Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa October 2016 | Page 51

for a specific time and if their current property no longer serves its purpose, they will look into a new property - investigating every aspect of it. Key characteristics they search for include digital walkthroughs, shared working spaces, technology and an environmental focus. “Millennials are also far more focused on sustainable living,” he shares. “They want renewable energy, and innovative ‘green’ spaces. Technology elements like access to tech hubs, Wi-Fi coverage and fibre-optic connectivity are also attractive to them, as well as modern design elements.” “My extensive experience in acquisition and sales stands me in good stead in terms of what we are doing now,” he further explains. “Through Quoin Online, we’ve combined traditional sales experience with an understanding of what needs to be done in the technological space to create a more forward-thinking service.” Formerly the head of property investment for the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), he has managed the largest property portfolio in South Africa. His last transaction in his six years with the PIC, during which he grew the property investment portfolio a few million Rands worth of property to R50 billion in assets, was the purchase of the V&A Waterfront with Growthpoint. Prior to Quoin and the PIC, Van der Vent was a fund manager for Futuregrowth where he built up the Community Property Fund, having started it in the mid-to-late nineties. He was also chairman of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), notably through the development in the run up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But constantly travelling and not seeing his three children nearly enough was the push Van der Vent needed to set off on his own venture – and launch into the digital space. And more time with his children, in part, has inspired his journey to move with technology. “My 16 year old daughter doesn’t go to a shop to buy music or movies. The idea is foreign to her. The way she understands business is the way businesses need to be moving,” he shares. “She wants the virtual tour, transparency and information at the click of a button - essentially the ability to make an offer online at any time of day that suits her.” “The way we build spaces these days doesn’t always speak to how we live. For whatever purpose - business or leisure - the property industry will remain constant because we will always need a space: a roof over our heads,” Van der Vent concludes. “But it won’t always be as straightforward, as cellular, as it is today – we won’t be looking for those spaces by walking into the office of an estate agent.” RESOURCES Quoin Online Developing Future African Cities 2 – 3 November 2016 CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa LEARN WHAT LAND WILL BECOME AVAILABLE AND ESTABLISH KEY RELATIONSHIPS TO LAUNCH YOUR PROJECT IN AFRICA Don’t miss out on... • Development and investment opportunities • Engaging with City Planners and City Directors to understand development models and master plans. • Viewing public and private planned real estate projects • Facilitated 1-2-1 match making meetings with private and government representatives To discuss your company’s participation or to secure your seat, please contact Stephan Herman on [phone] or [email protected] Invited Host City: Promotional Agency: Organising Partner: African Event Specialists: Premier Media Partner: www.african-real-estate-summit.com www.reimag.co.za OCTOBER 2016 SA Real Estate Investor 49