Julius Buchinsky: The Man Behind The Hammer

​In the golden era of Cape Town real estate, one name echoed louder than most: Julius Buchinsky—a man who turned the auction floor into a stage and transformed property deals into high-stakes theatre. Known for his charisma, black-rimmed glasses, and razor-sharp instincts, Julius wasn't just an auctioneer—he was a force of nature in South Africa’s property world. His journey began in the retail sector, but it wasn’t long before Julius identified a greater calling in property sales. Over 30 years ago, he transitioned into the real estate market, eventually pioneering several successful property investment syndicates.

These ventures helped ordinary South Africans gain access to strategic property opportunities long before the term “crowdfunded real estate” entered mainstream vocabulary. But it was in the auction world that Julius truly made his mark. Armed with charm, confidence, and a booming voice, he brought a level of theatre and professionalism to South African auctions that hadn’t been seen before. His marketing genius gave rise to the unforgettable slogan: “The biggest name in the auctioneering game.” And he lived up to it. Julius was also a committed community builder. In 1956, he co-founded the Varsity Old Boys Squash Club in Rondebosch—a space that quickly became a hub for camaraderie, ambition, and grassroots sportsmanship. He wasn’t just about profit; he was about people.

An “instigator of living the dream,” as his peers described him, Julius had an uncanny ability to bring vision into action, whether it was real estate syndicates or community squash courts. His legacy isn’t just about the properties he helped sell or the deals he closed. It’s about the standard he set—bold, unapologetic, and grounded in passion for both property and people. Today, that legacy lives on through his grandson, Alon Bitton, who has taken up the family mantle in Cape Town’s commercial and industrial property world. Julius Buchinsky didn’t just sell property—he helped shape the modern face of it