UES - representative of Christie's Real Estate in Bulgaria

Оn November 20, 2024 Unique Estates, part of Realto Group, joined the prestigious family of the global luxury real estate brand Christie's International Real Estate again and is now the official representative of Christie's International Real Estate for Bulgaria. The representation contract was signed at the Unique Estates office at 10 Oborishte Street in Sofia. The event was attended by guests from the network's headquarters in London and Chicago, Unique Estates management team, journalists and guests, and the news of the event will be covered in leading world media.

Christie's International Real Estate covers 50 countries on six continents, with 900 offices worldwide, 10,000 agents from 106 real estate agencies. The remarkable success on the world stage is expressed in achieved sales worth more than 470 billion euros in the last five years and more than 12 thousand active luxury properties for sale with a total value of over 44 billion euros.

Christie's International Real Estate offers not only a premium service, but also a sophisticated partnership that combines deep expertise with an understanding of industry requirements. The brand guarantees a unique experience fully in line with high customer standards, as well as a connection to the most prestigious opportunities on the market. Thanks to a common focus on high-end properties, a strong local position and a dynamic network of partners, Christie's International Real Estate connects buyers and sellers of properties worldwide with offices in key markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Paris, Rome, Bangkok, Dubai, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean regions.

"For more than 18 years, Unique Estates has been providing exceptional service, the highest standard and a personal approach that fully matches Christie's International Real Estate's values of exclusivity and authenticity in the premium segment of the market. We don't just sell properties, we build and maintain long-term relationships with our clients, we offer a lifestyle, we preserve legacies and investments across generations, we make dreams come true. The invitation to join the network is a recognition of our brand, as well as confidence in our ability to combine the international standard with the unique spirit of the local market," said Vesela Ilieva, managing partner of Unique Estates | Christie's International Real Estate.

The main benefits of the brand include prestige, trust and direct contact with buyers and investors looking for luxury and unique properties that often go beyond practical value and become cultural and emotional investments for their owners.

“The Christie's International Real Estate brand offers an unparalleled selection of properties worldwide and is distinguished by achieving record sales. Membership is by invitation only and is not just a collection of real estate agencies – it is an elite community of exceptional professionals.” commented Helena Moyas de Forton, Executive Director and Head of EMEA & APAC at Christie's International Real Estates.

According to her, among the notable deals for 2024 are a home on Lake Tahoe in Nevada, USA, built by casino magnate Steve Wynn, sold for a record 59 million euros; a property in Palm Beach, Florida, worth 142 million euros; and a mansion on the south coast of England for 36 million euros. Christie's International Real Estate is currently offering a duplex penthouse for sale in Central Park Tower, New York, for €143 million.

"We have been monitoring the market in Bulgaria for some time because of the growing luxury segment and the country's strategic location as a link between Europe and Asia. We are extremely excited to be entering the market alongside Unique Estates – a successful and respected brand that shares Christie's commitment to professionalism, discretion and quality service. With the addition of Unique Estates, the network includes 47 partners in Europe, including seven in Eastern Europe – Albania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Serbia, Greece and Slovakia,” added Helena Moyas de Forton.

According to Unique Estates, between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 the prices of residential properties housing in Bulgaria increased by 7.1% - the largest increase in the EU and the largest for the country since 2007. Prices are expected to increase by another 15% by 2025. In the luxury property sector, Unique Estates reports a 50% increase in transactions for properties above €600,000 in 2023, and a one third of the company's listings have been sold without a reduction in the asking price and around 15% were sold for an even higher price than the one asked.

"The partnership with Christie's International Real Estate brings many advantages for our business and for our clients in Bulgaria," said Yordan Angelov, CEO of Realto Group. "With the growing demand for luxury properties, we see tremendous value in bringing our listings to international partners and potential buyers around the world, as well as creating investment opportunities in key global markets such as London, Paris, New York and Dubai."

According to Unique Estates, international clients are interested in trophy properties with historical value and cultural heritage in Sofia, investment properties that combine modernity, comfort and prestige in the capital, as well as in luxury vacation residences near the sea or the mountains.

"Through this partnership, we aim to support the development of the investment climate and strengthen ties with the global community at a high level. Bulgaria has the potential for significant investments that combine tradition and innovation, and attracts both new buyers and long-time connoisseurs of quality properties.", commented Vesela Ilieva, managing partner of Unique Estates | Christie's International Real Estate.

Christie's is a synonym of the the world's most valuable, desirable and rare works of art and premium goods, and the centuries-old symbiosis with the iconic auction house makes Christie's International Real Estate the world's leading high-end real estate network, operating in 46 countries and having 10 official office in the world, and brings together the best in the segment of exclusive homes and estates. Globally, discerning buyers and sellers rely on Christie's International Real Estate experts for personalized service and advice to make the right decisions and maximize asset value – not only for properties, but also for works of art and the objects that transform homes into an even more valuable possession.

"For the first time in Bulgaria through Unique Estates | Christie's International Real Estate we are introducing a dedicated service of the highest standard to facilitate referrals between the global property brand and the auction house. Private experienced consultants can assist all our clients who want to buy or sell works of art and luxury goods.", shared Svetoslava Georgieva, Managing Director of Unique Estates | Christie's International Real Estate.

Discretion and loyalty are fundamental principles that maintain the trust and prestige of the network, and at the heart of every partnership is a commitment to impeccable service and respect for privacy. Christie's auction house holds the record for the largest auction sale in history with the ‘Visionary’ collection: The Paul Allen Collection sold for €1.61 billion, as well as the most expensive jewel sold at auction - the 17.61 carat blue diamond Bleu Royal sold for $41.69 million.

Despite its rich over 250-year history, the brand continues its development. As a leader in real estate technology, the network innovates daily, purposefully building the premium real estate agencies of the future. Going beyond traditional marketing channels, customized global marketing initiatives take place, including Christie's auctions and some of the world's most exclusive events. Presenting fabulous properties alongside unique items such as art, jewelry, wine and other collectibles, Christie's International Real Estate reaches a rare audience of solvent clients and their representatives in various market segments, creating maximum interest and exposure, increasing their value.