Century Real Estate celebrates 10 years

In 2009, Century Real Estate was born of a merger of two previously existing real estate agencies run by Gakwandi Michael and Haba Charles to deal in buying, selling and managing property. The motive for this combination was to try and more effectively reach out to the ever-growing consumers of professional real estate services in Rwanda. The company continued to grow over the years and increased customer base including landlords, tenants, banks, buyers, sellers, researchers, municipalities and developers.
Century Real Estate (CRE) began at a time when real estate agents were not popular in Rwanda and took time to convince people on such services.

Later in 2014, Rwigamba Paul joined Haba and Gakwandi to strengthen the capacity of CRE to offer services with improved convenience.
The long journey to success was reflected recently as the management, staff, and employees of CRE and stakeholders celebrated the 10-year anniversary since Century Real Estate was established. During the ceremony held at Century Park Hotel in Nyarutarama on the evening of 10th May 2019; CRE recognized loyal clients including individuals, government institutions and private institutions that contributed to its growth.

Sharing the joy

The CEO of Blue Oceans, Diana Mpyisi expressed delight or joining Century Real Estate to celebrate 10 years anniversary.

“I am a client of Century Real Estate satisfied with offered services. My investment ‘Blue Oceans’, is a company specialized in media services and communications operating at Kigali Heights, managed by CRE. I work with them when I need accommodation. They offer convenient services and reliable security,’’ she said.

Evelyn Uwera, an estate agent with Century Real Estate said CRE has become unchallenged choice because of good performance.

“It has proven prowess to offer good services in real estate agency in Kigali and Rwanda in general,” she said.

Paul Rwigamba, the director of a commercial and residential realtor at Century Real Estate said they have an ambition of growing to maintain improved service delivery.

“It was difficult at the beginning to find a house for sale or selling it through us. As time evolved, people were convinced on the relevance of our services,” he revealed.

Rwigamba said what they have achieved over 10 years is a result of accumulated trust.

“When a person wants to sell a plot of land or house, he gives you related documents. When a tenant is not trustworthy, he can destabilize you or bring thieves,” he said.

Rwigamba highlighted that CRE envisages being an international company after delivering services with utmost efficiency to Rwandans and making good use of available opportunities within the country.

At the outset, Century Real Estate faced challenges of temporary workers but has now stabilized after entering a partnership with the University of Rwanda that provides students for an internship who also get jobs in the company based on performance. CRE has over 35 workers in different departments.

Ngabo Romeo Romaric who has worked with CRE since 2014 was recognized as the best employee during the celebration.

He told IGIHE that the reward is a symbol and recognition of his efforts. “We have good interactions with employers that are like staying with friends and family and is clear that no one can abandon his family.”