One United Properties: dedicated to excellence in real estate

Despite a very challenging 2023, One United Properties managed to maintain steady growth. Beatrice Dumitrascu, the CEO of the company’s Residential Division, talked to Business Review about the company’s approach on the local real estate market.

By Anda Sebesi

What is your leadership style and how does it support your company’s performance?

My leadership style revolves around making a tangible impact while nurturing my team, sharing knowledge, and genuinely inspiring through personal example. I firmly believe in understanding and addressing the unique needs of each team member, recognising that adaptability is key in different circumstances and stages of their growth. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that the success of an organisation hinges on the contribution and accountability of every team member.

Throughout my career, I’ve drawn inspiration from esteemed leaders within Romania’s top companies, and I can now fully appreciate the invaluable lessons that have contributed to my professional growth. Furthermore, I prioritise fostering interpersonal connections across all management levels, recognising the power of mutual inspiration, idea-sharing, and collaborative problem-solving in driving progress.

I constantly try to develop my leadership style by embracing adaptability to navigate market challenges effectively, fostering clear and efficient communication, and prioritising responsible risk management. These qualities play a crucial role in business growth and development. Furthermore, I emphasise the importance of understanding and integrating technological advancements into our business strategy to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

What were your main professional achievements in 2023?

In terms of achievements, I am grateful for the beautiful team of talented professionals that we have built. Together, we’ve pooled our collective effort, creativity, and vision to uphold our unwavering commitment to clients and contribute to the sustainable growth of our city. We take pride in being pioneers of the mixed-use development concept in Romania, innovating in energy efficiency with initiatives such as geoexchange systems and crafting iconic buildings that significantly influence the cityscape. Additionally, we’ve championed unique designs for our residential units while ensuring attention to urban infrastructure.

Our dedication to excellence in real estate has resulted in sustained demand for our developments. In 2023, our company achieved remarkable sales and pre-sales figures, including 953 apartments covering a total area of 80,757 square metres, along with 1,584 parking spaces and other units. This performance represents a substantial increase from the 599 apartments and 978 parking spaces sold in 2022.

What were the biggest challenges your business sector faced last year and how did you navigate them?

The past year presented significant challenges within our business sector, particularly in terms of navigating economic uncertainties and market volatility. Despite these obstacles, in 2023 we achieved a consolidated turnover of EUR 308.1 million, a 30% increase compared to 2022, and a gross profit of EUR 107.5 million, an 11% increase. Within the real estate market, we encountered a landscape defined by resilience and characterised by our ability to adapt to evolving circumstances and thrive in a challenging environment. Confronted with factors such as inflation and heightened capital costs, we successfully managed to navigate through these challenges. Our performance underscores our agility and strategic approach in overcoming adversity and achieving success amid dynamic market conditions.

Goals for 2024:

Continue to invest in the real estate sector and develop projects that enhance the value of Bucharest.
Focus on sustainable residential developments, state-of-the-art office spaces, as well as the restoration of historical buildings.
Invest in creating living, working, and leisure opportunities in Bucharest.