A year of growth and game changing moves
As 2024 came to an end, we caught up with Avenue’s founders—Kenneth, Hendrik, and Stijn—to look back on the year’s wins, challenges, and plans for the future. It’s been a year of innovation and game-changing moves. From navigating through economic challenges to sealing deals, their reflections offer a peek into their values and strategies.
2024 marked the moment Avenue’s “new kid on the block” era officially ended.
After three consecutive years as market leader in retail real estate investments, they’re now seen as an experienced & mature player in the market—and with that come bigger expectations. “Our clients and the market expect more from us now, and that’s a good thing,” Kenneth says. The team sees it as proof that their hard work is paying off and keeps on trying to grow its reputation.
Trends and turns
This year’s economy threw a few curveballs: rising interest rates and a spike in bankruptcies. But Avenue’s agility and “always-on” attitude helped them stay ahead. “Proactivity is in our DNA,” Kenneth says, “from strategy sessions to client calls, it powers our every move.”
Investor behavior changed this year too. Price agreements used to mean a done deal. Now, they’re just step one. Avenue’s team has had to hustle to keep deals on track right up to the finish line. “Getting a price agreement isn’t enough anymore,” Hendrik explains. “You’ve got to keep everyone on board from start to finish.”
It used to be that once you got a “yes” on price, the deal was practically done. Not anymore. “We used to have a 95% certainty once a price was agreed,” Hendrik says. “This year, that was out the window.”
“The team has to stay engaged from handshake to signature”
– Hendrik
– Hendrik
If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind
This year, Avenue also started to notice the opportunities for residential real estate to become a key player in investment strategies. With interest rates up, investors wanted safer bets—and residential fits the bill. “Investors are leaning into residential as a safe haven,” says Stijn. By expanding into this space, Avenue will unlock new revenue streams and even more cross-selling opportunities.
That’s why Avenue launched a residential department—a move that’s already paying off. Their first residential deal in Leuven introduced six new buyers to their portfolio. “These weren’t names on our radar before, but now they are part of our network,” says Stijn.
Teamwork always makes the dream work
The Avenue crew is tighter than ever. “We’re not just hiring people—we’re building a unit that’s fully in sync,” Hendrik explains. That’s been the secret sauce behind their ability to stay agile in a wild market. Kenneth points to another win: “Our team hasn’t had a single resignation in four years. It’s one of our biggest superpowers.”
More than any strategy or market shift, it’s the people who keep Avenue ahead. “At the heart of it all, it’s our team,” Kenneth says proudly. “We work with people who believe in our mission and push each other to be better every day. That’s our biggest advantage, and we’re going to keep it that way.”
Chasing growth
“Did we hit all of our goals? Yes and no,” Stijn explains. Avenue is still one of Belgium’s top three real estate brokers. The team aimed for 10% growth this year, knowing it was a stretch. “Was it realistic? Maybe not. But if you’re not aiming high, you’re not growing.”
Double the innovation, double the prize
The residential department’s foundation is just the beginning. Avenue plans to double down on this space, creating even more cross-selling opportunities. “This isn’t just a new department—it’s a growth engine,” Stijn says.
Avenue’s never been one to play it safe, and that’s not changing. From rethinking shopping centers to shaking up industry norms, innovation will remain their not-so-secret weapon.
“Unless you reinvent yourself, you’re running behind.”
– Kenneth
2024 has been a wild ride for Avenue—full of growth, challenges, and game-changing moves. As the team looks ahead to 2025, they’re more fired up than ever. With big plans for the residential department, constant innovation, and a rock-solid team at the core, Avenue is ready to keep climbing. The future’s looking bright, and they’re not slowing down any time soon.