Kutaisi's residential real estate market continues to expand, but the city's commercial and office property sector is lagging behind, according to Vepkhia Mkheidze, founder of local architectural firm MA Architect. Speaking to BMGTV, Mkheidze said there is clear demand for modern retail and business infrastructure, yet no major mixed-use developments are currently planned.
The architect noted that Kutaisi lacks a modern office building suitable for business-to-business meetings and corporate events, forcing companies to rely on hotel conference facilities. He also pointed to the absence of a large shopping mall featuring international retail brands, despite growing interest from consumers and developers.
According to Mkheidze, investors remain cautious because they underestimate the city's purchasing power. He argued that Kutaisi has the potential to support branded retail centers, drawing a comparison with Batumi, which was also once viewed as an unlikely location for a modern shopping mall before major investments transformed the market.
Mkheidze believes Kutaisi is now ready to host large international brands and mixed-use developments that combine retail, office, and commercial space. Expanding this segment of the real estate market, he said, would strengthen the city's business environment, diversify investment, and support long-term economic growth beyond residential construction.
