Photo: Nikola NovovićIn the past few years, Montenegro has become an increasingly popular investment destination. It has been recognized as such by Sotheby’s International Realty, a global leader in the luxurious real estate market, which opened its office in Tivat two years ago, amid the coronavirus pandemic. And this is where, in August, in the heart of the luxurious Porto Montenegro, where it all began, the Montenegro Sotheby’s Realty hosted their friends and partners from as many as fourteen countries.
NIKO LAKOVIĆ, THE HOST, AND HUNTER MILBORNE, THE LEGEND OF SOTHEBY’S
During the three-day get-together, Sotheby’s representatives from all over the world were given the opportunity to make themselves familiar with Montenegro’s potential. The crowning event took place in the alluring atmosphere of the Buddha-Bar, with a fabulous view of the bay.
Despite the pandemics, political instability, and global happenings, the Montenegro office turned out to be remarkably successful and has become a synonym for an offer of luxurious properties in Montenegro in a very short time.
According to Niko Laković, Montenegro Sotheby’s Realty Group Executive Director and one of the partners, who takes credit for bringing this prestigious brand to the country, they will continue to promote the best of what Montenegro has to offer.
“To have today, just two years later, Sotheby’s representatives from 14 countries familiarizing themselves with Montenegro and the luxurious projects here makes me proud and gives us additional motivation to work even harder on promoting all that we have here. If we manage to reach all seventy-eight countries covered by the Sotheby’s Group, we can say we have done a good job," said Laković, in his greeting speech to the guests of the Porto Montenegro event.
Laković’s acquaintanceship with Hunter Milborne, a true Sotheby’s legend who has been responsible for billions of dollars' worth of real estate sales, played an important part in bringing this brand to the country.
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“When I first came to Montenegro, I sensed an excellent investment energy, met some serious developers, and recognized the huge potential of this place. My business partner, Mr. Laković, has already had a well-developed real property business, and together we initiated the development of Sotheby’s offices in Montenegro. So here we are today, with tangible results and an office at an excellent location – Porto Montenegro, our strategic partner, "said Milborne.
Porto Montenegro, Portonovi and the first One & Only resort in Europe, the Luštica Bay resort, Huma Kotor Bay and Nikki Beach Resort have proven to the Montenegro Sotheby’s guests that Montenegro is justifiably on the list of luxurious tourist destinations.
Boka Kotorska, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, as well as charming palaces from the 17th and 18th century with values of up to ten million euros, are evidence that this market is not lagging behind Greece, Spain or other similar destinations.
"We are impressed by the positioning of Montenegro among the luxurious destinations, the projects developed here, and some fascinating brands present in the market. What is particularly impressive is that our office has become one of the leaders in Montenegro’s exclusive real estate market in a very short time. We are seeing here a mini get-together of our European offices in a fantastic environment, "says Natalie Mik, Global Vice President, Sotheby’s Realty Group.
The presence of the leading global brands has significantly affected the value of Montenegro’s real estate market. The arrival of Sotheby’s has also redefined the value of the Montenegro market and increased the attractiveness of the destination.
By developing Porto Montenegro and other seaside resorts, Montenegro is gradually becoming a year-round destination. Life in the Mediterranean by the sea, with all the amenities offered by these complexes, is being increasingly regarded as a lifestyle instead of a vacation.
The event, marking two exceptionally successful business years of Montenegro Sotheby’s Realty, brought together several prestigious global real estate companies. Apart from the representatives of Sotheby’s Group from fourteen countries and Sotheby’s Concierge, which has lately been conducting high-priced real estate auctions, brand developers from Abu Dhabi and Dubai—Emaar and Aldar—were present, as well as a partner company from Abu Dhabi, Al Mira Real Estate.
Among the guests were representatives of the Porto Montenegro, Luštica Bay, Portonovi, Dukley Gardens, Nikki Beach, Huma Resort & Villas, and Belgrade Waterfront management, as well as global brokers CBRE, JLL and Savills.
Simultaneously with the above activities, a program „The Most Expensive Houses of Europe" was filmed in cooperation with Sotheby’s London office and British Channel 4, showing the 17th century palaces and the One & Only signature villas just off the coast, the very first ones in Europe.
The three-day get-together was an opportunity to get familiar with the market and its potential, to network but also to enjoy the beauties of Montenegro and the tastes of the finest Mediterranean cuisine.
Photo: Nikola Novović
