Proper Property Magazine has swiftly emerged as a key player in Cyprus' real estate landscape, serving as an essential resource for industry professionals and property enthusiasts alike. In light of their recently announced collaboration with Digital Tree, FastForward had the opportunity to interview Christos Clerides, the person behind Proper Property, to learn more about his journey and the future of the publication.

In the interview, Clerides reflects on his career, which has spanned diverse sectors within the real estate industry, including his time at The Economist and his involvement in funding a proptech startup, sharing how these experiences inspired him to create Proper Property. Clerides also delves into the significance of the new partnership with Digital Tree, expressing excitement about the expanded resources and reach this collaboration offers, and outlining his vision to continue shaping the future of real estate discourse through innovative, high-quality content.

My background is firmly rooted in real estate. I have always been eager to identify gaps in this vast industry. During my time in London, after leaving a proptech company and joining The Economist, I sought ways to merge the real estate and publication industries. As a real estate enthusiast and professional, I wanted to find a magazine or website providing comprehensive, trusted information about the real estate market in Cyprus, but I found none. Thus, Proper Property was born.

I am more than happy and excited to announce that Proper Property is now a proud member of the Digital Tree family. Previously, I was running Proper Property alongside my current job while seeking funding to enable me to quit my main job and focus fully on Proper Property.

I was in the final stages of negotiating with a foreign investor to secure funding for expansion. During this time, I presented Proper Property to Digital Tree. They trusted me, and together we developed a solid strategy, ultimately finalising the deal. Being a member of such a group means a lot: unlimited resources, leadership within the industry, and, of course, amazing people!

As mentioned previously, as a real estate enthusiast and professional, I was looking to find a place providing comprehensive, trusted information about the real estate market in Cyprus but found none. This is Proper Property, your essential real estate companion. I want readers to access trusted insights and updates about the market. This is why we are collaborating with world-renowned companies to achieve the best results possible.

During my time back, I was involved in a UK-based proptech company where we built a platform for tenants, homeowners, and landlords. We managed to raise $1.8 million in pre-seed funding. I joined the team as an Operations Manager and was one of the first five members. I learned how difficult it is to start a new company from scratch and make it run successfully.

The core value of any company is its people. Without the right people, you go nowhere. Your feelings are a rollercoaster; within minutes, you can go from feeling stressed to happy to excited.

This opportunity to experience a company's growth from zero to full potential was the biggest professional lesson of my career, and I believe it will always be invaluable.

Having trusted partners such as Nice Day Developers, 2050 Materials, CYVIEW, PwC, and many others is incredibly valuable. One of the most compelling sections of our magazine is "Sustainability," which is thoroughly covered by 2050 Materials. This section is particularly important for individuals involved in the real estate industry. It offers critical insights and information on sustainable practices, which are increasingly essential in today's world. For those in real estate, staying informed about sustainability trends and innovations is crucial, as it can significantly impact the future of their projects and businesses.

Having Digital Tree as a partner is incredibly significant for us. We are now actively featured on several of Digital Tree's prominent websites, including Fast Forward, Brief, and Offsite, where we provide daily content focused on real estate. This collaboration is instrumental in expanding our audience reach.

Digital Tree is one of the largest media groups on the island, and they are expanding rapidly and strategically. This partnership signifies not only our growth but also a shared commitment to reaching new heights together.

The real estate market in Cyprus is experiencing notable changes due to several emerging trends:

House in Multiple Occupation (HMO):

HMOs are expected to become a trend in Cyprus as more young professionals and students move to the country. Rising rental prices make HMOs a viable alternative, similar to trends observed in London.

Increased Demand for Sustainable and Green Buildings:

There's growing interest in eco-friendly properties featuring energy-efficient designs, renewable energy, and sustainable materials. This shift is driven by stricter regulations and a consumer preference for environmentally conscious living.

Rise of Smart Homes and Digital Innovations:

Smart home technology is becoming more common, with features like automated lighting, heating, and security systems controlled via smartphones or voice commands. These innovations offer convenience, enhance energy efficiency, and appeal to tech-savvy buyers and renters.

Shift Towards Mixed-Use Developments:

Mixed-use developments, combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, are gaining popularity. These projects provide convenient access to amenities like shops, restaurants, and offices, particularly appealing in urban areas.

What: Proper Property

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Who: After spearheading a successful pre-seed funding round that secured $1.8 million for a London-based proptech startup, Christos Clerides transitioned seamlessly into a pivotal role at The Economist Magazine in London. His passion for the Real Estate Industry has always driven him to redefine the dissemination of real estate intelligence. Motivated by a deep connection to both his homeland of Cyprus and the UK market, Christos embarked on a dual journey. He joined the esteemed Asset Management company Robura while concurrently founding "Proper Property" magazine. This visionary publication serves as a nexus for industry leaders, providing a platform to share insights, achievements, and visions. "Proper Property" stands as a beacon of comprehensive real estate discourse, featuring expert insights, sustainability initiatives, and captivating interviews with prominent figures in the field. Today, he is thrilled to witness the fruition of their collective efforts. Proper Property is thriving both online and in select locations across Cyprus, London, and Dubai. Their journey has been one of relentless pursuit and unwavering commitment, and Christos is honoured to continue shaping the future of real estate discourse through this groundbreaking platform.