Engel & Völkers: A Tradition of Excellence in Real Estate

Engel & Völkers, a leader in premium residential and commercial real estate, operates in over 35 countries with 1,000 locations. Founded in 1977, the company is driven by competence, exclusivity, and passion. Under visionary founder Christian Völkers, it offers world-class service and comprehensive training, ensuring excellence in every transaction.
For over 45 years, Engel & Völkers has stood for top quality in real estate, specializing in both residential and commercial services in the premium segment. The brand makes the Engel & Völkers story one of strategic vision, unfaltering commitment, and remarkable growth, standing for high competence, uniqueness, and passion in more than 35 countries and 1,000 locations spread across five continents.
Engel & Völkers History
The history of Engel & Völkers began in 1977 when Christian Völkers, together with his close friend and business associate Dirk Engel, founded the company Engel & Cie. Headquarters was placed in a very prestigious boulevard, Elbchaussee, right in the heart of Hamburg. This villa has maintained major significance regarding corporate identity and is representative of the traditions and values of this company.
- Hamburg to the Global Stage
From this very first office in Hamburg, Engel & Völkers has grown into an international real estate powerhouse. In 2023, commission revenue rose to as much as 1.1 billion euros within the company, including corporate-owned operations and franchise partners. This is an extraordinary achievement and proof of the high, constant quality of service given in all Engel & Völkers locations. The brand is very successful because the company is able to keep exceptional standards and personalized service all around the world.
Key Competencies: Expertise, Exclusivity, Passion
Competence: For Engel & Völkers, every property is unique and has to be dealt with by a unique approach. Any request by the client is of top priority as Engel & Völkers understands the real estate business from inside out. It is with this level of commitment that clients are assured of receiving the same quality of service anywhere in the world.
Exclusiveness: The strong premium presence and large international network provide access to exclusive clients. Engel & Völkers feels at home where others take great pleasure in being, securing a leading position in the premium real estate market.
Passion: More than a business, Engel & Völkers treats real estate as a passion. At its helm, the finest agents are trained and developed professionally through the company’s in-house Engel & Völkers Academy. With that comes the brand’s commitment to excellence through constant betterment.
The Visionary Leadership of Christian Völkers
The brain behind Engel & Völkers is Christian Völkers. Through his strategic thinking and such innovative concepts, Engel & Völkers made it into becoming a global premium real estate brand. In 1988, Völkers founded Grund Genug, Engel & Völkers’ in-house publishing company, which launched an architecture and lifestyle magazine, thus increasing the brand’s reach.
Völkers has also designed the Engel & Völkers Bible, a core document for the franchise system and the real estate academy. It is through his visionary leadership and commitment to innovation that new standards are created for the industry, continuing to keep Engel & Völkers at the very top in the real estate market.
Engel & Völkers defines the meaning of excellence in the real estate business. The company further continues to set standards in the premium segment of real estate, leaving behind a legacy of competence, exclusivity, and passion. Under the strategic thinking of a Christian Völkers at the helm, Engel & Völkers has grown in size and influence, staying true to its reputation for top-of-the-line service quality and business innovations. As the company expands across the world, it has retained the culture and maintained adherence to its core values, ensuring each client the kind of service he deserves.