The companies move to Karlín, says Ilona Fanfrdlová from the team of Office Services

Ilona, what neighborhood are you in charge of? How do you feel walking through this quarter?

Our team is relatively small, so I take care of several districts - Prague 8, especially Karlín, but also Prague 7 and Prague 9. I like Karlín very much, I’ve been living in Prague for 15 years and I have experienced its transformation from an unattractive district to a sought-after place, which is popular not only for living, but people are more and more attract by Karlín, when they search an office space for their business. Once the company moves there, it no longer wants to go anywhere else. Everyone falls for a charm of Karlín thanks to its informal appearance. This place is new, clean, there are parks, the Vltava River, a metro stations and in addition it boasts perfect amenities.

Have you already had an experience in real estate in the past?

I have been working in facility management since I was 19 years old. I was taking care for diplomats at the British Embassy for 9 years, and then continuing in facility managment for a competing real estate agency. I made properties ready for rent and at that time I envied the brokers who had it easier in my point of view. Today, I have personal experiences and I can say it is definitely not easy.

Could you share with us an interesting business experience?

Some time ago, an elderly lady, the owner of a residential building in Prague 7, approached us. She decided for our advice to find out how is it with prices today, because as her tenants left after 26 years. Until then, she took care of everything herself and did not trust the real estate agencies much. We made our analysis of the real estate market estimate and we motivated the owner with our competence that it is worth entrusting commercial real estate in the hands of sales consultants. At that time, another agency listed two premises of hers for rent. We managed to successfully lease both premises, and today the owner has been happily cooperating with us for a long time.

Which commercial buildings for rent are popular today?

During the covid-19 pandemic, business owners often found that many employees could work from home and be happier and at the same time the company saves. That’s why companies often move from large office buildings to small offices in traditional apartment buildings. However, modern office buildings certainly continue to be popular. Developers today must meet a variety of construction criteria, so such houses are built with an emphasis on sustainability with low operating costs, which is in line with current global trends. Retailers on the ground floor of apartment buildings are also sought after.

Does it motivate you if a colleague in your team performs better?

Definitely yes, one tends to compare oneself with others. When something works, I like to be inspired. When someone is more efficient in the team, I always try to find out the essence of success and adapt it to myself.

Are you looking forward to the office every day? Why?

I love the wonderful atmosphere in our team, we are such a small family, we share the same values, thanks to all of this and our great team leader Kate, I always look forward to the office.

What are your expectations for this year?

I hope to expand my portfolio, I recently had about 90 properties listed and now I have rented a large amount of the properties.

Which character trait is most useful to you at Engel & Völkers?

My eloquence and a desire to make other people happy. When I connect the right people I always feel satisfied with the vision that a new space could have been created in Prague thanks to my work. I am excited, for example, with the new cosmetic studio in Drahobejlova Street, the new "Partners" shop on The Strossmeyrovo Square or the haberdashery just there, where items made in sheltered workshops in the Czech Republic and Slovakia will be sold. I have always been focused on the result and it is best if the owner and tenant are satisfied and meet each other half way.