We invite you to read the interview with Agnieszka Marciniak-Kostrzewa, founder of Agnes Inversiones, and Magdalena Górzna-Jaromin (Estate Point), which appeared in the June issue of the Poznan Prestige magazine .
How do you ladies know each other? How did your acquaintance and then collaboration begin?
AGNIESZKA MARCINIAK-KOSTRZEWA: What really brought us together was real estate. My mother was building an estate near Poznań, Magda started to prepare a marketing strategy for this project. That’s when I started working with Magda. Our cooperation is not very long, three years, but it is already very fruitful at this stage.(laughs)
MAGDALENA GÓRZNA-JAROMIN: What we have in common is undoubtedly a commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction. This is a priority for us in all transactions and business discussions. A high level of service, a focus on premium projects and the comprehensiveness of our offer – this guides us.
How is Spain’s property market shaping up in the face of the prevailing war in Ukraine and massive inflation?
A.M.-K.: It’s unbelievable, but in the first days of the war in Ukraine I had a huge number of calls about buying property in Spain. From my regular clients, but also from those completely unknown to me from the website and from referrals. I walked around with the proverbial notebook and wrote down the preferences of those interested.
People frightened by the spectre of armed conflict spilling outside Ukraine started to think about the option of moving out temporarily. These were express enquiries, e.g. whether they could fly in 3-4 days and buy ‘something quick’ to live in as soon as possible. The theme became the saying ‘how not to become a homeless refugee’.
What is the thought behind the buyers?
A.M.-K.: An flat or house is not just a holiday getaway for them, my clients are thinking ahead. Investment in real estate is an “escape from inflation”. Geographical diversification has also come into play here.
They want to settle permanently in Spain in some time and are preparing their ‘own place on earth’. Some have already decided to move permanently. I believe that the recent experiences – I am referring to the pandemic and the war – have changed our approach to everyday tasks. We want to enjoy life here and now. If we can afford to pursue our dreams, we pursue them. Many of us have re-evaluated our lives in the face of recent events. Spain, especially the southern Costa del Sol, guarantees buyers sunny weather for most of the year, Marbella additionally has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere. Everyone feels comfortable here, there is no dominance of one nationality.
M.G.-J.: I observe a similar trend. One house, where clients currently live, and a second property, which is to become a destination in the future, not just a holiday destination. We want to buy property in beautiful secluded locations in Poland and diversify the property portfolio by investing outside the country as well. A well-chosen second home can not only be an attractive place for a safe and peaceful holiday, but also a good capital investment. In addition, the threat posed by the pandemic has encouraged Poles to seek safe holiday options in the country. On the other hand, there are several conditions: architectural quality, attention to detail, architectural consistency, good administration and good internet – a prerequisite for remote working.
What else attracts customers to Marbella, on the Costa del Sol? What are the advantages and benefits of the place?
A.M.-K.: Definitely the climate, the cosmopolitan character of the place, the fantastic Mediterranean cuisine, i.e. fresh fish, seafood, but also good wine(laughs), and the wide range of international schools – you could go on and on. It is simply a different way of living here, better, calmer and for most of the year in fresh and, importantly, clean air. Spaniards are very open, family-oriented – culturally close to us Poles. They cultivate family celebrations; they like to eat well, drink, dance, laugh and talk. They are friendly, welcoming and hospitable. In addition, the Costa del Sol is a paradise for golfers. People unite athletically, creating a new golf family in the process. All the things I have mentioned create the perfect entourage in which we want to be and live.
In terms of customer preference, are they more likely to choose a secondary or primary market property?
A.M.-K.: The assumptions are different. For the most part, people coming here want to buy something new. I, however, cool my enthusiasm before these new locations and properties. In the industry I have worked in for years, there is a magic saying “location, location, location”. New developments are being built on the outskirts, not in top locations, and if by the sea, prices often start at €3 million – quite a lot of money! For such a price you can already buy a house far from the sea, but with a beautiful view. Some new housing estates do not meet high standards. I don’t want to generalise, but the choice is limited if you want to combine a good location and standard. Older estates or houses are atmospheric, located closer to the sea and, importantly for estates, have more space around the pool or in the gardens. They require refreshing, but here you can count on our support.
A transcript of the entire conversation can be found in the June edition of the magazine (page 38) and under this link – POZNAŃ PRESTIGE – JUNE 2022
