Foreword: Nick Gaertner

NICK GAERTNER

Director & Chief Operations Officer Knight Frank South Africa

The past month has been exciting for us at Knight Frank. It has been great working with new director, Dane Abramowitz, who has taken over the residential business’s marketing portfolio and breathed new life and energy into the team. We have some exciting new ideas and initiatives already taking effect, as well as innovative ways to further strengthen both our client and agent offering within the business going forward. Our mission is to set ourselves apart by building a select team that excels in every aspect of your property journey, and I believe we are well on our way to achieving something very special.

In terms of market activity, October continued with an upward trend in both inquiries and sales from September, after a subdued winter period from April through to mid-August. Overall stock is still significantly lower compared to the beginning of the year, with new stock that is accurately priced being snapped up quickly. While rising interest rates continue to increase pressure on borrowing, they are still less than pre-Covid, and buyers are encouraged to calculate affordability with the view of the upward trend continuing over the short term.

In light of the general cost of living going up globally, this edition of “Standing Out” casts a specific focus on sustainability, the environment and more economical home and property solutions.