RealNet Expands with a New Franchise in Hermanus!

Hermanus, a picturesque coastal town known for its natural beauty and desirable lifestyle, is set to welcome a new real estate player with the opening of the RealNet Hermanus franchise, headed by seasoned property expert Louis Joubert. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Louis brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for real estate to this exciting venture.

Louis began his real estate journey in 2002 with ERA and successfully operated the Centurion franchise for more than a decade. In 2013, he acquired the Keller Williams franchise for Centurion, which he ran until he sold it in 2023. Now, he has set his sights on the Western Cape's real estate jewel, Hermanus, as the next chapter in his career. "While I owned the ERA franchise, Gerhard Kotzé was the CEO, and when I started looking at a new opportunity, Gerhard made the choice of RealNet an easy decision," says Louis.

The Hermanus property market is known for its steady demand, fueled by its unique blend of coastal charm and investment potential. According to Louis, the town boasts around 19,650 properties, with approximately 900 property registrations taking place annually. "I'm aiming for a 10% market share by the end of year three," he notes confidently.

The primary interest in Hermanus lies in freehold properties, driven largely by buyers looking for a permanent lifestyle change as well as foreigners seeking a seasonal retreat. "People are moving down to the coast, and we are also seeing an influx of foreigners who spend the summer months in South Africa. In fact, 76% of buyers in the area are between 35 and 65 years old," Louis explains. Despite a general upward trend in home prices, he sees a healthy balance between supply and demand, indicating ongoing opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

When it comes to the rental market, however, the story is different. "The demand for rental properties is lower compared to sales, although rental income is growing. Still, it's not keeping pace with property values," Louis points out. This presents a unique opportunity for savvy investors to benefit from properties that have not yet seen rental returns fully aligned with their sale prices.

While Louis is currently establishing a new office, the recruitment of a professional team is already underway. "It's essentially a new startup," he explains. "I'm busy interviewing people to put a solid team together that will embody RealNet's values of integrity, excellence, and personalized service."

Louis has ambitious plans for RealNet Hermanus, but with his extensive experience and RealNet's backing, the prospects look promising. "I'm confident that we'll achieve our growth targets and establish RealNet as a trusted name in the Hermanus property market," he concludes.

For more information, contact:

Louis Joubert

Email: louis.joubert@realnet.co.za

Phone: 083 230 4980