The start of a new year often brings with it a spark of inspiration and the desire for fresh beginnings. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for property, 2025 could be the perfect time to launch a real estate business. With the right strategy, a solid foundation, and a keen understanding of the market, aspiring real estate agents and investors can turn their dreams into reality, says Eva August, National Operations Manager and Head of Business.
2025 is your year to shine in property
When the clock strikes midnight, many property practitioners will ring in the new year with ambitious goals for their future. According to August, starting a real estate business is the next natural step and one that offers great prospects for the right person. “While it’s certainly not for everyone, a property professional who has the appetite for scale and impact in their local market can find ownership to be a rewarding proposition. This time of the year is a great chance to reflect on the year past and make moves for the year ahead,” she says.
For some property practitioners, the joy lies in the daily hustle — helping clients buy, sell, rent, or let out their homes. For others, the dream goes beyond transactions. They’re driven by a desire to build something of their own — a business where they can call the shots. In this case, August says having the backing of a recognised brand like Century 21 South Africa can make the path to ownership clear and achievable.
“I speak from having already done this, started from zero with my own brand, and doing so with a recognised name rather than going alone,” she emphasises. “If your intention is to scale and magnify a value proposition to the marketplace, you should do it with a brand name in your corner that can be trusted, can help you attract top talent, and integrate business systems easily so that there is room to focus on business growth.”
You have what it takes to succeed
Century 21 South Africa is sought-after for franchise opportunities given the close relationship and support system it provides that ensures agents and franchisees benefit from proven tools and programmes. Franchises are exclusive and awarded after much consideration to those with the ideal profile.
“We look for a property professional that has experience in residential sales but most importantly, experience in management and leadership,” says August. “This opportunity and the responsibility it comes with is seldom suited to a sales professional that is still interested in a career as a salesperson, and being in the centre of the deal so to speak. The ideal candidate has a keen interest in developing others, mentoring salespeople, and is able to meet the demands of a growing team.”
The results speak for themselves
With offices across South Africa and having recently launched successfully in Phalaborwa this year, Century 21 South Africa has a history of franchising excellence. August believes those who take the leap can thrive even where the timelines might be different. “Success is predictable if the systems are correctly followed, enough planning is done with the support of the franchisor, and the business launch is done as advised with the right team in place,” she says. “When I speak of timelines that are unique, I speak of an expected timeline of 6 to 12 months for a correct launch.”
During the launch and after, Century 21 South Africa provides franchisees with the resources needed to set up and expand their businesses. “There’s a competitive advantage that comes with our globally recognised brand, cutting-edge technology and intelligence, international training standards, and personalised support system for the franchisee,” says August.
Through Century 21 University, franchisees get access to comprehensive skill development programmes, coaching, and continuous learning opportunities. The MOON business performance management system streamlines operations and enhances efficiency. Through the Pearl Awards, Century 21 South Africa recognises and celebrates top-performing agents, fostering motivation and team morale. Additionally, the brand’s national marketing efforts drive widespread awareness, delivering impactful campaigns across multiple platforms to attract clients and grow business.
According to August, these will serve franchisees well as they capitalise on opportunities in the market in the year ahead. “By following the systems we provide, embracing national marketing initiatives, drawing on custom recruitment systems, and leveraging our technology, they will be able to serve the marketplace in the best way possible,” she highlights. “In a service industry, capitalising on an opportunity in an inelastic demand market is not difficult where the customer is served well.”