real estate agents often need to go above and beyond the normal call of duty to meet these clients exacting standards.  

LLA: In closing, any comments on being awarded Best Luxury Real Estate Agency in South Africa? 

AG: Following last year’s win, we were flattered to discover the congratulatory letter in our inbox informing us that we had claimed that coveted title for two years running. We could not be prouder of the achievement. 

 For more about RE/MAX of Southern Africa, visit https://www.remax.co.za