A new term has emerged strongly in recent years in the real estate sector: that of the value partner.
This refers to a collaboration model that goes beyond the traditional role of a construction company as a mere executor of projects, placing it at the core of design and strategy from the very early stages. In practice, a value partner is someone who deeply understands a project’s business plan, realistically maps costs and timelines, and meaningfully contributes to risk reduction before it materializes during construction. As Joseph Arabatzis, CEO of the construction company EPIKYKLOS, emphasizes, the role of the construction base in this collaboration model is absolutely critical.
“When construction expertise is weak, subsequent stages rely on assumptions. In contrast, deep technical knowledge allows for safer planning, correct material choices, and realistic timelines. Construction does not come at the end—it shapes the project from the start,” he notes.
What Investors Seek Today
According to Mr. Arabatzis, investors entering into new partnerships with construction companies prioritize control and predictability. They want a clear picture of costs, timelines, and technical parameters, as well as a well-defined allocation of responsibilities from day one. Performance remains a key objective, but it depends on transparency, realism, and the ability to make timely decisions.
When a construction company participates actively from design through delivery, the relationship ceases to be purely contractual and transforms into a genuine partnership with a shared goal. Referring to EPIKYKLOS’ strategy and its recent expansion into international markets such as Dubai and Albania, Mr. Arabatzis clarifies that Athens remains the company’s operational core. The Greek capital continues to offer significant value-creation potential, due both to its quality of life and to infrastructure and tourism investments. International engagements are not aimed at relocating operations but at broadening the company’s perspective.
“These are markets with different paces and expectations, from which we gain experience and best practices that we bring back to our projects in Greece,” he notes, stressing that international outreach functions complementarily, not competitively.
The Importance of Project Delivery
The past year was characterized by strong activity and increasing demands. EPIKYKLOS delivered significant projects to investors and private clients, while also completing its own residential developments, including CULTURES in Alimos, Purenest in Vrilissia, and the first homes at Vital Blue in the Glyfada golf area. Mr. Arabatzis emphasizes that project completions represent the real test of a company’s reliability. They are not merely milestones, but proof that a cycle closes according to the original plan, timelines, and agreements with investors and buyers. It is here that trust is built, facilitating future projects.
Digital Tools and Transparency
This approach is further reinforced by the launch of the new digital project management application Track On Build. As Mr. Arabatzis explains, digital innovation only matters when it solves real problems. The application provides transparency, control, and real-time insight into project progress. For the company, it serves as a tool for quality control and improved coordination; for investors, it offers immediate information and meaningful participation in project development.
Simultaneously, EPIKYKLOS has invested in fully structured internal processes, including a comprehensive CRM system, which reduces uncertainty, limits ambiguities, and strengthens trust throughout the partnership.
What “Value” Really Means
In closing, Mr. Arabatzis emphasizes that value in a construction project is not limited to the final product or sale price.
“Value lies in the process: proper planning, technical consistency, transparency, and keeping promises. When this process works correctly, the project becomes a safer and more creative experience for the investor, while the trust built is also transferred to the end client. This, ultimately, is what endures over time,” he concludes.