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IQI Debuts in Bulgaria, Opening Offices in Its Top Three Cities

Version: BM, CNThe global real estate agency IQI, has officially made its mark in the Balkans with the launch of IQI Bulgaria. As part of the proptech leader Juwai IQI, this expansion brings new offices to three major cities and unites nearly 250 agents and staff across the country through a partnership with local agency, Imoteka.  With this latest move, IQI Global now operates in over 32 countries worldwide. Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group CEO, Kashif Ansari said the company is pleased to be able to launch with a leadership position in Bulgaria by adding one of the country’s most successful local real estate agencies to the IQI network. “We are extremely excited to have Yavor Peychev and his team at Imoteka join the IQI network. Imoteka stands out due to its market leadership, focus on mid-segment and luxury properties, and its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into operations.  “Just last year, Imoteka closed transactions worth €200 million. We expect the residential market to be worth €292 billion by year’s end. House prices reached a record high in 2024, having increased 15% from a year earlier."“Prices are being driven by economic growth, capital inflows from the European Union, and sustained low interest rates. For luxury properties, there is strong demand from international buyers,” shares Kashif Ansari. He also notes that this year, they expect clients and buyers to rapidly adopt IQI's globally leading, AI-empowered tech stack for even greater success.The country (Bulgaria) offers both urban properties in beautiful cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas, as well as beach properties along the renowned Black Sea Coast and mountain properties in the famous ski resorts in Pirin, Rila and Rhodopa mountains.”  Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group CEO, Kashif AnsariJuwai IQI Co-Founder and Group Managing Director, Daniel Ho said, “By bringing IQI’s international network and technology to Bulgaria, we will give the agents their tools that can make them more productive and help them increase their earnings.”  “Both buyers and sellers will see a difference as agents start to use our super-app Atlas and our Juwai and IQI marketing portals to enhance customer service and generate more buyer leads.”  Bulgaria is already an appealing real estate market to be in, and it’s only getting better. The country is already a member of Europe’s visa-free travel Schengen Zone. With GDP growth of 2.8%, its economy is growing.”  Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group Managing Director, Daniel HoIQI has appointed Yavor Peychev, CEO of Imoteka, as the Head of IQI Bulgaria to lead and grow the team. Imoteka, part of the holding company Realto Group, is recognized as a major player in the real estate agency sector in Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe. “We are excited to become part of the global IQI network, with its more than 58,000 real estate agents in 32 plus countries. Joining IQI aligns perfectly with our vision of expanding our reach to the global level and enhancing our service offerings.”   We are the first agency in Bulgaria to implement AI tools into client services, and we sought a partner that can help us further develop our technology to empower our agents and clients.”  CEO of Imoteka and the Head of IQI Bulgaria, Yavor PeychevMr. Peychev further add, “Becoming IQI Bulgaria means that we will have some of the world’s best technology, practices, and marketing tools at our disposal. Our agents will be able to earn more, and our vendors and buyers will benefit from even better outcomes.” Excited about investing in Bulgaria property? Get expert advice from our professional real estate negotiators, who can provide you with the best market insights![hubspot portal="5699703" id="2380afe3-ad4c-4cfa-9abf-d3947e377bf2" type="form"]Continue Reading: IQI Dubai Begins New Chapter with a Grand Office Launch! Juwai IQI Expands Global Reach into Spain with Three New IQI Offices IQI Expands Into The Mediterranean Sea With IQI Montenegro

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IQI Prestige Award 2025: A Celebration of Real Estate Excellence 

Version: CN, BM The much-awaited IQI Prestige Award 2025 took center stage on April 14, 2025, at the prestigious Grand Summit, The Vertical in Bangsar South. The dazzling black-tie event brought together real estate’s finest, IQI’s top agents and negotiators from around the country, to celebrate the very best in the industry. This exclusive gathering wasn’t just about business. It was a night that embodied elegance, achievement, and a true sense of camaraderie.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by IQI (@iqiglobal)A Star-Studded Affair The grandeur of the evening set the tone for a night that left everyone in awe. As guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric, with industry experts, agents, and negotiators dressed to the nines in their finest black-tie attire. Celebrating Excellence 1.Real Estate RecognizedThe highlight of the night was, of course, the award ceremony itself. Agents and negotiators from different groups and regions were honoured for their outstanding performances, showcasing their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. It was a moment of recognition for those who have made a significant impact on the real estate industry, and a powerful reminder of the incredible talent that makes IQI a global leader. The atmosphere was filled with pride as those who had gone above and beyond were celebrated by peers, mentors, and industry leaders alike. Each award presented was a testament to the passion and drive that fuel IQI’s success around the world. Here are the categories that lit up the stage: ? Individual Awards Top Rookie Million Dollar Awards (Primary & Secondary Market) Top Highest Unit Closer Highest Sales in a Single Deal Top IQI Merit Score Top Recruiter Award Top Direct HOT Top Performer Overall Top Team Leader Best Social Media Influencer Vanguard Award International Excellence Award (Canada, Vietnam, Brunei, Hong Kong) Billion Dollar Achiever Club ? Group Awards Primary Market Achievers Secondary Market Achievers Platinum Achievers Platinum Plus Achievers Titanium Achievers ? Team Awards Top Team of the Year – Secondary Market Top Team of the Year – Primary Market Top Team of the Year – Overall 2.RolexAmong the most coveted prizes were trophies, and a Rolex worth thousands of Ringgit. A total of 9 real estate agents and team leaders received this award that night, which not only excited the audience, but also inspired the efforts and fighting spirit of other real estate agents.3.Wonderful PerformancesAs the night progressed, captivating performances lit up the stage, adding another layer of excitement to the celebration.In addition to the live band's melodious song performances, IQI's real estate agencies also gave wonderful performances, which brought the atmosphere of the night to a climax!A Night to Remember The IQI Prestige Award 2025 is no doubt a truly unforgettable event. Not only did it shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of IQI’s agents, but it also offered a valuable platform for networking and collaboration. As guests mingled and shared stories, it became clear that the night was not just about celebrating success, but also about strengthening the bonds that unite the global IQI family. The event reaffirmed IQI’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community and set the stage for even greater accomplishments in the future.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by IQI (@iqiglobal)Sound exciting? What if we told you we have all these awards, prizes and more for our agents year-round? Join IQI now as a real estate negotiator to enjoy these benefits![hubspot portal="5699703" id="c063034a-f66d-41ab-881b-6e6a3f275c33" type="form"]Continue Reading: StarProperty Awards 2024: IQI Secured 21 Awards on the Prestigious Night!Juwai IQI Awarded by MDEC as Largest Proptech Company in MalaysiaJuwai IQI Convention & Festival 2024: Southeast Asia’s Largest Real Estate Event Wraps Up with a Bang

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5 Things You Need to Know When You Renovate Your House

Buying a home is already a big undertaking, but just when you think that’s complex enough, starting a house renovation project can be an exciting journey that quickly turns into a nightmare without proper planning.Renovating isn’t just about picking tiles and colour swatches. It’s a full-blown construction project that requires planning, vigilance, and a whole lot of patience.Whether you're dealing with a new house or an old house, here are 5 things you must know before you get started renovating!Essentials to know before starting the handiworks!Set a Clear TimelineSign a Contract with a Payment Timetable and BudgetHire a Reputable and Certified ContractorMonitor Renovation Progress CloselyInspect the Completed Work Before Final PaymentFAQsSet a Clear TimelineThe first and most essential step is to have a realistic and detailed schedule in place.Renovation projects can sometimes take longer than expected due to weather, supply delays, or unforeseen structural issues, but that doesn’t mean your building process should run endlessly.Before any work begins, sit down with your contractor or architect to clearly outline the project schedule, including when each stage is expected to begin and end.Having these checkpoints not only helps you track progress but also keeps everyone accountable.It’s also easier to spot red flags when things start falling behind without clear explanation.Having a timeline gives you the structure to address delays early instead of being caught off guard halfway through.Sign a Contract with a Payment Timetable and BudgetNever begin a renovation without a proper contract that includes a payment timetable and a clearly defined renovation budget.The contract should cover all aspects of the project: scope of work, itemised renovation costs, types of materials, labour, services, and terms for dealing with delays or defects.The payment schedule should be milestone-based—for example, a portion paid upon completion, another at the halfway point, and the rest only after final inspection.This protects you from potential abandonment or subpar workmanship.Paying everything upfront is not advisable, no matter how friendly or convincing the contractor may seem.It's also highly recommended to save some extra money in advance to cover unexpected costs.Hire a Reputable and Certified ContractorChoosing the right contractor goes far beyond a few social media reviews or a friend’s recommendation.Always hire a contractor registered with both the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM).CIDB registration ensures the contractor has met national standards and is legally allowed to perform renovation works in Malaysia.One of the most important things to check is their CIDB grade, which determines the maximum value of the project they’re authorised to undertake.For example, a Grade G1 contractor is only allowed to take on projects valued up to RM200,000, while a Grade G7 contractor has no tender limit and can handle projects of any scale.Here's a breakdown of the CIDB grades and their tender limits:CIDB GradeTender LimitG1Not more than RM200,000G2Not more than RM500,000G3Not more than RM1 millionG4Not more than RM3 millionG5Not more than RM5 millionG6Not more than RM10 millionG7No limitAlways ensure that the contractor’s CIDB grade matches the scale of your renovation.A contractor with a lower grade taking on a larger job than they’re certified for is a red flag.In addition to registration, review their past projects, visit their website, and speak to previous clients if possible.A well-established contractor should have no problem providing references or a portfolio.Monitor Renovation Progress CloselyOnce the project is underway, your involvement doesn’t stop there.Closely supervising the renovation process is crucial to ensuring the work reflects what was agreed upon.Visit the site regularly, take photos, and keep an open channel of communication with your contractor and renovation team.It also shows your contractor that you're paying attention, which tends to keep standards higher. Using tools like a browser-based project tracker can also help.You’ll also want to focus on key areas like bathrooms, bedrooms, room layouts, door fittings, and the placement of windows.Determining your preferred interior style and how to create a comfortable space is something best done in advance.Having a designer on board can help you visualise your dream home and decide on the right furnishings and furniture.Inspect the Completed Work Before Final PaymentOnce your house renovation is declared complete, resist the urge to rush in and sign off.Take the time to thoroughly inspect all the work done.Look for common issues like uneven finishes, hollow-sounding flooring tiles, faulty lighting, leaky plumbing, or electrical works that don’t match the specs.If possible, get a second pair of eyes—either a friend with renovation experience or a professional inspector, to help identify flaws you may overlook.Document everything through photos and video, and flag anything that needs rectification before making the final payment.Once full payment is made, it’s significantly harder to get the contractor to return and fix outstanding issues.Also, don’t forget to account for smaller details such as painting, tools left behind, or the need to rebuild or extend areas due to poor planning.In conclusion, the more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll spend unnecessary money.At the end of the day, every renovation comes with effort, cost, and emotional investment.But with proper planning, the right team, a clear contract, and patience, you can complete the project with far less stress. After all, your dream home is worth it!FAQsWhat is the meaning of house renovation? House renovation means improving or updating a home to make it look better, work better, or both. It can include things like repainting, replacing floors, or upgrading fixtures.What is the difference between renovation and remodel? Renovation is making something old look and feel new, while remodeling is creating something new from something old. If you're just updating finishes and fixtures, you're renovating. If you're changing the layout or structure, you're remodeling.What is the point of renovation? Renovation is done to improve how a space looks or works. The main goal is to update or refresh a home, often with a more modern design.Every dream home starts with the right property. Whether you're renovating an old house or buying one with endless potential, our trusted agents are here to help you find the perfect place to begin. Enquire below now to get started![hubspot portal="5699703" id="85ebae59-f425-419b-a59d-3531ad1df948" type="form"]Continue Reading:How much do you need to renovate your house in Malaysia? 2025Renovating vs. Remodelling Home: What Are The Differences? A Beginners Guide to Buying Home Insurance in Malaysia

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HONG KONG RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET DYNAMICS

Relaxing the CIES to Safeguard the Northern MetropolisHong Kong’s residential property market has endured a three-year downturn, marked by a structural oversupply of housing units. While lower housing costs and increased availability align with social objectives, this environment has created a critical challenge—a contraction in the future development pipeline and a sharp erosion of governmentland revenue.The number of units on disposed sites (ready for imminent construction) plummeted by 33% year-on-year to about 12,000 units in 2024.Government land premium income collapsed to about HKD 4 billion in the first three quarters of FY2024/25—a fraction of both last year’s HKD 13.9 billion actual income and this year’s HKD 33 billion target.If left unaddressed, relying on market self-correction risks perpetuating a downward spiral of asset devaluation, stalling urban renewal projects, and jeopardizing strategic initiatives such as the Northern Metropolis—a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s long-term economic and social development.The Northern Metropolis, envisioned to house 2.5 million residents and generate 650,000 jobs, demandsunwavering commitment from developers. However, their participation hinges on confidence in future demand and returns. With demand-side headwinds intensifying—sticky U.S. interest rates dampening price recovery prospects and population growth lagging—developers are increasingly reluctant to commit capital to large-scale projectsThis hesitancy creates a vicious cycle:Prolonged oversupply suppresses developer margins, reducing their capacity to invest in future projects.Falling land premiums strain public finances, limiting critical infrastructure investments for the NorthernMetropolisActivating Demand-Side Mechanisms to Resolve Structural OversupplyThe solution to the current market stalemate lies in activating demand-side mechanisms. We propose the following targeted refinements to enhance the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES):Full recognition of residential property investments – Allow 100% of residential property investments to counttoward the HKD 30 million eligibility threshold under the CIES.Remove price restrictions on residential property investment – Eliminate the HKD 50 million valuationrequirement for residential properties under the CIES.DOwnload now!

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