Chas Everitt International to open in East London
The Chas Everitt International property group is set to strengthen its muscle in the Eastern Cape with the opening of a new office in East London this month.
The owner of the new franchise is Colin Kuhlmann, who currently heads up Uni-Vest Financial Services and Properties, which was established in 1993 and opened its own estate agency nine months ago in order to better serve its extensive investment client base.
“Although we had a number of applications for the East London franchise”, notes Barry Davies, CEO of Chas Everitt International Franchising, “Colin’s drive, business acumen and service philosophy attracted us to him.
“He is a passionate believer in the future of East London, and is committed to marketing the area through the numerous initiatives we offer, locally, nationally and internationally. His own belief that the area is primed to enjoy massive expansion as has been experienced in many other coastal regions of SA is 100 percent aligned to ours, and like him, we feel that the area has incredible potential.”
Kuhlmann says the decision to convert his agency to a Chas Everitt International franchise was made to access the expertise, systems and brand awareness of a highly professional and ethical group.
“Access to the superior marketing and technology systems offered by Chas Everitt International will enable us to further strengthen our position in the East London property market. We already have one development under our belt and the second development is in the planning stages.”
The first development, in Bonny Doon, attracted about 5000 people to its recent launch. The finished show house was purchased for R2-million and the development is set for completion within 18 months.
Kuhlmann says the local development market is, however, still lagging the rest of the country, with a lot of pent-up demand. “Local developers have been slow to react to the property boom while we have an influx of new buyers.
“About 30 percent of those looking for homes are newly affluent black people and there is also strong demand for investment properties, retirement accommodation and bed-and-breakfast undertakings to cater for a growing number of tourists.
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“The severe shortage of retirement homes is blocking second-hand stock from coming on to the market while bottlenecks in municipal approval and rezoning, and a lack of skilled builders and artisans, are delaying new stock being made available. The greatest demand is in the R350 000 to R750 000 range.”
Kuhlmann, who served as general manager at Premier Milling in Umtata for five years, says East London is drawing increasing numbers of businessmen who commute weekly to their offices upcountry. “With six daily flights to Johannesburg, for instance, businessmen are within easy reach of their offices while they can enjoy weekends on the beach with their families or play 18 holes on our golf course of international standard. Good schools and a moderate climate add to the city’s attractions.
“Local property is also relatively cheap compared to the Garden Route, for example, and offers excellent investment prospects. Buyers simply cannot lose out over the medium term and with steady increases expected over the long term, they can look forward to very good returns.”
Issued by Chas Everitt International
For further information call Brenda Smith at
Chas Everitt International Bryanston on 011 463 2033
or visit www.chaseveritt.com