Greener, Bigger, Faster

by Forbes Property

Author: Iza Gvaramadze

For years now, the demand for green spaces in Tbilisi has been growing. As the city becomes more densely built, the transportation system more complicated, and the pace of life accelerates, green concept architecture is becoming not only an aesthetic but also an economic strategy — for both developers and buyers.

Maqro Development, which began operating in Georgia in 2013, recognized this trend years ago. Its newest and most ambitious project — MAQRO CITY Tbilisi — sold 700 apartments within just two weeks of its launch. According to the company, this sales pace highlights the increasing interest in the project’s concept — green, multifunctional, and relatively affordable residential space.

“This kind of result in such a short time has once again confirmed that the company’s chosen strategy is the right one,” says Sopho Tsamalashvili, Head of Sales at Maqro Development.

She explains that today’s consumers are far more conscious of eco-friendly features than they were years ago. As a result, the recreational zones in Maqro’s projects — from Green Budapest to Green Diamond — have gradually expanded. While Budapest allocated 3,500 m² to green areas, Diamond dedicated almost seven times more. In the new complex, which spans over 100,000 m², nearly half of the area is reserved for green spaces.

“Considering the fast pace of life and heavy traffic, people today want recreational zones as close to home as possible — so that relaxation doesn’t become another source of stress,” explains Sopho Tsamalashvili.

That’s why, beyond greenery, MAQRO CITY Tbilisi incorporates sports infrastructure, open and closed fitness areas, bicycle and running tracks, swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts. The project also includes a kindergarten and entertainment zones, forming a self-sufficient residential environment with all necessary infrastructure.

Another approach the company emphasizes is offering apartments only in a fully finished state.

"Green Budapest was one of the first projects in Georgia to provide fully equipped apartments with built-in appliances,” says Sopho Tsamalashvili.

This step was taken to minimize discomfort for new residents — and the strategy proved successful, receiving highly positive feedback.

The record-breaking sales of MAQRO CITY Tbilisi also stem from its ability to meet the needs of buyers with diverse lifestyles. The project includes a variety of apartment types: standard, terrace, and garden apartments. The company believes this variety creates a balance between affordability and private space. Standard apartments are defined by smart layouts and energy-efficient systems; terrace units highlight views and open-air spaces; while garden apartments emphasize closeness to nature.

“In the first phase of the project, we focused particularly on small-sized apartments — starting from just 45 m²,” says Sopho Tsamalashvili.

At the initial stage, the company offers significantly lower prices than what will be available upon or after project completion. The strategy has already proven effective: in the case of Green Budapest and Green Diamond, the initial price was $700, which increased to $1,500 by project completion, and later reached up to $2,700 on the secondary market. At MAQRO CITY Tbilisi, sales began at $1,250, though this price won’t last long.

“Based on current results, it’s clear that apartments are selling fast, which makes price increases practically inevitable,” says Sopho Tsamalashvili.

The project’s investment component is further strengthened by the addition of branded apartments under the Swiss Mövenpick Living label. According to the company, this guarantees both recurring income and premium service quality, targeting consumers who use real estate not only for living, but as an investment as well.

The company also revealed that a new project will be announced in Batumi in a few months — a multifunctional complex that, according to Maqro, will stand out in the region for its infrastructure, scale, and concept.

“For buyers to still benefit from the best conditions, it’s crucial to follow the news and act quickly,” notes the Head of Sales at Maqro Development.