Engel & Völkers looks back on a long history that has its origins in Hamburg, Germany. The company foundations were laid when Dirk C. Engel established Engel & Cie in December 1977. As the exclusive representative of a US brokerage firm, he sold real estate to German investors from downtown Hamburg. Several years later, Dirk C. Engel and Christian Völkers decided to open a brokerage office in Hamburg’s Elbe suburbs. The first business premises were a villa on the historic “Elbchaussee” boulevard, whose façade still features as an integral part of the brand’s iconic logo. The two founders went on to develop a property business that would change the industry from the ground up. By introducing the franchise system, implementing innovative marketing concepts and continually expanding into internationally sought-after first and second home markets, Engel & Völkers left brokerage practices that were previously standard behind it and grew into a globally successful luxury brand. Engel & Völkers now delivers innovative solutions to the traditional real estate sector. With its digital tools and IT products, the company is setting new standards in the realisation of smart solutions for property brokerage, and the provision of excellent services relating to all aspect of real estate. Engel & Völkers looks back on a long history that has its origins in Hamburg, Germany. The company foundations were laid when Dirk C. Engel established Engel & Cie in December 1977. As the exclusive representative of a US brokerage firm, he sold real estate to German investors from downtown Hamburg. Several years later, Dirk C. Engel and Christian Völkers decided to open a brokerage office in Hamburg’s Elbe suburbs. The first business premises were a villa on the historic “Elbchaussee” boulevard, whose façade still features as an integral part of the brand’s iconic logo. The two founders went on to develop a property business that would change the industry from the ground up. By introducing the franchise system, implementing innovative marketing concepts and continually expanding into internationally sought-after first and second home markets, Engel & Völkers left brokerage practices that were previously standard behind it and grew into a globally successful luxury brand. Engel & Völkers now delivers innovative solutions to the traditional real estate sector. With its digital tools and IT products, the company is setting new standards in the realisation of smart solutions for property brokerage, and the provision of excellent services relating to all aspect of real estate.