Alban Caslli, Executive Director of Balfin Austria, shares details about the numerous investments the company is making in the development of real estate in Austria, emphasizing the importance of these projects for the growth and diversification of the portfolio in this market.

Balfin Austria, one of the most successful companies of BALFIN Group, is strengthening its position in the Austrian real estate market by investing in some of the most popular and touristy areas of Austria. Balfin has invested over 100 million euros in real estate development in Austria. These investments are a response to the growing demand for accommodation and hospitality, offering high standards for living and vacationing.

In a recent interview, Alban Caslli, Executive Director of Balfin Austria, shared details about completed projects, their features, and upcoming investments. He also explained the current state of the real estate market in Austria and revealed that Balfin Austria’s vision is to further expand its activities by exploring new markets and sectors, going beyond Austria’s borders.

With the latest investments, Balfin Austria's portfolio has reached a value of 100 million euros. What is the expected growth of the portfolio by the end of this year and in the medium term?

By the end of the year, BALFIN Group aims to further expand its presence in the Austrian market, with the goal of increasing its portfolio to a value of 150 to 200 million euros. This is expected to be achieved through selective investments in major cities like Vienna, Linz, Graz, and Salzburg, as well as in tourist areas surrounded by natural beauty and attractive features. In the medium term, the goal is to further grow the portfolio by expanding into new commercial properties or mixed-use projects. This will be part of a broader strategy for diversifying investments while maintaining a focus on markets with stable growth and high development potential. At the same time, attention will be given to new trends in the real estate sector, such as eco-friendly construction and the integration of smart urban development concepts.

Let's take a look at Balfin Austria's completed projects. How many are there, and what makes them unique?

Balfin Austria has successfully completed two major projects and is currently developing four new ones. Each completed project is unique and stands out in terms of purpose, functionality, architecture, location, and construction quality – reflecting the company’s strong strategy and position in the Austrian market.

The completed projects are:

Luv & Lee

This is the first project completed by Balfin Austria, located in one of Austria’s most attractive tourist areas, on Lake Traunsee in Gmunden. With an investment of 6.8 million euros, Balfin started this project as part of a series of successful luxury investments in the Gmunden tourist area.

Green Hill Suites

Located in one of the most sought-after and prestigious areas of Vienna – 1180/1190 Wien – this residential project covers an area of 1,352 m² and represents a model of excellence in construction and lifestyle. With an investment of 11.4 million euros, Green Hill Suites is positioned as one of the highest-quality projects in Vienna for 2024, thanks to its modern architecture, guaranteed privacy, and panoramic city views.

Balfin Austria has expanded its activities in the Austrian real estate market mainly in urban and tourist areas, near lakes and rivers, with a mix of residential projects. Why these specific areas?

We focus on developing residential projects both in urban areas of Austria and in tourist areas near lakes, aiming to create a diversified and sustainable portfolio. This strategy addresses different market demands and offers potential for secure, long-term investments. In cities like Vienna, Balfin Austria targets exclusive neighborhoods with potential for steady growth. The demand for housing remains high due to well-developed infrastructure, easy access to services, proximity to work centers, and the opportunity for a modern and private lifestyle. The company carefully selects areas that provide high living standards and comfort, which is reflected in the quality of the construction. In tourist areas near lakes, the focus is on developing exclusive projects for high-income buyers and investors seeking vacation homes or second properties. These properties are located in picturesque spots, offering privacy, quick access to major cities, and a perfect combination of nature and modern luxury. By following a clear strategy between urban and tourist areas, Balfin Austria not only meets diverse market needs but also reduces risk and ensures long-term portfolio stability.

Can you share some of Balfin Austria's projects that are expected to be completed in the near future?

Yes, of course. Currently, Balfin Austria has four projects under development, which I will describe below:

Bright Side is an exclusive project located in the picturesque and historic town of Gmunden. With panoramic views of Lake Traunsee, Bright Side offers luxurious vacation apartments built to high architectural standards, with modern technology and premium materials. With an investment of 12.5 million euros, the project is aimed at strategic buyers and investors looking for a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature, luxury, and elegance.

*Ketu te vendoset imazhi i Bright Side

ANDEA – Parkside Residences is a residential building located in the heart of Vienna, between the historic center and one of the main public transport hubs. An elegant combination of residential apartments and Class A office spaces, ANDEA represents Balfin Austria's vision of transforming existing buildings into projects with a new identity. With a value of around 27.7 million euros, the project blends classic elegance with modern urban functionality.

*Ketu te vendoset imazhi i Andea

Riverside Forest Residences is another unique project, located near a river in the middle of a forest landscape in Gmunden. This project offers sustainable homes with eco-friendly construction, suitable for both permanent living and vacation homes. With an investment of 13.1 million euros, it targets those seeking peace and nature without sacrificing access to urban services.

Effinger is Balfin Austria's newest project in the city of Vienna, designed as a residential complex for the middle-income segment. The goal is to offer modern and functional living units for families and buyers seeking affordable solutions in a quiet, family-friendly area with good transport connections. The project's value is around 27.5 million euros and adds diversity to Balfin's portfolio, catering to different market needs.

Finally, it is noted that Balfin Austria's portfolio has multiplied in the real estate asset management sector. How did Balfin Austria enter such a sector?

This expansion is part of Balfin Austria's long-term strategy and vision to optimize the management of its existing real estate portfolio. It reflects BALFIN Group's proactive approach to the growing demand for asset management – not only to protect their value but also to achieve sustainable growth. Through experience gained in development and investment, Balfin Austria has naturally positioned itself to move into the active asset management phase. This allows for more effective oversight of existing investments and maximizes their potential in the real estate market. Our goal is to generate sustainable returns and ensure that each property operates in line with the highest standards of efficiency, quality, and the evolving market demands.

Austria seems to be attracting more and more young people who want to pursue university studies in Vienna. Has Balfin Austria considered seeing this as an opportunity to increase its activity in the Austrian capital?

Vienna is becoming a popular city for young people and international students, leading to a high demand for housing. Balfin Austria sees this as a great opportunity to grow its business in the residential and hospitality sectors. We are looking into investing in projects that provide quality student accommodation – modern, well-organized buildings that meet international standards, are affordable, and environmentally friendly. These investments will not only strengthen Balfin Austria’s position in the Austrian real estate market but also help diversify our portfolio into a new sector.

According to your observations, what are the current conditions of the real estate market in Austria?

The real estate market in Austria is influenced by both local factors and international developments. The continuous population growth and Vienna's status as an economic, cultural, and business hub in Europe have led to high demand for residential and commercial properties. This demand, combined with limited supply and the city's reputation as one of the most livable cities in the world, has caused prices to keep rising, especially in central areas. At the same time, there is a growing interest in properties in smaller cities, located near nature and water. These tourist areas offer a rare combination of natural tranquility and quick access to urban centers. They are becoming increasingly attractive to buyers looking for a higher quality of life, second homes for vacations, or luxury properties for tourist and business use. The growing demand for villas, vacation apartments, or sustainable residences in these areas is turning them into strategic investment spots in real estate.

Is there any new sector that Balfin Austria is exploring in Austria?

Balfin Austria has started exploring potential and profitable projects in the hospitality sector. Since Vienna is a strategic hub for tourism and business across Europe, the market presents high demand for new hotel structures, serviced apartments, and student dormitories. Based on the long-standing expertise of BALFIN Group in this sector, Balfin Austria is reviewing investment opportunities in tourism and hospitality, not only in Vienna but also in other seasonal tourist destinations. Considering the importance of the entertainment sector in the Austrian economy, Balfin is also exploring opportunities in this area, based on the experience gained from its existing portfolio, especially with the success of the family entertainment center, HyperActive, in Kosovo. As Balfin Austria, we are always looking for interesting and sustainable projects where our group can expand, bring new expertise, and contribute to local economic development.

Is there any new market or sector that the company is exploring in other countries?

Balfin Austria has recently started exploring expansion opportunities in the markets of Germany and Switzerland. The company is looking into projects where existing buildings can be renovated and adapted for residential or business purposes. In addition, opportunities are being explored for building new projects from the ground up, meaning new developments on available land. Special attention is being given to the southern region of Germany, mainly Bavaria, one of the most economically developed areas in the country with high potential for sustainable real estate investments. This strategic direction reflects Balfin Austria’s goal of entering the German market with strong growth prospects.