• Market Watch

Revolutionising real estate

- 2023-04-18 00:00:00

Property Group Save Namibia is a real estate company that is making waves in the industry with its unconventional approach to providing affordable housing to low-income groups in Namibia. The company has developed a unique model that allows individuals who may not have had access to traditional financing options to become homeowners. This innovative model has caught the attention of many in the industry and has the potential to revolutionise the way real estate is developed and financed in the country. In an interview with My.Na Properties’ Aina Raiza Kweyo, the company’s project coordinator, Dimbulukeni Nauyoma explained that accessibility to real estate is a struggle, primarily for people of colour and a younger demographic.

Enough toyi-toying
"Real estate and property is a platform that is not normally reserved for black people, and it was something that we really wanted to get involved in with the establishment of this company, but it was necessitated by the housing crisis we have in the country currently. And some will probably ask ‘what is that guy doing there? Is he not supposed to be in the streets toyi-toying or something?’ You come to a point where you say, ‘look, we’ve toyi-toyied enough, we have given in submissions enough. What is it that you as a Namibian are willing to take or do to contribute to alleviating the housing crisis in the country?," said Nauyoma.
Nauyoma and his team consist of engineers, architects, land surveyors and orators. They came together to form a company that can assist in the property development sector, and they aim to alleviate the housing backlog. They have a property development company and construction sub-companies.
The team has completed several projects in the north and Okahandja, and are currently finalising two projects in Okahandja.
Their biggest headache, however, is the Brakwater project, which they intend to have up and running before the end of this year.

Help clients
Developing properties for clients is a challenging business, and ensuring that they are happy with the project is the best way to advertise the company. Satisfied clients become a business's walking billboard. In the case of the Brakwater development, Property Group is looking to focus on cases such as those of security personnel who want to build a home but do not have the conventional means to do so.
"Our multi-disciplinary team comprises of individuals that have also been in the banking sector and have done credit risk assessment. So, say you qualify for N$600 000 but cannot find a house for such a price in the market, we can say, ‘look, you qualify for this much, and with that, we are able to build a two-bedroom house for you, and this is how you will be able to pay it off'. And we use the same model in designing that house," Nauyoma explained.

Safety and successes
The safety of everyone involved in a construction project is essential, and Nauyoma and his team take this matter seriously.
He said they make sure that employees undergo health and safety training, and they complete a risk assessment induction course before taking on a project. They also assess the safety and health elements of the project after its completion.
"It is really of paramount importance. Now, the problem that we find with start-ups and young people is that we don’t take these things seriously. It can cost somebody’s life, and one life lost is one too many at a construction site," Nauyoma said.

Personalised service
Moreover, when it comes to ensuring an optimal experience for clients, Property Group provides a range of services to meet the needs of different clients. For clients who have pre-approval and land provided by the municipality, the company provides a conventional model of property development. This includes providing a 3D plan approved by the municipality and working with the client to ensure that the final product meets their expectations.
"Let us construct the house, and you make it a home, with the final touches that you always wanted, and we always ensure that the client is happy about the final product and with the finer details of the project," Nauyoma said.
For first-time homebuyers who may not have a clear idea of what they want, the company offers additional support in helping them select materials and finishes that fit within their budget. By working closely with clients to ensure their needs are met, Property Group is able to provide a personalised experience that ensures positive word-of-mouth advertising.
"Sometimes, first-time homeowners have no idea which materials to use or finishers to place, and they can get carried away with Pinterest ideas that can exceed their budget. We try to ensure that the client is happy with the project and with the budget," he added.

Motivation
Property Group Save Namibia is not only revolutionising the real estate industry by providing affordable housing for lower-income groups but also inspiring young people to take an interest in real estate.
Nauyoma shared insights on how he motivates his team to stay aligned with the company's vision of building homes that last beyond their lifetimes. According to him, hunger for success and the need to assist people are the two main motivators for his team. He explained that the realisation that everything can ultimately come to a standstill motivates them to build something long-lasting for everyone, something that can build generational wealth. The team is inspired by the words of Harold Pupkewitz, who said, "Young people, do not chase the money. Chase the dream and make sure that once you achieve it, it lives beyond you."

Contact
For those interested in building a house or joining the Property Group Save Namibia team, Nauyoma and his team can be reached at their offices situated in Lafrenz, SUN Industrial Park, Unit 27.
"We cater for both people who want to join our development in Brakwater – and they will see the different types of houses we have on show – at the same time, if you already have a plot anywhere in the country, we build anywhere. We have a construction company, and we are really here to make sure that we deliver on that promise that we have vouched to make sure that we can build a house, but we want to make it a home," Nauyoma said.
Anyone interested can reach out to them through their phone number, 264 85 760 6422, or through Dimbulukeni Nauyoma’s social media platforms, @nauyomadee on both Instagram and Twitter.