real estate industry in africa

Africa’s real estate market is rapidly growing, with increasing investment opportunities and rising demand for quality housing units. The continent of Africa continues to be one of the most popular destinations for American and European property investors.

Top real estate companies in Africa provide a range of services that can help you find, develop, and market property investment portfolios. These companies can also assist you with both global projects and those that are specifically focused on Africa.

In this article, we will unveil the top 10 real estate companies in Africa that are leading the way in the industry. From established giants to emerging players, these companies have made a significant impact on the African real estate landscape.

The Biggest Real Estate Companies In Africa

Here are the top real estate companies in Africa that are showcasing the dynamic and evolving nature of the real estate business in Africa.

1. Broll Property Group

Broll Property Group is a leading real estate services company based in Africa. It provides a comprehensive range of property services to clients in various sectors of the property market. Broll Property Group has a strong presence in Africa, with offices in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Mauritius, etc.

The Broll Property Group has a reputation for offering excellent and cutting-edge real estate services, and it has already earned multiple honours for its brilliance in the sector. Since its establishment, the company has become a dependable and esteemed participant in the African real estate industry.

Services 

• Commercial development
• Real estate investment
• Assets management
• Leasing

Key information

• Website: Click here
• Annual Revenue: $10M
• Employees: About 10000
• Headquarters: South Africa

2. Grit Real Estate Income Group

Grit, a company that was founded in 2014, is the biggest pan-African real estate income group that is traded on the main markets of the London Stock Exchange and the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. Currently, Grit works in seven different countries, with direct investments in five different asset classes and 25 assets totaling about US$800 million.

The company was founded with a permanent capital structure and an investment mandate from its shareholders to retain income-producing real estate assets on the continent, eliminating direct property development risk. In March 2021, Grit was awarded the best-growing company in Africa by African Investment Forum and Awards.

Services 

• Property management
• Capital markets
• Retail spaces
• Hospitality

Key information

• Website: Click here
• Annual Revenue: $75M
• Founded: 2014
• Headquarters: Mauritius, Grand Baie

3. Shelter Afrique

Shelter Afrique is the only pan-African finance institution that exclusively supports the development of the housing and real estate sectors in Africa. The company believes that for Africa to grow, there is a need for adequate, quality housing; that’s why they build families and nations. This is the commitment of Shelter Afrique to the people of Africa.

Since it was established in 1995, Shelter Afrique has constructed about 25,505 housing units, which have impacted 127,525 beneficiaries and created 178,536 jobs for the people of Africa. This is why we believe Shelter Afrique is one of Africa’s top real estate companies.

Services

• Housing development
• Commercial development
• Mortgage Finance
• Mixed-use development

Key information

• Website: Click here
• Founded: 1982
• Employees: About 200
• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya

4. Gateway Real Estate Africa

Gateway Real Estate Africa is another real estate investment and development company focused on the African continent. The company specialized in the turnkey construction of accommodations for multinational corporations and retailers wishing to expand their operations on the African continent.

Gateway Real Estate Africa aims to be a leader in the African real estate market by creating innovative, sustainable, and transformative real estate projects that meet the needs of local communities and investors alike. The company put emphasis on the development of large-scale real estate projects that contribute to economic growth and development in the region.

Services

• Property development
• Real estate investment
• Assets management
• Leasing

Key information

• Website: Click here
• Founded: 2018
• Headquarters: Mauritius, Grand Baie

5. AMS Africa

AMS Africa is the best when it comes to real estate investments in Africa. The company believes that real estate investment in Africa will undoubtedly be a winning opportunity for investors to create winning destinations where more happens. AMS Africa has built strong expertise across North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

As a real estate investment company in Africa, AMS Africa focuses on various aspects of the real estate market, such as acquiring undeveloped land for development, purchasing existing properties for renovation or improvement, or investing in real estate-related infrastructure projects.

Services

• Rental Management
• Advisory and project management
• Asset management
• Property management
• Leasing

Key information

• Website: Click here
• Founded: 1994
• Employees: About 600
• Headquarters: Morocco, Casablanca

6. Knight Frank

Knight Frank is one of the oldest consulting and property management companies that provides a wide range of services related to residential and commercial real estate. It was founded in London, United Kingdom, in 1896 and has since expanded its operations to many countries around the world, including Africa.

The company is considered one of the biggest real estate companies in Africa. Knight Frank is known for its global network of offices and its team of real estate professionals who possess local market knowledge and expertise. The company serves as a data centre for real estate investors in Africa.

Services 

• Real estate consultancy
• Property valuation
• Commercial real estate
• Residential real estate
• Capital markets

Key information

• Website: Click here
• Annual Revenue: $1.08B
• Employees: About 100,000
• Headquarters: United Kingdom, London

7. JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)

This is another top real estate company in Africa. The company specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL offers a range of services, including leasing, property management, investment management, valuation, and advisory services, to clients worldwide. JLL operates in more than 80 countries and has a team of over 102,000 employees.

Services

• Property leasing 
• Property management
• Investment management
• Property valuation

Key information

• Website: Click here
• Annual Revenue: $1.08B
• Employees: About 100,000
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States

8. RE/MAX – Southern Africa

RE/MAX is by far the largest real estate company in Southern Africa. It’s anticipated that nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX. The company opened a branch in Southern Africa in 1994 and now has over 2,800 agents operating from over 160 offices in six countries.

The real estate company was the first franchise network to operate in Southern Africa, including countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho. In Southern Africa, RE/MAX is a prominent real estate brand, offering a wide range of real estate services, including residential, commercial, and luxury property sales, rentals, and property management.