Despite the industry experiencing a decline in year on year sales, March 2019 was Harcourts South Africa's best month since Harcourts started in South Africa in 2009. Boasting 10% growth on the same month last year. In addition, Harcourts South Africa's first quarter was up 11% on the same period in 2018.
What's so impressive about this growth is that it is happening on a national level with positive results from all regions. Also, what needs to be taken into consideration is South Africa's economy has been under pressure in the past 18 months with consumers having to face volatile market fluctuations caused by unpredictable cyclical trends. Harcourts South Africa growth shows that the property market will remain active even in a decline and that investing in property is still a primary long term investment path for most.
There are many reasons to explain Harcourts' success locally. Being a part of the impressive International Harcourts group, with more than 900 offices globally supported by almost 6600 sales consultants, the extensive global support structure ensures greater regional market penetrations.
Harcourts takes a values-based approach to real estate and they are guided by a set of values that dictate how agents and offices approach the industry. It is intrinsic to their ongoing success as Harcourts people live their values. In an ever-evolving real estate environment, it is imperative that client priority service based attitudes are instilled in business strategies.
The market is certainly changing before our very eyes and we have to ensure we stay ahead of the game whilst maintaining a clear focus on service.
Harcourts has invested in the development of cutting edge systems, property consultants have the full range of marketing, research and technological tools available to them at all times. Working within a tightly-knit and highly-motivated team environment, the business, customer support and online services which they can draw upon are very impressive. This undoubtedly influences the success rate of our business and ensures clients reap the benefits.
Successfully buying and selling real estate is mostly about fulfilling people's needs and aspirations. Harcourts agents are committed to building meaningful and genuine personal relationships with their clients.
Harcourts continues to take the local real estate market by storm and if our growth and success continue on this exciting growth curve there are certainly exciting times ahead.
Statement by
Richard Gray
Harcourts Africa Chief Executive Officer