LEAD FEATURE
with fewer people in the office, companies will recalibrate the amount of space they need. As a consequence, the reduced demand for office space will reduce the building market value, which is dependent on leasing revenue. Repurposing buildings may be the best viable option for some landlords if they are in the position to do so,” notes Munro Kieswetter. “There has been a lot of talk about off-grid buildings, but these remain very expensive and it’s not always possible to go off the grid.” “‘Semigration’ trends, however, are looking
are increasing,” adds Munro Kieswetter. “Interest still remains much lower than it was in the 1990’s (25%). However, a property always remains a good investment and with the more people working remotely from home, the need is still there. You will always have the capital growth.”
up. Recent events appear to have played into the hands of the Western Cape Province, setting it up for future economic growth and prosperity. The WCP’s ability to attract ‘semigrant’ skills and purchasing power crucial for economic and growth, has recently been enhanced and rental and sales
agents. The EAAB is also a supervisory body of the estate agency profession and responsible for preventing, identifying and reporting money laundering and terrorist financing activities in the estate agent sector. “There is however a lack of transparency of how fees paid by real estate agencies are used. Increased transparency is needed to help avoid corrupt practices. If we eliminate the incompetency of certain bodies, this will allow better service to the public. If we eliminate corrupt practices from both the government and private sector, The money in PPRA kitty could be used to build low-cost homes, houses and flats – impacting positive change for South Africans,” says Munro Kieswetter.
When you are a woman in most industries and sectors, you tend to work twice as hard as your male counterparts to prove that you are capable.
The property sector as an enabling platform for change The estate agent board was established to protect the public against fraudulent estate
Being a woman in the property sector “When you are a woman in most industries and sectors, you tend to work twice as hard as your male counterparts to prove that you are capable. The real estate companies are mainly male dominated. You need to stay focused, stay on top of latest trends and try and refrain from getting emotional when making decisions,” advises Munro Kieswetter. “There are many opportunities for women in the property industry, from interns, full status agents, and principals, to trainees and developers in the rentals, sales, commercial and residential sectors. I would advise many more women to claim their spot in the property sector, and to be unafraid of diversifying – I firmly believe that in today’s uncertain times you must not have all your eggs in one basket,” concludes Munro Kieswetter.
66 sabusinessintegrator.co.za
