THE BELGRADE MARKET IS GETTING MORE EXCLUSIVE

REAL ESTATE

BELGRADE MARKET IS GETTING EVER MORE EXCLUSIVE

In the world of real estate, Brian Lack & Co stands for luxurious residential buildings with exclusive interiors. They have been recognised as leaders in this field in Europe for decades but also in Belgrade, where they opened a branch of their London office ten years ago

By:

JOVANA NIKOLIĆ

Photo:

BRIAN LACK & CO

Sanja Mitrović, Director of Brian Lack & Co L

uxurious apartments market is a part of the most attractive offer of every metropolis, and Belgrade is in this sense not different than any of them. What is it that Belgrade and other cities in Serbia have to offer to clients looking for apartments designed in line with the highest world standards, how important is to have connections with the global market in real estate brokering and what is it the clients are primarily looking for – these are the questions we asked Sanja Mitrović, Director of the Brian Lack & Co agency, specialised for dealing in luxurious real estate on prestigious locations.

Brian Lack & Co was opened in Belgrade ten years ago as branch office of its London headquarters. What do you consider to have been your greatest achievement during the fist decade of presence on the Serbian market?

— Although we have not been present in Belgrade for more than ten years, we can boast good results. Apart from residential buildings in exclusive areas of our capital, we are particularly proud of the Avala House project which has been nominated for the prestigious EU award for contemporary architecture – „Mies van der Rohe Award 2022“. It is a luxurious building of an authentic design combining modern elements with natural surroundings. This building is also unique in the construction method which was applied. It was built by using the cutting edge effusion technology, without vibrations, which allowed to create concrete elements in one piece.

How did your clients benefit from your connections with the western European market and what would you highlight as your company’s most important asset?

— More than anything else, it’s our experience in the global real estate market. Thanks to our ten years long presence, we have established an incredible database, as well as excellent cooperation with renowned investors. These qualities have been recognised by our clients, both local and foreign, including embassies and foreign representative offices. We

are happy to see that clients in Serbia recognise our aspirations and that foreign clients view our agency as a reliable company capable of providing right information, quality services and, above all, security – at any moment.

To which extent does the Belgrade and Serbia’s real estate market offer fits into Brian Lack’s exclusive concept?

— In the past few years, Belgrade has grown into a true metropolis and it is slowly acquiring a prestigious image globally. Newly built office and residential buildings have contributed to this image with their modern architecture and luxurious interiors comparable to any similar buildings all over the world. The best example of this concept is Belgrade Waterfront, which is by its size the second largest complex of this type in Europe, right behind the Minsk Mir project.

What would you highlight as the most attractive offers in Belgrade?

— Serbia’s real estate market is still young, but it’s growing incredibly quickly. This primarily applies to its capital. Of Belgrade’s 17 municipalities, Vračar gets most attention, being a very attractive location because of the Saint Sava Church, theatres and museums located there. New Belgrade, the business centre of the capital, has also developed residentially, offering its inhabitants comfortable life close to the rivers, large parks, but also major traffic roads providing easy communication with other parts of the city. Clients are also interested in Savski venac and its main city streets and residential zones in Senjak and Dedinje but also Dorćol, considered by many to be „the heart of the city”.

What about the offer in other Serbian towns?

— When it comes to other places in Serbia, apart from Novi Sad and Niš, Kragujevac and Aranđelovac have come under the spotlight recently, as the markets where the same good business practice already in place in other Serbian towns is now implemented.

One of the favourite locations in Kragujevac is its centre, where we want to draw your attention to the Tesla Palace project. It spreads over 32,000 sqm and is located in the immediate vicinity of the University, Stem Cells Institute and the Palace of Justice. The project which consists of 218 apartments and 14 outlets is expected to be completed in the second half of next year. According to the Republic Geodetic Authority, Kragujevac recorded the highest increase in housing market turnover as a result of an increase in the number of factories, higher incomes, improved infrastructure, and because it has become a place where it is easy to get a job. Also, Kragujevac has a University and excellent traffic connections with the rest of Serbia.

I would also like to mention the exclusive residential and office area which is to be built in the very centre of Aranđelovac. With its 28 apartments, business premisses and garages, it will offer its residents the comfort level and luxury equal to that of the capital’s residential buildings. That will be the first condominium type development in this town. All apartments are designed to provide maximum functionality and optimal correlation between the number of bedrooms and square footage. Particular importance was given to quality materials and spacious terraces overlooking the mountains Bukulja and Venčac, Banjski park and historical locations which make the Heart of Šumadija and Aranđelovac famous. As to additional elements, this residential area will have a playground, open swimming pool, gym and spa areas, family gathering areas, a common terrace with lounge furniture, as well as 24h technical service.

Avala House: an authentic design combining modern elements with natural surroundings

The current situation has seriously shaken the real estate market, prices, including rental, are constantly rising, as well as the demand for all types of apartments. What is most demanded by your clients?

Tesla Palace project in Kragujevac includes 218 apartments and 14 outlets

Apartments in the Tesla Palace complex will provide tenants with a new standard of comfort and prestige

Recreation and relaxation space in the Tesla Palace complex

— Despite the pandemia that the whole world struggled with last year, there was no stagnation of demand on the real estate market. On the contrary! The demand is increasing, especially for new apartments. Partly because the life style is changing. We are gradually moving away from our old habits when it comes to home living and towards „open spaces“ that we can shape accourding to our own wishes.

Which type of real estate are you specialised in, so the clients know they should ask for your agency’s services?

— Brian Lack & Co focuses on luxurious real estate. These are residential buildings built according to the highest global standards, both in their interior and exterior solutions. This means they were built with the best quality material and interior is equipped with luxurious furnishings. Often they offer additional elements, such as security guards, swimming pools, playgrounds for the youngest residents. We also have rich experience in renting and selling office space and other commercial buildings.

Which services you offer to your clients, apart from the real estate brokerage?

— We adopted good practices of developed markets which implies the complete property management services. This means, that apart from the real estate brokerage, we will take care of rent collection, running costs, property maintenance etc. Also, we offer 3D design solutions, and our team of lawyers who are at our clients’ disposal for legal issues.

Several large, global real estate agencies are already present on our real estate market. How do you view your position on the Serbian market and what would you point out as your competitive advantage in your field?

— What makes us stand out is our business concept based on European models. Professionality, dedication and individual approach to every client is the basis of the Brian Lack & Co business style and our intention is to preserve these values. At the same time, we will make every effort to encourage foreign investments in construction business in Serbia.