HOT PROPERTY SUMMER

In the recent months some of my friends – all people with stable business and professional realisation – talk only about one thing: the property they plan to buy. They have different tastes, families and preferences, but they are united in one thing: they want their new home to be in a luxury residential complex.

The intensified interest in gated communities and holiday properties are the two trends that define the real estate market of 2016.

The reasons for the popularity of gated communities can be easily counted. Specifically designed and built with attention to the detail and the comfort of their inhabitants, residential properties are for people with high social status and the requirements that go with it, for people who need the life of the big city but who also crave tranquility.

"The more affluent clients are generally looking for natural and social environment that is adequate to their social status, as well as prestige location, comfort of living and security," says Miglena Dragotinova, Manager Luxury Properties at Yavlena Real Estate Agency (www.yavlena.com). According to her, these are mainly families with monthly income of around 5,000 leva who want to provide themselves and their children with good living environment. "In the past few years these clients have been often interested in buying homes in gated communities, because they offer everything needed at one place: environment, security (guards and CCTV), maintenance for the common areas, greenery and sometimes swimming pools, sports areas, children playgrounds, shops," adds Miglena Dragotinova. A main requirement during the scouting of such properties is the availability of at least two, but most commonly three bedrooms and garage for two cars. The clients prefer houses with small yard, but in Sofia the complexes that meet this requirement are not that many. "The prices in closed complexes vary between 1,000-1,400 euro/sq.m for apartments to 1,200-1,800 euro/sq.m for houses," sums up Miglena Dragotinova. At Yavlena, the requests for such properties make about 7 percent of all inquiries. Presently, the agency offers properties in more than 10 gated communities with apartments, houses or a combination of the two.

Although far from the centre, the luxury gated communities are close to main roads and provide a quick and easy access of their residents to the city centre. They become even more attractive from the feel of prestige and exclusivity which they create.

"Gated communities are the best options for certain groups of buyers, particularly young families with small children," says Georgi Peychev, manager at Imoteka real estate agency (www.imoteka.bg). "If they are well constructed and well marketed, their actuality doesn't wane. There was a period of negativity towards residential properties, that was caused by the excessive number of services and commitments for the buyers in a combination with artificially high prices. Today, the investors are much more reasonable – they offer what the clients need and they keep price levels that are not that different from prices in individual buildings. That is why the popularity of gated communities is present again."
"The potential of the closed complexes we work with is big," adds Georgi Peychev. "Significantly, over 15 percent of the sales in the segment are as an investment. When a project is under construction, of importance are the clear targeting and the clear vision in advance of what the property would look like when it is finished. Another major step for investors today is to give the clients what they need the most. In gated communities these are security, green areas and well maintained living environment."

Until the last year, the future of holiday properties on the Black Sea coast looked unstable after the main players, the Russians, withdrew from the market. Happily, in 2016 the interest and the reasonable prices in this segment of the property market changed the trend and deals are on the rise. The largest group of buyers are Bulgarians with middle and high income. Why buying a holiday property? Owning a second home by the sea guarantees that anytime you can have a summer vacation or a short break from the daily routine, without bothering with hotels and their noise. Holiday properties can also be let in the months when you don't use them.

The price range of vacation properties on the Black Sea coast is stretched quite a bit, but investment in a luxurious complex is definitely worth it. Besides excellent quality of the construction, the owners of such real estates have as well closeness to the sea, a lot of space and greenery, free guaranteed parking spaces, swimming pools, security, selected neighbours and maintenance.

Garden of Eden *****: All that you need

Do you want to own an apartment in a quiet seashore residential complex? Do you care about high quality, about secluded environment, facilities, infrastructure and security? The Garden of Eden exclusive seafront resort (St Vlas, www.gardenofeden.bg), with a five-star hotel and 700 luxury apartments, located on a 50,000 sq. m south-facing slope, looking across the beautiful blue waters of the Black Sea to Nesebar, offers all of the above. Most of the studios and one, two and three-bedroom apartments have spectacular sea view. Presently on the market is Stage 3 of the complex – Garden of Eden Panorama, situated on the very top of the resort. St Vlas is close to Sunny Beach and Burgas Airport, but Garden of Eden is a tranquil heaven, bordered by forests and natural parkland. The architecture skilfully combines elegant modernity and the beauty of Bulgarian traditions, and is surrounded by colourful landscaped gardens with bubbling water cascades. The complex offers 8 outdoor and 1 indoor swimming pool, SPA, fitness and relax centre, beauty centre, medical centre, 2 multi-functional playgrounds, beach, 3 restaurants, 5 bars, supermarket and secure underground parking.

Botanica VIP Residence: Nature at your doorstep

The greenery, tranquility and opportunity for complete relaxation are crucial when you choose a new home or a vacation property. Botanica VIP Residence gated community (Varna, Primorski neighbourhood, Sts Constantine and Helen Resort 2, 30th St; sales consultant Tatyana Georgieva: 0884 988 874, www.botanicaresidence.com) is among the most tempting suggestions on the market. Located next to Varna's botanical garden and the resort's mineral springs and beaches, residential complex Botanica VIP Residence offers security, cosiness, and high living standard. Among the amenities are the free parking spaces, the 24/7 security and maintenance, the outdoor swimming pool. The residents also enjoy quick access to the city centre, and the beautiful beaches of Sts Constantine and Helen Resort are within walking distance. The apartments are luxurious, with excellent disposition, built in accordance with the highest international standards of construction and living environment, and are sold ready to use. Botanica VIP Residence's yard is lush with greenery and the complex residents have free access to the botanical garden with its opportunities for walks, barbecue, jogging, riding and relaxation among nature.