Interview with Valeri Gurgenadze, CMO of ELT Group

Georgia vs. Global Competitors: A High-Growth Real Estate Story An Exclusive Interview with Valeri Gurgenadze, CMO of ELT Group

Valeri Gurgenadze Interview

Valeri Gurgenadze is recognized as one of Georgia’s foremost professionals in real estate marketing and sales. He currently holds the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at ELT Group.

With over 15 years of executive experience and a proven track record exceeding $180 million in real estate transactions, he has established himself as one of the most distinguished figures in the industry.

Mr. Gurgenadze is an active contributor to public discussions and media platforms, where he provides expert commentary on the evolving trends and challenges within Georgia’s real estate market. His strategic marketing approach extends beyond conventional promotion — emphasizing consumer behavior analytics, demand forecasting, and the development of sustainable business ecosystems.

As he often notes, “Marketing represents the intersection of strategy, psychology, and data-driven decision-making — a discipline that enables meaningful growth and the creation of long-term value“

As global investors search for yield and transparency in an era of economic volatility, Georgia is quietly emerging as one of the world’s most compelling real estate frontiers.
Independent research confirms that Georgia and Turkey deliver the region’s highest gross rental yields—often 8–12%, with branded aparthotels in Georgia reaching up to 14%. Combined with near-zero property taxes, 1% income tax, and full freehold ownership for foreigners, Georgia’s investment case is hard to ignore.

To understand why global investors – from Dubai to Singapore – are eyeing this fast-rising destination, we sat down with Valeri Gurgenadze, Chief Marketing Officer of ELT Group, one of Georgia’s leading real estate developers and investment firms.

“Georgia offers returns you can touch, trust, and grow.”

We started the interview by asking, “Georgia is increasingly appearing on global investor maps. What explains this surge in attention?”

Valeri Gurgenadze replied, “It’s quite simple: Georgia combines what most investors usually have to choose between—high yield, low bureaucracy, and full ownership security. In Georgia, you get all three.

Here’s the formula that drives our appeal:

High yields: 8–12% gross rental returns, with some branded hospitality projects exceeding 14%.
Capital growth: In Tbilisi, certain districts have seen 10–15% annual price growth in recent years.
Ease of entry: Low down payments and flexible instalment plans make quality real estate accessible.
Favorable taxation: Only 1% income tax on rentals, 0% capital gains tax after two years, and no annual property tax.
Open ownership: Foreigners enjoy 100% freehold rights on non-agricultural property—something few countries offer.“This unique combination is what transforms Georgia from a niche market into a global contender,” Valeri says.

Georgia vs. Global Competitors: A High-Growth Real Estate Story An Exclusive Interview with Valeri Gurgenadze, CMO of ELT Group

A Global Comparison: Simplicity Meets Opportunity

Feature Georgia UAE (Dubai) Turkey Bali (Indonesia)

Foreign Ownership 100% Freehold Freehold in Zones With Restrictions Leasehold Only
Gross Yield 8–12% (up to 14%) 4–5% 7–8% 4–8%
Rental Income Tax 1% 0% Up to 40% Progressive
Annual Property Tax 0% Low Low Low
Ease of Doing Business Top 10 (World Bank) High Moderate Complex

Valeri: “Dubai is global, but it’s yield-compressed. Turkey performs well but faces currency risk. Bali has charm but complicated ownership structures. Georgia, on the other hand, gives you first-world simplicity with emerging-market returns. That’s rare.”

Tbilisi and Batumi: Two Cities, Two Strategies”

The Worlds Times: What makes Tbilisi and Batumi so different, yet equally attractive?

Valeri Gurgenadze replied, “They’re complementary. Tbilisi is the steady growth engine—a capital city with constant year-round demand from expats, diplomats, and students. The market is stable, vacancy rates are minimal, and appreciation is steady.

Batumi, by contrast, is the high-yield tourism play. With major upgrades to the airport, a growing casino and resort scene, and international hotel brands like Wyndham and Barceló entering the market, Batumi is becoming the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea.”

Well-managed aparthotels here can achieve 10–12% gross yields and attract foreign investors seeking a diversified, passive income portfolio.

Economic and Political Stability: The Foundation of Growth

Valeri Gurgenadze: “We often tell investors—Georgia’s real estate boom is built on fundamentals, not speculation.”

GDP growth is projected at 5–5.5% for 2025.
Public debt remains modest, around 39% of GDP.
The Georgian Lari has shown stability, even amid regional uncertainty.
And the Heritage Foundation ranks Georgia #2 globally for Economic Freedom, right after Singapore.

“These aren’t random statistics,” Valeri adds. “They reflect a pro-business policy environment that ensures predictability—a crucial element for long-term investors.”

The Tax Advantage: Small Country, Big Incentives

Georgia’s tax regime is one of the most investor-friendly in the world:

Flat 15% corporate tax (only on distributed profits, allowing tax-free reinvestment).
No wealth or inheritance taxes.
Residence permits available with investments above $300,000 USD.

Valeri: “This allows investors to maximize returns, reinvest earnings, and compound their growth without bureaucratic drag. It’s the opposite of red tape—it’s green lights all the way.”

Liquidity and Resale: Exit with Confidence

Valeri Gurgenadze: “Prime, branded, or professionally managed assets in Tbilisi’s city center or Batumi’s New Boulevard are among the most liquid in the region. They trade well, even in times of uncertainty. That’s a sign of market maturity.”

Georgia’s real estate market may be young, but it’s proving resilient and responsive—two words global investors love to hear.

Risk and Reality”

The Worlds Times: Every opportunity comes with challenges. What should investors be aware of?

Valeri Gurgenadze replied, “developer credibility and regional geopolitics.

At ELT Group, we mitigate both by working only with tier-one contractors, maintaining total transparency, and partnering with international management companies that safeguard investors’ income streams.

“The result,” he adds, “is a product that’s not only profitable but also secure and predictable.”

ELT Group: Turning Property into Partnership

Valeri Gurgenadze: “At ELT Group, we don’t just sell apartments—we build partnerships. Our model is fully turnkey: from strategic site selection to construction, furnishing, and management. Clients own a revenue-generating property while our team handles everything else.”

This streamlined structure allows international investors to complete a purchase and begin earning income within weeks. “It’s a bridge between opportunity and simplicity,” Valeri notes.

Momentum: When Global Capital Takes Notice

Global attention is already turning toward Georgia. Recently, Emaar, one of the world’s largest developers, announced a $6.6 billion investment plan in Georgia – focused heavily on real estate.

“When a player like Emaar enters your market, it’s not speculation- it’s validation,” says Valeri. “It signals to global investors that Georgia has crossed the threshold from emerging to established.”

Final Word: Why the Window Is Now

Valeri Gurgenadze replied, “Georgia delivers one of the world’s highest risk-adjusted returns. For investors seeking USD-linked cash flow, low taxes, and long-term appreciation—without the bureaucracy or instability common elsewhere-Tbilisi and Batumi are unmatched opportunities.

The global spotlight is shifting fast. Those who act now will define the next chapter of this success story.”

Key Investor Takeaways