Nadine Pretorius’ dynamic approach to real estate has enabled Only Realty Forge, a residential property company specialising in the sales and marketing of new developments, to break into the Western Cape market. This expansion, together with Only Realty Holdings, has resulted in a mutually beneficial partnership, garnering an excellent sales response with rapid uptake for numerous developments. JANE MAYNE finds out more.
In terms of what underpins the Only Realty Forge experience in such a competitive market, Pretorius says that, “Our commitment to excellent service and communication is what truly differentiates us. We ensure that all parties—sellers, buyers, and developers – are always informed and supported throughout the process. With us, it’s not just a transaction; it’s a personal experience.”
Only Realty Forge specializes in off-plan and completed multi-unit development sales and rentals. Their unique formula for managing large-scale sectional title rentals she says is to have a highly experienced team backed by some of the best technology and systems in the industry, ensuring seamless property management at scale.
The CEO adds that with Grant Smee, CEO of Only Realty Group, “Only Realty Forge has gone from strength to strength through our partnership. The leadership is committed to transforming the real estate industry for the better by leveraging technology and strategic innovation to provide clients with superior service.”
Inner-city trends
Has she observed any notable trends on inner-city and suburban development in Gauteng and Cape Town? “Cape Town is experiencing a major development boom across the Western Cape, fueled by demand from families, investors, and first-time buyers. The UDZ initiative has been a key driver, incentivizing investment in up-and-coming areas.”
“In Gauteng, security estates and apartment developments continue to thrive, particularly in prime locations that offer strong returns on investment. Buyers prioritize lifestyle, convenience, and security, making well-situated developments an attractive option.”
“We see a mix of buyers across the board, but the majority are young couples and investors.”
High-growth precincts
Cape Town’s northern suburbs are seemingly ever-expanding – what’s the appeal of these high-growth precincts, and how do prices compare to the CBD and southern suburbs?
“The northern suburbs boast excellent public and private schools, well-established neighbourhoods, and convenient access to the N1 highway. Additionally, newer developments provide opportunities for first-time buyers to enter the market.”
What northern suburbs are seeing the most demand? And in Gauteng? “In Cape Town, Tyger Valley and Durbanville are experiencing strong demand. In Gauteng, Rosebank and Bryanston continue to perform well.”
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- The Woodstock
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- The Monarch
The appeal of residential developments
Pretorius explains that investors have specific criteria in mind when it comes to the appeal of residential developments: “Investors prioritize good rental yields, affordable levies, and proximity to quality schools and amenities. Currently, the Western Cape is in particularly high demand.”
This is borne out by swift sellouts of new Cape Town developments such the Monarch, a luxury sectional title development in Tyger Valley, and 32−unit apartment complex The Woodstock. “Monarch has seen exceptional demand due to the increasing need for smaller, more affordable housing options in that area. The Woodstock is a unique boutique development that falls within a UDZ tax-incentivized zone, making it an attractive investment opportunity. It offers something distinct from anything else currently available in the neighbourhood.”
Game-changing developers are making impactful strides to meet inner-city demand – what is the market outlook like, is there a shortage of quality housing across different price segments? “Developers are utilizing available land to cater to the specific needs of each area. In Sea Point, for example, there is demand for both high-end and lower-end housing, whereas the suburbs tend to attract buyers looking for long-term residential options,” she explains.
Only Realty Forge has cemented a partnership with WCB Property Developers – what other projects do they have in the pipeline?
“We love working with WCB because they consistently deliver high-quality developments at price points that are accessible to our target market. We definitely plan to collaborate with them on future projects.”
On a personal note, Pretorius has established a strong reputation since launching Forge. To her mind, how is she maximizing her skills in the property industry?
“Since launching Only Realty Forge, my biggest strength has been building trust-based relationships with investors, developers, and buyers. My ability to analyze market trends across different regions allows me to identify opportunities and offer strategic insights. Additionally, I’m fortunate to work alongside a dedicated and experienced team that shares my commitment to excellence, ensuring we consistently deliver outstanding results.”
She concludes, “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that adaptability is key. Markets shift, buyer demands evolve, and economic conditions change – so staying informed and agile is critical. I’ve also realized that real estate is as much about relationships as it is about numbers; trust and transparency are essential for long-term success. Well-located properties in high-growth suburban nodes and urban renewal areas continue to deliver strong returns. Most importantly, I’ve come to understand that real estate isn’t just about selling property—it’s about helping people make some of the most important financial and lifestyle decisions of their lives.”
For more information about Only Realty Forge, see here.
