History in the Estate Agency Business

Kellaprince Properties was established in 1986 through the merging of F T Kellar & Co and Princeton Rock Properties, competing Real Estate Agencies in Barberton, Mpumalanga. The name "Kellaprince" was derived from the "Kella" in F T Kellar & co, and the "Prince" in Princeton Rock Properties. The original owners of Kellaprince were Keith Kellar, Navarre de Villers and Sally Muntingh. The pedigree of the company however stretches back over a century to 1887, when F T Kellar & Co was formed by Keith's grandfather, who established the first Estate Agency in the Lowveld. Keith Kellar (third generation) is still one of the current owners of Kellaprince. Kellaprince opened in Nelspruit in 1990. Navarre de Villiers and Joan Campbell subsequently sold their shares to Keith Kellar in 1997, when Eric Todd then purchased a 50% shareholding in the company. Kellaprince moved to the Village Shopping Centre in 2000. Eric Todd retired in 2007 and sold his shares to Colin Potgieter and Coral Niemand, key employees of Kellaprince. Coral sold her shares in 2009 to Derek Todd. In 2010 Grant and Courtney Campbell joined Kellaprince and manage the residential department. Grant became a director and shareholder in 2013. Amanda de Lange joined Kellaprince in 2012 and acquired shares and directorship in 2013. Colin took early retirement in 2014. The current owners of Kellaprince are Keith Kellar, Derek Todd, Grant Campbell and Amanda de Lange.

Who We Are

The shareholders in Kellaprince Properties are Keith Kellar, Derek Todd, Grant Campbell, and Amanda de Lange. Their combined management and entrepreneurial skills have made Kellaprince one of the top brands in the residential and commercial market in Nelspruit. Keith has been involved in property all his life, specialising in commercial developments. Amanda is a highly experienced commercial agent and Grant heads up the residential letting department managing some 680 plus residential properties. Derek is the managing member, having gained huge experience at SA Breweries and as Operations Director at Value Logistics SA.

The Strength of Kellaprince Lies in its People

The Kellaprince management style is based on Christian philosophy, and the growth and success of their employees and agents are paramount. Kellaprince prides themselves on keeping their staff for many years, due to an office environment which operates on the principles of mutual respect, interdependence and a consultative style of management. There are staff members who have been with the company for over 20 years, and many in excess of 10 years.

Kellaprince Properties moved to the newly expanded Nelspruit Crossing Shopping Centre in April 2016 and can be found at Shop 78, opposite Deeghuys and next to Post Net.

Developmental Achievements

Kellaprince are proud of substantial commercial and residential developments in Nelspruit on behalf of various investment syndicates. Over the past 30 years over R500 Million worth of successful developments have been visualised, designed, financed and developed, namely;

Residential Developments Sold by Kellaprince

The below have all been financed by careful borrowing, with syndicates of private investors providing the necessary equity, thus giving the smaller private investor an opportunity to invest in commercial property which otherwise would not have been possible. There are on-going developments, and investors are welcome to visit Keith or Derek for further details. The returns from privately held and managed commercial property are substantial, with nett returns on investment around 14% upwards.

Services

Kellaprince’s services are built on five blocks:

  • Commercial Property Development
  • Commercial Property & Facilities Management
  • Commercial Sales & Letting
  • Residential Sales
  • Residential Letting

Commercial Property Development:

The development of Commercial and Industrial property financed through a careful blend of borrowing and private investment to give maximum returns to private property investors, and at the same time providing prime premises for national and well-qualified tenants. Over the past 3 decades, Kellaprince has established excellent relationships with the major national groups in South Africa. Our mission is un-rivalled ongoing service to this industry. Kellaprince has the Slogan “If suitable premises are not available, we’ll build them!!”

In 2009 KPP (Kellaprince Property Projects (Pty) Ltd) was formed, now called KPP INVESTMENTS which is an independent property development and investment company managed by Kellaprince Properties, with an independent board of directors to ratify all major investment decisions. Most property developments are channelled through this company which has become a major player in the commercial property field in the Nelspruit region. It currently has gross assets of some R310 million.

The above services are mainly handled by Keith Kellar and Derek Todd.

Commercial Property & Facilities Management:

Management goes hand in glove with property development and ownership, and the ongoing management of property assets is vital to its future value, to both investors and tenants. Kellaprince has built up a proven track record in this field and currently manages some R1 billion rand’s worth of prime commercial property in Mpumalanga. The updating and re-valuation of properties features high on our priorities. “We take the hassle out of property ownership” The above services are handled by Derek Todd and Sakkie de Lange.

Commercial Sales & Letting:

Kellaprince offers a full range of commercial properties for sale and to let. Kellaprince has a wealth of experience in the letting of commercial properties and understands the importance and value of well-written detailed leases, which are handled “in-house”. The maintenance of commercial properties is crucial to their effective lifespan, and in this respect, Kellaprince invests a huge amount of time and effort in budgeting for preventative maintenance to keep their properties in tip-top condition. Amanda de Lange and Morné Flewin are responsible for this function.

Kellaprince acquired the services of Amanda de Lange in 2011, a highly experienced commercial property broker, who has added great value to this company through her contacts and networking with other leading property brokers in South Africa.

Residential Sales

Our business is as much about people as it is about properties. It is not just about selling Real Estate, but also about finding the right residence for the right person or family at the right time at the right price. Our residential sales consultants offer a comprehensive service including: professional and detailed comparative market analyses to inform sellers of the value of their properties. We also make use of web based and media marketing to ensure our sellers’ properties get the best possible exposure and access to the best contracts and attorneys to ensure professional, fast and successful property transfers. They are totally committed to providing a professional service to meet the client’s needs.

Residential Rentals

The Residential Rental Department of Kellaprince Properties is by far the largest in Nelspruit, with a full-time, experienced and competent staff. Due to excellent management systems, tenants and landlords are assured of service excellence.

Grant Campbell is the Rentals Director of Kellaprince.

Prospects

With our proven track record, operational excellence and unwavering focus on our client’s needs, we are optimistic about the future of the property market in Nelspruit. With the development of the new High Court, the Mpumalanga University, several new Hospitals, the proposed fresh produce market, a new strip mall near Orchards, the Karino Crossings shopping centre just off the N4 and huge investment by Menlyn Main and Halls Properties in various mixed use nodes including a primary/high school, the population of Nelspruit is set to grow with positive spin-offs for the property industry.

Where we are

Kellaprince operate in the dynamic city of Nelspruit, now Mbombela, Capital of Mpumalanga, which is on the Maputo Corridor.
Kellaprince’s offices are in The Crossing Shopping Centre, Shop 78, off the R40, Nelspruit.