Unique Estates has finished the successful 2019 with the opening of its new modern office in the capital, as well as with the introduction of the new members from its sales team. A special guest of the company on this occasion in Sofia was Chris Dietz, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Leading Real Estate Companies of the Word and Luxury Portfolio International. After a press conference for the media and his participation in several Bulgarian TV broadcasts, Chris Dietz met our editor Sylvana Vassileva to talk about the trends in the industry and what is changing in the idea of a luxury property today.
Your last visit in Sofia was two years ago. What are the changes you see in the company from 2017 to now?
It is a great pleasure for me to see how well Unique Estates is working and developing. I have repeatedly set the company as an example in terms of marketing and branding to all members of our global network. The company's new office is really fantastic! I am also impressed with the corporate web site, which is at a very high level. I would say that Unique Estates is one of the best represented companies in this respect compared to the ones we work with at Luxury Portfolio International. It seems that there is a well-thought-out idea behind it all, which has been presented successfully and I am very pleased to see that.
I understand that the company has recently expanded its sales team significantly. At Luxury Portfolio International, we believe that behind the success of every company are the people who work for it. It is evident that Unique Estates is attracting more and more quality professionals, which is an important indicator for the company's position in the market. It is remarkable that this growth and level rise is stable over time and the company is constantly raising the bar for its competitors in the market.
What has changed and what are the trends emerging in the global luxury real estate market?
First and foremost, these are the technologies and the way they affect the real estate business. Companies in the sector need to adapt to the new realities, otherwise they would fall out of the market. Everything is changing very dynamically, so there is a need to work a few steps forward, outlining in advance the markets and types of customers that will be targeted in the future, their needs and demands. The role of the agent is also changing a lot. There are many challenges ahead for everyone in the industry. Unique Estates has shown impressive development in this direction.
You travel a lot around the world. What has changed in people's perception of luxury and luxury property in the last 2-3 years?
Living in an environmentally, eco- friendly and sustainable way - these are trends that are evident in the real estates industry as well. More and more investments are being made in holiday homes located close to nature. Thus, the owners diversify their property portfolio and invest in a better living environment. The architecture, materials used and the concept of the interior of a modern luxury home are consistent with the requirements for sustainability and environmental friendliness. Wealthy clients today are very knowledgeable and aware of this. They are looking for features in the property that really contribute to a better quality of living. This applies to all parameters related to a healthy, clean and balanced lifestyle. We see more and more greenery and natural materials in living and working spaces, as well as technologies that improve the quality of water and air. There is a demand for homes that have greater access to daylight and various fitness and wellness facilities. Kitchens are now equipped with mini-gardens with herbs and vegetables grown in the home itself. The wellness industry is gaining popularity in the global residential property market, and here we are not just talking about SPA centers and facilities, but about everything related to bringing modern people closer to nature and a more harmonious and green lifestyle.
You look like someone who loves what he does. What motivates you in your daily work?
Real estate is a very interesting field. I travel to all parts of the world. What charges me the most is the contact with people from different cultures and nations. I am lucky to meet so many interesting characters who have unique qualities and skills. Most of the people in this field work with a lot of empathy and feeling. This communication, all these interesting stories - personal or professional - enrich me a lot. I very much like the energy and the way of communication in Southeast Asian countries. This is something that is missing in the Western world. There you get a smile and greetings for no specific reason and people are simply more open and friendly.