Brian Sango’s journey from scrubbing restaurant floors to closing multimillion-rand real estate deals is nothing short of extraordinary. With over 750 properties sold, multiple industry awards, and a relentless drive to reshape Africa’s urban landscape, Brian—widely known as ‘Your Property Guy’— isn’t just selling homes; he’s constructing legacies. His story is one of grit, vision, and an unwavering belief that property investment should be accessible to all.
Born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Brian’s connection to real estate was nurtured early. “My parents’ background in architecture and engineering instilled a deep passion for property in me,” he recalls. But passion alone wasn’t enough—his journey to success took him through the toughest terrains, from restaurant cleaning jobs to leadership roles in real estate investment.
But, as he readily admits, “From humble beginnings as a restaurant cleaner to a real estate powerhouse,” his story unfolds, a narrative punctuated by “multiple awards, and a passion for shaping Africa’s urban landscape.”
Brian’s epiphany came while working with South Africa’s most exclusive properties. “While that experience was invaluable, it also highlighted a stark disparity,” he recalls “I was dealing with listings exceeding R200 million, and it struck me that no one in my immediate circle, not even my family, could ever access such opportunities. That realization sparked something in me—I wanted to democratize property investment,” Brian says. His vision? To make high-value real estate investments attainable for ordinary people, not just the ultra-wealthy.
“After all, the fundamental steps to selling a R2 million property are essentially the same as those for a R200 million one. Why should exceptional service be exclusive to the ultra-wealthy?” he asks with a sense of righteous indignation.
This question became the cornerstone of My Wealth Space, a bespoke property investment firm built on the principle that “we’re not just selling properties; we’re building financial futures.”
Strategic Investments in Zimbabwe and South Africa
My Wealth Space started with a focus on buy-to-let investments in South African properties but quickly expanded to global markets. “We initially centered on South Africa, but soon we were brokering deals internationally,” Brian explains. His strategy? Rigorous due diligence, data-driven decision-making, and a client-first approach.
He bootstrapped the company, reinvesting earnings and forging strategic partnerships to ensure sustainable growth.
“The impact thus far has been incredibly rewarding,” he stated. “We’ve empowered numerous individuals and families to build wealth through strategic property investments, providing them with access to opportunities they might not have otherwise had.”
“Being an active investor myself, I understand the critical elements needed to pre-assess any opportunity. In some cases, we even co-invest alongside our clients to demonstrate our confidence. We put our own ‘skin in the game.’”
With offices in Zimbabwe and South Africa, My Wealth Space bridges the gap for Zimbabweans looking to invest in South African properties. “Understanding legal nuances across different regions is paramount,” he asserts. “There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in real estate. We ensure our clients are fully informed and protected.”
Moreover, in 2025, they are a tech-enabled business, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and provide clients with real-time data and insights. Crucially, they “prioritize data-driven decisions.” “That’s why we focus on properties that are already tenanted,” he explains. “This approach provides our clients with a clear picture of their potential returns from day one, ensuring positive cash flow and aligning with their long-term financial goals.”
Furthermore, his commitment to Zimbabwe is palpable. The establishment of a physical office in his homeland is more than a business move; it’s a bridge, “bridging the gap for Zimbabweans seeking South African property investments.” This dual-market approach, coupled with his leadership roles in organizations like YIPA and SAIBPP, underscores his dedication to “industry advancement and community impact.”
Cape Town vs. Johannesburg: Tailoring Investment Strategies:
Indeed, understanding the nuances of different markets is paramount for successful property investment. “Cape Town offers high capital growth potential, strong demand for short-term rentals, and an attractive lifestyle for tenants, but comes with high property prices, significant upfront costs, and seasonal rental fluctuations,” Brian explains.
“In contrast, Johannesburg provides more affordable property prices, higher rental yields, and a stable long-term rental market, though it has slower capital appreciation, limited short-term rental potential, and requires careful area research due to crime and economic factors.”
He emphasizes the importance of aligning investment goals with specific market characteristics. “While Cape Town favors long-term capital appreciation, Johannesburg is better suited for steady rental income,” he clarifies. “As a director of My Wealth Space, I’ve seen both markets work well for different investors. It really depends on your specific goals!”
Tech-Driven Growth in Real Estate
Brian’s vision extends beyond mere transactions. He champions African retail expansion through Corporate Real Estate and pushes the boundaries of property technology as Chief Growth Officer of Hoom. “Essentially, we’ve created what I often refer to as the ‘real estate Tinder app,’“ he explains, highlighting the innovation behind Hoom. “This analogy captures the essence of our innovation: we’re bringing convenience and efficiency to a traditionally cumbersome process.”
“We didn’t just build a tech solution; we built www.hoom.co.za to directly address real estate pain points.”
Through data-driven matching, end-to-end transaction solutions, and a mobile-first approach, Hoom is disrupting the industry. “We’re not just a listing platform; we provide a comprehensive suite of tools that support users throughout the entire real estate journey,” Brian says.
Empowering Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Brian is also passionate about fostering small business growth. “As a business owner who has benefited from opportunities in my early stages, I make it a point to extend that same support to emerging businesses,” he says. However, he acknowledges the risks: “We’ve encountered service providers who, still finding their footing, haven’t delivered as expected. This can reflect negatively on our reputation, as our clients rightfully hold us accountable for the performance of our partners.”
To mitigate this, he has implemented a structured mentorship program for emerging partners, rigorous vetting processes for service providers, and a commitment to transparency with clients. “We maintain open communication, keeping clients informed about partner performance and addressing any concerns promptly,” he reveals.
“Our clients trust us to curate a network of capable professionals – attorneys, mortgage brokers, contractors, and property managers. We are responsible for their investment, and that means only the best.”
Furthermore, they “leverage technology” and focus on “long-term partnerships.” “We have had to be very adaptive to local market nuances in the different African countries we operate in, this has meant that we have had to have a deep understanding of local laws and customs,” Brian acknowledges, highlighting the complexities of operating in diverse African markets.
The Future of African Real Estate
Brian envisions My Wealth Space as a ‘one-stop property shop’ bridging markets across Africa and beyond. “A significant portion of our clientele resides outside South Africa, yet we seamlessly guide them through strategic real estate purchases within the country. Now, we’re expanding to Zimbabwe and the UK, creating a truly global platform.”
“We’re not just facilitating transactions; we’re building bridges between continents, offering unparalleled access to global investment opportunities.” This vision, coupled with his unwavering commitment to “investor education and empowerment,” positions Brian as a true pioneer in the African real estate landscape.
This model allows clients to build diversified property portfolios with expert guidance. “We’re moving beyond the limitations of local markets and empowering investors to think globally. This approach not only diversifies their portfolios but also mitigates risk and maximizes returns,” he notes.
A New Era in Property Investment
Looking ahead, Brian is excited about emerging trends like tokenization, blockchain technology, and fractional ownership. “Traditionally, real estate has been an asset class reserved for the wealthy. Now, these innovations are democratizing access and opening up opportunities for everyone.”
He believes that by leveraging blockchain, real estate transactions can be more secure, transparent, and efficient. “Tokenization allows people to own a share of a development, making real estate more liquid and accessible.”
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those struggling to break into real estate, Brian offers invaluable advice: “Think beyond geographical limitations. Just because you operate in Johannesburg doesn’t mean your funding or strategic partners can’t be based in India or Silicon Valley.” His other key insights include:
- Build a Strong Online Presence: “Investors often research potential opportunities online. Make sure your brand is compelling.”
- Focus on Relationships: “Investors invest in people, not just ideas.”
- Explore Alternative Funding Options: “Crowdfunding, angel investors, and grants are viable avenues.”
- Be Persistent: “Securing funding is a long game—don’t give up.”
- Show Proof of Concept: “Even small wins can be compelling to investors.”
“Patience is paramount,” he said. “Transactions, especially complex ones, rarely unfold as planned.”
He emphasized the importance of active listening, clear communication, and professionalism. “Real estate is a people-centric business. Building trust and fostering open communication ensures clients feel confident and secure throughout their journey,” he noted.
“Investors are looking for businesses that create value. Show them how your business solves a problem,” he said.
Redefining Real Estate in Africa
Brian Sango’s journey is a powerful reminder that with vision, resilience, and a relentless drive to empower others, anything is possible. From a humble restaurant cleaner to a titan of African real estate, his story proves that success is not just about what you build for yourself but what you create for others.
“My Wealth Space is not just about selling properties—it’s about building financial futures,” Brian emphasizes. “We’re not just in the business of real estate. We’re in the business of transformation.”
As Brian continues to push boundaries, one thing is certain: he’s not just reshaping skylines—he’s reshaping lives.
