Strand Properties

Sirena Kiviranta talks to Sabrina Raven about all things Real Estate

A brand-new bespoke agency set to rewrite the rules in Marbella Real Estate.  Despite the ever-expanding plethora of agencies operating across the coast, Strand Properties have identified and filled a clear gap in the market.

The Backstory

Finish husband and wife duo, Anssi and Sirena Kiviranta, first came to Marbella when their children were young. Hearing stories of the coast’s unique real estate market sparked their interest in the sector. Upon inspection, they saw flaws in many aspects of the industry that could clearly be improved on, this made them excited for what could be. However, before Anssi & Sirena had the chance to delve into the property market in Marbella, the couple made the decision to uproot and return to Finland for their children’s schooling. 

Taking what they had learnt in Spain with them, the pair decided to start a real estate agency from scratch in Finland. Fast forward five and a half years, the couple became major players in their homeland’s property market. With over 200 agents and offices in 15 cities, they then sold the company, Bo, for a mightily impressive eight-figure sum. Now, they are set go full-circle having returned to Marbella with the same values.

A question of Style

The success of the couple’s company can be traced back to a number of different attributes. When Bo was born, agencies in Finland didn’t use social media or proper styling to shoot properties. In Sirena’s own words, ‘we brought visuality to the business’, stepping into their slick offices in Marbella, this is blatantly obvious. Sirena tells me, ‘When you are buying something as special as a property, you really need attention to detail. It’s about feeling, you are buying the feeling’.

Strand Properties is different precisely because of their ability to style. Real Estate in Marbella is a long-established institution, and like many institutions, there is an innate stubbornness to change. Some companies use deceiving photographs of properties in an attempt to lure prospective buyers. Instead, Strand teases prospects with enticing images that provide a snapshot into a property. With them, the focus is shifted to impeccable style, exceptional customer service and transparency. 

Team Spirit

Perhaps the most ‘stylish’ quality Strand Properties possess is the way they treat one another. The fact that husband and wife are able to work together in such a complimentary fashion says a lot. The wider team is comprised of a number of professionals with vast experience of the property market in Marbella, Sirena proudly speaks of her employees as people with presence and a strong work ethic. ‘The team trust each other 100%, otherwise you cannot work together’.

Team mentality at Strand Properties is strong, this is helped by the fact that you get back whatever you give working for the company. Unlike most real estate agencies, commissions are divided 30% - 70% in the favour of agents. Sirena recognizes that her team are essentially the ones doing all the hard work so should be appropriately rewarded. 

More than Just A Real Estate Company

Strand Properties’ difference is palpable, something else we can attribute to that is their vision to create an exclusive lifestyle brand. They have great plans for the future which remain untainted by the current pandemic. Sirena explains, the team are hoping to create a membership scheme whereby buyers and sellers alike can join together at exclusive Strand events. ‘Customers are like extended family; we want to keep them happy and at the same time this helps them make friends’,

Already included in their services is advice on where to buy quality Scandinavian furniture, how to decorate, home renovations, and where to get the best Jacuzzi’s. FYI: the pair have their own Jacuzzi company, examples displayed on the terrace of their fantastic multi-functional office. 

The Future just got closer

No matter what, Marbella is always going to attract high-spending real estate clientele. Anssi & Sirena recognise that and remain optimistic for the future of the property market.  Particularly when it comes to their Scandinavian counterparts, who will want to escape as soon as winter hits. 

Without a doubt, Strand Properties are set to become a staple of the Marbella real estate scene, making an indelible impact on the way Real Estate companies operate here on the coast. For sure they are a New-age force to be reckoned with.