Ceebrook is a specialized financial intermediary designed to address South Africa's affordable housing finance gap through community-based property ownership. Backed by Ellerbrook Social Capital, a German-based impact investment firm with African ownership, we leverage the collective financial strength of community groups and stokvels to enable property purchases that individual members cannot achieve independently.

Our innovative approach combines traditional community finance principles with modern corporate structures, specialized underwriting methodologies, and green building integration. We enable groups of 4-12 community members to collectively purchase properties valued R890,000 - R1,780,000 through 10-year financing arrangements of R800,000 - R1,600,000. We transform individual housing aspirations into collective wealth-building opportunities while addressing the systematic including of South Africa's middle income workforce into property ownership and finance.

Our Product
Core Offering: 10-Year Community Property Finance
• Loan Amount: R800,000 - R1,600,000
• Property Value Range: R890,000 - R1,780,000 (90% maximum LTV)
• Target Market: Community groups of 4-12 members
• Required Combined Income: R22,200 - R44,400 monthly
• Loan Term: 10 years (120 months)

Property Use Models
Our initial market review will evaluate both Buy to Rent and owner-occupation models to determine optimal approaches for different community groups. However, market research indicates that community groups are likely to favour the Buy to Rent model due to its investment-focused approach and cash flow generation capabilities.

Buy to Rent Model: Property purchased as investment generating rental income for debt service and member returns, providing professional management approach and measurable investment returns.

Owner-Occupation Model: Property purchased for direct occupation by community group members, requiring different governance and cost-sharing arrangements.

Interest Rate Structure:
• Base Rate: Linked to prime rate with risk-based adjustments
• Green Building Discount: Available for certified properties
• Rate adjustments based on member creditworthiness and community group stability

Security Framework:
• First mortgage bond over property as primary security
• Individual shareholder guarantees graduated by member credit profile
• Company assets and rental income assignments
• Life insurance policies and additional security as appropriate

Target Market Segmentation

Primary Target: Emerging community groups with property ownership aspirations
• New community group (Stokvel) formalisation with individual members earning
• Existing social groups transitioning to formal investment focus
• Community organizations seeking structured wealth-building approaches

Secondary Target: Middle-income communities with established financial discipline

• Established community groups (stokvels) with 1-2 years savings history seeking property investment
• Professional and semi-professional groups with stable income sources
• Mixed formal/informal income communities with demonstrated saving discipline

Unique Value Proposition

Collective Underwriting: We assess community groups or stokvels based on collective financial behaviour, social capital, and governance capability rather than solely relying on individual credit assessments. This recognizes that community groups purchasing property collectively require different evaluation methods than traditional individual borrowers.

Legal Structure Optimization: We formalize informal stokvels through private company structures, providing limited liability protection, perpetual succession, efficient CIPC registration, and professional governance frameworks while maintaining community control.

Sustainable Property Features: We work closely with stokvel members to ensure long term sustainability of the properties they purchase to incorporate:
• Solar panel systems and battery backup solutions for energy security
• Water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling
• Green building certification (where possible)
• Reduced utility costs and enhanced property values

Social Impact and Systemic Change

Financial Inclusion: Breaking down barriers for communities with limited formal credit histories but strong collective financial discipline, enabling property ownership through community-based risk assessment.

Community Empowerment: Strengthening social bonds and collective decision-making through professional governance structures that support sustainable community-based property investment.

Environmental Sustainability: Working towards inclusion of green building features that reduce long-term operating costs while contributing to environmental goals, creating multiple value streams for community members.

Implementation and Backing

Ceebrook is funded by Ellerbrook Social Capital, ensuring alignment with impact investmentprinciples focused on unlocking potential in underserved communities, driving systemicchange, and delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes alongside financial returns.

Competitive Advantage

We are position ourselves as a specialized provider of community-based property finance in South Africa, addressing clear market need through:

• African ownership and leadership with deep local understanding
• Specialized underwriting that recognizes collective capacity
• Comprehensive legal frameworks designed for community property ownership
• Sustainable property focus delivering cost savings and environmental impact
• Professional support services from formation through ongoing management

Ceebrook transforms the traditional approach to property finance by recognizing that communities working together can achieve what individuals cannot accomplish alone, creating lasting wealth-building opportunities while contributing to South Africa's affordable housing solutions and environmental sustainability goals.