The market centre (MC) specialises in the brokerage of high-end residential property in the centre of Paris and to the west of the city centre. 70 real estate agents are already focusing their efforts on the premium market segment. “Our aim for 2016 is to increase the number of real estate agents to 330 in total,” said Jérôme Quentel, managing director of the Engel & Völkers Market Centre in Paris.
The most exclusive locations in the city on the Seine are Saint Germain des Prés, the Quartier des Invalides, and the Île Saint-Louis, as well as addresses close to the Place des Vosges, the Palais Royal and the Champs de Mars. “Outstanding refurbished properties in the 6th and 7th Arron-dissements with views of historic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower can command prices of up to €40,000/m²,” revealed Quentel.
The city's real estate market is dominated by national buyers, although prestigious properties are also sought-after amongst international clients from Italy, the UK, the USA and the Middle East in particular. “Rapid growth in Paris through the MC is our objective. The global network of Engel & Völkers, with more than 700 locations, means that real estate agents also have access to an international pool of potential buyers,” he said.
The MC Paris is located on the Rue de Berri, in the 8th Arrondissement, not far from the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The building dates from the 19th century and was originally a hotel. Now renovated and modernised throughout, it offers some 1,000m² of office space for real estate agents. One particular highlight is the garden directly to the rear of the building, which spans some 400m².
Affiliated to the MC are two so-called property lounges, at strongly frequented locations in the city. They serve as an initial point of contact with prospective clients, with comfortable seating and a pleasant atmosphere. One of the property lounges is located on the Boulevard Haussmann, which is lined by department stores and banks. The second property lounge is currently nearing completion on the ground floor of the MC.
“South Africa will be seen to follow the streamlining module of business centres very soon. The number of listings are increasing daily and we have experienced an increased number of applicants wanting to join the property sector as a new career choice," said Craig Hutchison, CEO at Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.
"This model also ensures even better client service as sales advisors are in their areas at all times with less time spent traveling, and more time on clients. The first to be looking into implementing the model will be Hyde Park, Pretoria New East, Potchefstroom and Cape Town's southern suburbs license areas.”
