MAIN IMAGE: Yael Geffen – CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, Dr Andrew Golding – CE of the Pam Golding Property, and Barry Davies – COO of Chas Everitt International Property Group
Kerry Dimmer
Straits Research estimates that the global value of the residential property market in 2024 was USD 10.64 trillion. In 2025, projections are that it will reach USD 11.62 trillion, and by 2033, USD 23.49 trillion. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that pie?
Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
One agency that is certainly getting its fair share is Sotheby’s International Realty (SIR), which achieved, in 2024, a global sales volume of US$ 157 billion. It’s not surprising given that it has over 1000 offices in 72 countries and territories, and has a background that is older than the United States. It emerged from the stalwart Sotheby’s Auction House, which was founded in 1776, and carries the honour of being the oldest publicly-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.
Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty based in South Africa, explains that the model used by the host company is one of international referrals. “All clients who are looking to buy or sell a property outside SA or vice versa are captured by global SIR affiliates onto the system, and the agents, in return, take the lead and service the client’s needs.”
It’s a strategy that is working, and it works well, as proven by SIR’s global website access, with viewings totalling some 33 million last year, and the more than 26,000 sales associates who collectively managed US$4.6 billion in global referrals for the 12 months.
From a South African perspective, Geffen says the engagement crossover isn’t difficult. “Our international SIR affiliates are always willing to assist our clients, and we work with global sales associates to ensure that clients’ real estate transactions exceed expectations.
“Once a referral is sent to South Africa, our property practitioners service both buyers and sellers to conclude transactions. This is in line with national regulations and best practice standards, and we are more than equipped to do this from a professional trading standpoint.”
However, this requires some training for the company’s property professionals. “The training component is essential to such a far-reaching global brand,” explains Geffen. “We have policies and procedures to deal with local and international transactions, especially regarding FICA requirements.”
Pam Golding International
The Pam Golding Property Group has also realised the benefit of having offices and representation outside of SA. Its offers are presented in Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, eSwatini, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Portugal, Spain, UK, Greece, France, Malta, Cyprus, Miami & USA, Montenegro, and Germany.
Under the ‘Pam Golding International’ umbrella, it targets specific offshore opportunities. Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property, describes its strategy. “Portugal’s Golden Visa Programme is a good example. If attractive to our market, we visit the area often to explore these in-depth, before signing up local associates.”
For this to succeed as it does, Golding says it is critical to have representation with local knowledge. “This is not only beneficial for Pam Golding Properties but also for our clients, as it affords credibility and assurance that clients can transact with a trusted and well-known brand. “
Its Parisian agency is a case in point. “Many of the Group’s existing clients are French, purchasing in Paris for main residences or investment,” says Golding. “Our on-site offices in African countries, such as Mauritius and Seychelles, have, over many years, resulted in extensive residential property sales to South Africans and buyers from other countries around the globe – and continue to do so.”
As a result, the Pam Golding Property Group has a vast database of buyers across its 300 offices in Africa and abroad. This includes Savills’ network in some 70 countries via its association as its exclusive residential property partner on the African continent. “We also enjoy interest from international buyers, including South Africans.
“Numerous South African buyers approach us seeking to acquire residential property globally,” explains Golding. “Such clients are a mix of those seeking residency and citizenship programmes – predominantly via the EU Residency Programmes – particularly those looking to secure access to the EU employment market for their children.
“Mauritius and Seychelles, which are within easy reach of South Africa, are also very appealing for those seeking a holiday home or permanent destination to retire to. Others are drawn to acquire investment properties in the UK or various countries overseas for leisure or business use, retirement now or in the future, or other purposes according to their requirements.”
Chas Everitt International
Yet another agency crossing borders is Chas Everitt International Property Group. It recently opened an office in Harare, Zimbabwe, bolstering its representation of sub-Saharan Africa in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia. “Agents in these locations are connected by our referral network so that if, for example, an investor in SA wants to buy property in Harare, we will refer them from SA to our Zimbabwe office, who are the experts in their local market and are thus best placed to assist the client to find the most suitable properties,” says the company’s COO, Barry Davies.
“The advantage for clients is being able to deal with someone who really knows the territory and is also familiar with local property and tax laws, compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, exchange rates, and the purchase procedures and fees that might differ from those in SA.”
One of Chas Everitt International’s main credentials is that it is an affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®️ (LeadingRE), a by-invitation-only global network encompassing more than 4800 offices and 133,000 top property professionals in more than 70 countries.
“Our membership of LeadingRE means we can immediately connect any SA buyer or investor who wants to acquire property anywhere abroad to a known and trusted colleague in that area who we are confident has a high level of expertise in their local market and is committed to guiding our client safely through any purchase, says Davis.
“Similarly, LeadingRE brokerages elsewhere often refer clients to us who are interested in acquiring homes or investment properties in SA. The power and efficiency of this global network, and the trust among members, are evidenced by the fact that more than 17,000 client introductions were made between LeadingRE brokerages in 67 countries during 2024 and that the group as a whole facilitates more than 1 million transactions worth more than US$ 370 billion a year.”
Agents looking to break into international property sales may want to earn the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation via a course offered by the US National Association of Realtors, which has a formal relationship with REBOSA in SA.
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