Introduction:
An interview with property expert Mohamed Mussa, executive director and board member at Chestertons Global. His rich cultural background and international upbringing further enhance his influence, making him an invaluable asset to the Chestertons family.
Chestertons Global is a network of leading international real estate companies. The firm sits within the wider Chestertons brand which was established in the UK in 1805. The firm has enjoyed a legacy of success and now has a strong global network in more than 10 countries with a string of exciting new territories announced this year. With a rich history of more than 200 years and a wealth of experience in global real estate, the business offers a comprehensive range of client services, from property sales and lettings to commercial services and investment advisory.
We sat down with Mohamed Mussa to discuss Chestertons Global’s rapid growth and the future of international real estate.
To start, please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background in the property market.
I assumed the role of Non-Executive Board Member at Chestertons Global in
2021, my daily engagement with the company has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding that I bring to the board. My responsibilities now extend to fostering the growth of Chestertons’ global network, leading the Global Business Development team, and spearheading initiatives to broaden the company’s reach through affiliate partnerships and opportunities.
For those who might not be familiar with Chestertons Global, can you explain it more?
Chestertons Global is a network of leading international real estate companies. The firm sits within the wider Chestertons brand which was established in the UK in 1805. Chestertons Global is committed to its long-standing heritage of providing exceptional service to its clients across the globe. We have a strong global network, now in more than 10 countries. With a rich history of more than 200 years and a wealth of experience in global real estate, the business offers a comprehensive range of client services, from property sales and lettings to commercial services and investment advisory.
What differentiates Chestertons Global from its competition?
- Entrepreneurial – we are a flexible company due to the nature of our ownership being private and our belief that in global markets one size does not fit all, thus we must be fluid. These factors allow us to easily think outside the box to create opportunities in comparison to more common rigid systems and structures throughout the industry
- Heritage – with our core value of professionalism, we attract some of the most lucrative top clients. Chestertons is one of the oldest real estate firms and is well known globally. Chestertons is one of the founders of RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) and this part of the legacy is one of many examples of our pioneering spirit
- Diversification- Chestertons covers all services in real estate including alternative services such as Citizenship by Investment programs. We are not just known for typical residential or commercial services. Our network member companies offer a bouquet of services suited to their locations and clientele
- Culture- Chestertons is known to have a special dynamic within its network and we consider ourselves a growing family, spread across the world. For this reason, we do not oversell the brand and diminish its value. We cherry-pick people and companies based on their credibility, reputation and our ability to work alongside them as a partner.
- Chestertons Foundation- we are one of few global real estate companies with our own charitable foundation. Giving back is a priority for us. As an example – with our work with St Mungos we took 250 homeless people off the street. This is one of the many achievements of the foundation and something we would like to involve our network with.
We noticed a string of new off-plan launches recently. Is this trend set to continue?
Absolutely, the trend of new off-plan launches is likely to continue. The global real estate market, particularly in key urban centres, is experiencing a surge in demand driven by economic growth and urbanization. Developers are responding by launching new projects that cater to a diverse range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to seasoned investors. With interest rates remaining favourable in many regions and a growing appetite for modern, amenity-rich developments, we anticipate this momentum to be sustained over the coming years.
What are some other current market trends?
Several key trends are shaping the current market. First, there’s a strong emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly property as buyers become more environmentally conscious. Secondly, the integration of smart home technology is becoming a standard expectation among buyers. We’re also seeing a shift towards mixed-use developments that offer a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, catering to a lifestyle-oriented demand. Moreover, there’s an increased interest in secondary cities and suburban areas as remote work continues to influence where people choose to live.
What is your outlook for the global real estate industry?
The global real estate industry is poised for continued growth, albeit with regional variations. Emerging markets are likely to see accelerated development due to urbanization and infrastructure investments, while mature markets might experience steady but moderate growth. The ongoing digital transformation in real estate will create new opportunities and challenges, as data-driven decision-making becomes more prevalent. However, geopolitical uncertainties and regulatory changes in key markets could introduce some volatility. Overall, the industry’s outlook remains positive, driven by strong demand fundamentals and ongoing innovation.
How do you see the role of estate agents evolving in the next few years?
Real estate agents will increasingly become trusted advisors rather than just transaction facilitators. As technology automates more of the traditional tasks, such as property searches and paperwork, agents will need to focus on providing personalized insights, strategic advice, and a superior client experience. Building deep, long-term relationships will be crucial, as will staying informed about global trends and local market dynamics. Agents who can leverage data analytics and digital tools to offer tailored services will have a significant competitive edge.
What are the biggest challenges in the market?
One of the biggest challenges is navigating the regulatory landscape, which can vary widely between regions and is often subject to change. Economic uncertainties, such as fluctuating interest rates and inflation, also pose risks. Additionally, the increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient properties requires significant investment from developers, which can affect pricing and accessibility. Lastly, the real estate industry must adapt to the rapid pace of technological change, ensuring that both clients and professionals are equipped to leverage new tools effectively.
Is there anything else you think is important?
In today’s globalized and interconnected world, it’s crucial for industry players to embrace adaptability and forward-thinking. As real estate continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends and investing in continuous learning will be key. Moreover, fostering a culture of collaboration—both within the industry and with clients—will drive success. At Chestertons Global, we believe in not just responding to market changes, but actively shaping the future of real estate through innovation, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.
Can you share details about the exciting and emerging markets where Chestertons Global has launched this year, and what factors influenced the selection of these locations?
We have launched in five new markets this year. We picked the most interesting global real estate locations to launch – some emerging and some more established – based on a number of factors including stability, future growth and price growth potential:
Cyprus
We’ve launched Chestertons Cyprus Residential with the Leptos Group, one of the most well-known multi-generation family-owned property businesses in Cyprus. Initially operating out of two premises in Paphos, we expect to increase our coverage over time. Cyprus remains a highly appealing choice for international real estate investors. It offers exceptional lifestyle benefits, a permanent residency programme, promising investment prospects, and favourable tax policies. The country consistently ranks as a top destination for foreign direct investment due to its fast-paced economic growth and business climate.
Montenegro
In Montenegro, we shook hands with CMM Investment Consulting Group, an award-winning international holding company with a focus on real estate investment and development. Montenegro represents an exciting addition to our network. The country is a hidden gem, offering many layers of intrigue, from elegant marinas and beaches to Kotor, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a range of impressive real estate options, from waterfront penthouses to stunning single-house projects, appealing to discerning international buyers.
Mongolia
Mongolian Properties is the country’s first and most established real estate business, they offer a comprehensive array of property services including residential sales and lettings, property management, advisory, and corporate relocations through a network of three local offices across the country. Thus, it was an easy choice for Chestertons Global to select them as our partners in this upcoming nation. We feel this is an under-the-radar real estate hotspot with excellent growth potential.
Romania
We’ve established a strategic collaboration with Top Estate Team, a leading Romanian real estate agency. Established in 2018, they have successfully managed over 2,000 property transactions with a dedicated team of more than 50 real estate professionals. Romania’s vibrant real estate sector is increasingly capturing global attention, offering numerous growth opportunities and we wanted to enter this market early to establish our presence here.
Bermuda
Our expansion into the beautiful island of Bermuda comes through Realestate.bm. Chestertons Global’s recent launch on the island allows us to offer residential sales and lettings as well as commercial property services in this vibrant market. The Bermuda property market is experiencing growing demand for high-quality homes from international buyers seeking a Caribbean escape, making it an opportune time for this expansion.
Mohamed can be contacted directly via email at mmussa@chestertons.com
