The art of turning data into successful strategies

A conversation with Simeon Georgiev, Head of Market Research & Analysis at VIG

Simeon Georgiev stands behind the analytical strength of VIG with over ten years of experience in the real estate sector, leadership roles in international and local companies, and business plans for projects that have won the “Building of the Year” award. 

As Head of the Analysis and Market Research Department, he transforms data and trends into clear strategies that guide the company’s investment decisions.

In this conversation, we look beyond the numbers, reflect on the lessons from large-scale projects, and speculate on the impact of the eurozone on Bulgaria’s investment climate.

You have more than 10 years of experience in the real estate sector, having worked in both international and local companies. How has this experience shaped you as a professional, and what helps you most today in your role at VIG?

Over the years, I have gained experience in various areas of the real estate sector – from working as a broker during my student years, then as a consultant, becoming certified as a real estate appraiser, and later leading teams, which I still do today. 

My professional experience includes working in both international and local companies, including the banking and auditing sectors. 

This path gave me a comprehensive view of the investment process – from market research, analysis, and attention to detail, through financial evaluations and consulting services, to managing corporate clients and executing strategic deals. 

Today at VIG, this experience allows me to make well-founded decisions, assess opportunities in depth, and confidently advise our executive director. 

The most valuable skill that helps me in my current role is the ability to combine a strategic perspective with practical knowledge of the market.

2. You are a finance graduate. How does this background give you a different perspective on the real estate market compared to other specialists?

My financial education allows me to view the real estate market not only as a physical asset but also as a financial instrument with its own returns, risks, and long-term value. This enables me to conduct in-depth financial analyses, assess investments in a broader context, and evaluate projects through the lens of sustainability and profitability. 

Compared to other specialists in the sector, my approach is strongly numbers-oriented and strategically focused – looking at how a deal will impact the portfolio, cash flows, and overall investment strategy. This combination of financial training and hands-on real estate experience gives me a competitive advantage in my current role.

3. How would you describe your role as Head of the Analysis and Market Research Department? What stands behind the position beyond the title itself?

My role as Head of Market Research & Analysis is to transform data and market trends into clear and actionable strategies for the company. 

Beyond the title lies the responsibility to be a trusted advisor to management, supporting well-grounded investment decisions and building a long-term vision. 

In this way, my role goes beyond analysis – it encompasses leadership and ensuring the sustainable growth of the business.

4. You work with both public and non-public data. What is important to know when we talk about quality analysis – how do data turn into a real picture of the market?

Quality analysis is not limited to data collection – it is important to distinguish between available information and the real value that can be extracted from it. 

Public data provide the foundation and allow us to track general market trends, while non-public data, such as deal information, negotiations, or direct contacts with investors and owners, complete the picture and reflect the real market pulse. 

The key is structuring and interpreting these different sources correctly to avoid distortions and build an objective view. 

Ultimately, the value of analysis comes not from the volume of information, but from the ability to combine facts with professional experience and critical thinking, turning data into reliable recommendations for investment decisions.

5. How do the analyses you prepare support strategic decisions at VIG and in your work with clients?

The analyses we produce form the basis for making strategic decisions at VIG, as they provide an objective assessment of market trends, risks, and potential opportunities. They support management in creating and executing the investment strategy by clarifying where and when to act. 

In client work, our research adds trust and transparency – we provide well-argued, data-backed recommendations that make decision-making easier and help build long-term partnerships. 

In this way, the analyses become a tool for creating value for both the company and our clients.

6. You have consulted on some of the largest projects in Sofia, including those that have won the “Building of the Year” award. What is the most important lesson from these successes?

Working on some of Sofia’s most significant projects, including those awarded “Building of the Year,” has taught me that every successful project is the result of a combination of the right strategy, strong partnership, and attention to detail. 

The key lesson is that sustainable success does not come from single decisions but from a holistic approach – thorough analysis, transparent communication, and the ability to anticipate the market’s long-term development. 

Such projects highlight how essential trust is between investors, consultants, and contractors, as it is trust that ultimately turns vision into reality.

7. As a licensed appraiser, you have evaluated leading shopping centers, hotels, and office buildings. What makes a project a sustainable and reliable investment?

When we talk about a sustainable and reliable investment, the key lies in the combination of several factors – location, concept, and financial model. 

Location determines the project’s long-term potential, the concept guarantees its competitiveness and adaptability to market changes, and the financial model ensures profitability and sustainable cash flows. 

My experience as a licensed appraiser and consultant shows that the most successful projects are those that combine a solid business plan with flexibility in relation to market dynamics. 

Ultimately, a sustainable investment is one that delivers value not only today but also over the long term, regardless of economic cycles.

8. Will Bulgaria’s expected accession to the eurozone change foreign investors’ attitudes toward the Bulgarian market? If so, in what way?

Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone will have a positive effect on foreign investors’ attitudes, as it will reduce currency risk and strengthen confidence in the country’s macroeconomic stability. This will make the Bulgarian market more attractive to institutional investors who have so far been more cautious. 

Regarding the domestic market, particularly the residential segment, the effect of accession has largely already been anticipated and absorbed, especially after the publication of the convergence report confirming compliance with the euro adoption criteria. 

Therefore, I do not expect a new price boom after January 1, 2026. More likely, growth will continue but at a slower pace, with housing prices stabilizing toward the end of 2026.

9. What brings you greater satisfaction in your work – the process of research and analysis, or the moment when those insights turn into successful investment strategies?

Both parts of the process are important, but the greatest satisfaction comes at the moment when thorough analyses and market research translate into real investment strategies and successful deals. That is when I see how collected data, models, and forecasts find practical application and create value for the company and our investors. 

At the same time, the process of analysis is the foundation – it builds the confidence that decisions are well-grounded and sustainable. It is precisely the balance between analytical work and its strategic application that makes my profession so valuable and motivating.