Vesela Ilieva: Legacy and future with Unique Estates | Christie‘s International Real Estate

Published in Unique Estates Life Magazine Winter 2025

Vesela Ilieva is the Managing Partner of Unique Estates | Christie‘s International Real Estate, Managing Partner of New Estates and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Realto Group. Over 25 years of experience in the real estate business, with three master‘s degrees in International Marketing and Sales from University for National and World Economy in Sofia, MSc in Corporate Real Estate, Finance and Strategy from City University London and Challenge of Leadership from INSEAD.

This year, Unique Estates celebrates its 18th anniversary. What motivated you to start the company?

Establishing a luxury real estate company in Bulgaria in 2006 was a bold move and an immense challenge. I would call it an ambitious startup for its time because back then, there was no segmentation for luxury properties in the local market. It was my dream to lay the foundation for this segment in the industry and create a dedicated service for luxury real estate. Today, I believe that with Unique Estates, I have successfully fulfilled this goal.

What are the biggest changes in the market since then?

Over the past 18 years, Unique Estates has solidified its name, its services, and the luxury segment as an integral part of the Bulgarian real estate market. We now have not only long-standing clients who know exactly what they want and maintain a strong interest in buying and selling prestigious properties, but also clients from different generations. Our portfolio includes luxury properties not only in Bulgaria but also abroad, and our marketing services are at the highest global level. However, our greatest achievement is our team of highly qualified professionals who fully meet the industry's standards.

On November 20, Unique Estates joined the prestigious Christie’s International Real Estate network and once again became its official representative in Bulgaria. Why did this global network choose you?

Unique Estates offers exceptional services, the highest standards, and a personalized approach, which perfectly aligns with the values of Christie’s International Real Estate—exclusivity and authenticity in the premium market segment. We don’t just sell properties; we build and maintain long-term relationships with our clients, offer a lifestyle, preserve heritage and investments across generations, and make dreams come true. This partnership highlights our company’s ability to combine international standards with the unique spirit and characteristics of the local market.

What excites you the most about this new partnership?

I am proud and privileged to share this news with the public in Bulgaria. I am confident that this is an important step not only for Unique Estates but for the entire real estate industry in the country. I have great respect for the Christie’s brand, which operates on an invitation-only basis. For our entire team, this partnership is a great honor and recognition that Unique Estates stands alongside the world’s most prestigious brand in luxury real estate.

What were some of the most significant transactions completed by Christie’s International Real Estate last year?

Among the most impressive deals of 2024 were the sale of a Lake Tahoe home in Nevada, USA, built by casino magnate Steve Wynn, for a record €59 million, a property in Palm Beach, Florida, valued at €142 million, and an estate on the southern coast of England for €36 million. If you're curious about the most expensive property currently available through Unique Estates | Christie’s International Real Estate, it is a duplex penthouse in Central Park Tower, New York, priced at €143 million.

What types of properties in Bulgaria attract the most interest from Christie’s International Real Estate’s international clients?

International buyers are drawn to trophy properties with historical and cultural significance, investment properties in the capital that combine modernity, comfort, and prestige, as well as luxury vacation residences near the sea or in the mountains. Through this partnership, we aim to support the development of the investment climate and strengthen cultural and business ties with the global high-net-worth community. Bulgaria has significant investment potential, blending tradition with innovation, attracting both new buyers and long-standing connoisseurs of high-quality real estate.

Text: Alexandra Dyankova
Photography: Kostadin Krastev-Koko
Make-up: Gabriela Nachkova
Hair: Tsvetomir Petkov