




Comprehensive rental and property management - Unique Estates Rents
Zara Koteva, Manager of Luxury and Corporate Rents and Property Management at Unique Estates, on rental trends and the company's premium rental and property management services.
What are the trends in the rental market in Sofia?
Extremely high interest and growth in rental prices - this is how the current trends in this luxury real estate segment can be described. Demand for high-end houses and apartments was a key factor throughout 2022, and by early 2023 potential customers have become even more confident in their intentions. The growth in rental prices compared to 2022 is around 20%. Demand is outstripping supply, especially when we talk about houses, but we also see some shortages in luxury apartments. For this reason, customer interest in new construction and investment deals in the high-end segment is also growing. Among the most attractive areas are the capital's historical centre and the Doctor's Garden, where mainly aristocratic apartments with high ceilings, which carry the spirit of old Sofia, are in demand. Interest among tenants is aroused by new and modern apartments with clean concepts in "Lozenets", "Iztok", "Izgrev", Blvd. "Bulgaria", as well as futuristic design penthouses in luxurious new complexes. Dragalevtsi, Boyana, Kambanite and other areas on the northern slope of Vitosha attract mainly high-end houses, but in the latter segment, the supply is quantitatively insufficient to meet the demand.
How should a home be prepared to rent?
Our consultants are trained from the very first steps of their work with landlords to advise each of them on what improvements are needed to successfully let the property. A key requirement is that the property is in excellent condition from the moment it goes on the rental market. In some cases this may require more basic or just refreshing repairs, in others it may require professional detail work. The ultimate goal is for every potential tenant to want to live in the luxury home as soon as they see it and feel at home as soon as they walk in. It is key that the property is well laid out and that accessories and interior features are present that match a high-end home. This gives potential tenants the feeling they would experience in that home and gives them the best idea of how to adapt it to their requirements. By following these steps, the homeowner will maximize the value of the property and demonstrate their attitude towards the home. This does not go unnoticed. Last but not least, the right price must be set. We guide owners not just to quote an arbitrary value, but to define the price of their luxury property in such a way that it meets the market realities and the qualities of the house or apartment.
What services does Unique as a company offer to landlords and tenants?
As leaders in the luxury property market in Bulgaria, Unique Estates has an expert team of consultants in the rental segment. Our landlords receive many years of service and full support from qualified consultants from the outset in renting, letting and long-term property management. Unique Estates also fully underwrites the professional photography of the property. We work with an extremely wide range of corporate clients, allowing us to connect tenants and landlords quickly and efficiently. An important service we offer is the valuation of the property, allowing us to unmistakably position it in the market.
How does Unique Estates differentiate itself from other companies in the industry in the rental sector?
Unique Estates covers the whole range of property letting services and has a dedicated team who work exclusively in this sector. In practice, we service every type of rental transaction - long-term, short-term, corporate lettings, relocation of staff and senior management and CEO. The properties we service are centrally located or in areas conveniently located, close to business centres and transport links, making it easy and saving our tenants valuable time. We also offer property management and maintenance to both tenants and landlords. We have a professional team on hand to assist clients - concierge services, porterage, cleaning and anything else needed to ensure the comfort of both tenant and landlord.
Unique Estates has the full range needed for a positive experience when renting or leasing a property - from professionalism and expertise, to experience and speed, to dedication and the belief that every client deserves nothing less than the best.
Read more from category For sellers and landlords
Do we need a broker when buying and selling a property?

Many of you probably ask this question when it comes time to change homes or purchase a new property. Why do I need an agency when there are websites show direct information from an owner?
Generally speaking, a real estate agent will save you time and effort, protect you from incorrect owners, and guide you seamlessly through the process.
How is a property sold?

When selling a property, it is important to consult a professional who can provide you with a housing market research and help you determine the market price of the property. It is also recommended to have a realistic description of the property to attract the attention of buyers, helping them to get oriented in its advantages.
How is a property tax assessment made?

The issuance of a tax assessment requires the submission of several types of documents, which you can request through a specialized portal for the provision of electronic services, with an application at the counter in an administrative service center, by e-mail or by post, electronically through the secure electronic delivery system.
How is the market price of a property determined?

The market price is determined by real estate professionals using the comparative market analysis method. The purpose of the analysis is to determine the correct price range in which to position a property when it is advertised for sale.
How is profit tax calculated when selling a property?

The profit from the sale of a property is not taxed when the home has been your property for 3 years. In all other cases, the difference between the sale price and the purchase price is taken into account when calculating taxes on the sale of a property. The income is formed on a tax base and this tax base is reduced by 10% of the legally determined costs.
How much is my property worth?

The surest way to find out how much your property is worth is to consult with a professional in this field. We at Unique Estates can help you by providing you with a reliable valuation that is based on in-depth market research by professionals as well as our own data acquired over the years.
How are the undivided shares of a property calculated?

For each independent property, the undivided shares are calculated using the following formula:
Undivided Shares (%) = (Built-Up Area/Gross Floor Area) *100
Where:
Undivided Shares (%) is the size of the common areas adjacent to the property.
Built-Up Area (BA) is the built-up area of a property.
Gross Floor Area (GFA) is the total floor area contained within the entire building.
How is a property boundary determined?

A property boundary is determined by filing a petition to fix the boundary between properties. In order to determine the exact boundaries of a landed property, it is necessary to carry out the so-called tracing. This means to mark various points, lines, planes or surfaces on the terrain.
How is rental income declared?

There are two options for declaring rental income. In the first case, if the tenant is an uninsured natural person, it is the responsibility of the landlord to declare and pay the applicable rental income taxes. In the second case, if the tenant is a self-insured person (or enterprise), the tax amount is determined and the tax is withheld from him/ her at the time of its payment.
How is a rental agreement prepared?

If you are considering renting out a property, your cooperation with a professional lawyer is very important. He will help you to draft all mandatory clauses of the agreement in accordance with the Obligations and Contracts Act (OCA, Articles 228-239) and the Landlord and Tenant Relationship Act.
How is a rental agreement concluded?

According to the Bulgarian legislation, a rental agreement can be concluded both in written and oral form. In both cases, the agreement is considered valid and has legal force. However, the choice of an oral agreement hides significant risks, mainly due to the difficulties in proving the agreed terms and conditions.
How to terminate a tenancy agreement?

When you wish to terminate your tenancy agreement, you must comply with the period specified in the agreement and give prior written notice. If you wish to leave earlier than this period, you must pay a penalty to the landlord.
What is a property management service?

The property management service releases the landlords from their responsibilities throughout the rental process and from the subsequent tasks of collecting the rent and monitoring the property.
How to sell a luxury property with Unique Estates?

Contact us and our team of experts will prepare a special Comparative Market Analysis to determine the correct market price and potential customers for your property. Trust our professional real estate consultants who will give you the right guidance on how to successfully sell your property.
How to make an expert appraisal of a property?

The first step in making an expert appraisal of a property is to contact a certified appraiser registered in the Chamber of Independent Appraisers in Bulgaria. For the process, you will need an ownership document, an up-to-date sketch or cadastral map of the property and other documents depending on the type of the property.
When market analyses and research are conducted?

Market analyses and research are conducted before making important business decisions, launching new products on the market, making investments, or expanding the business into new markets.
What does a market analysis involve?

The market analysis includes a complex analysis at several levels: general market analysis, industry market analysis, market analysis of an individual product. These assessments provide valuable data for informed decision making and strategic planning.
For whom can the real estate market analysis be useful?

The real estate market analysis can be useful for investors, home buyers, agents, financial institutions, property managers, end users, etc. It helps in making informed decisions and understanding market trends and property prices.
Where to post an ad for the sale of a luxury property?

Before selling your property, it is important to choose a consultant who will give you the right guidance on how to most successfully and smoothly carry out the transaction. Trust our professionals at Unique Estates, who offer complex services in the field of real estate in two directions - Premium and Standard.
Where to obtain a property sketch?

The first step in obtaining a property sketch is to check with the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency (GCCA) whether the property falls within the territory with an active cadastral map. A check of the sketch can be carried out in any regional city in Bulgaria at the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Office (GCCO).
How to rent out an apartment?

Renting out an apartment can be made both with the help of a real estate agency and independently. Choosing to work with an agency provides a number of advantages that can significantly accelerate the conclusion of a rental agreement.




