A New Luxurious Residence is Taking Shape
Slovenian basketball superstar Luka Dončić is currently building a new villa in the Zadobrova district, located in the eastern part of Ljubljana. Construction is progressing rapidly, and the impressive new residence is already taking shape on the large estate he purchased in 2022.
A €1.9 Million Investment in Privacy and Comfort
In October 2022, Dončić acquired a house with a sizable plot of land in Zadobrova for €1.9 million. At the time, there was speculation about his plans for the property, as the existing house, though relatively new, did not appear to be a dream home. Instead of renovating, Dončić decided to demolish the structure—barely 18 years old—and replace it with a modern villa designed to suit his lifestyle.
Dončić, through his LD Family Trust, obtained a building permit in May 2023 and officially commenced construction in November of the same year. The new home is classified as a single-family residence and will feature an advanced layout, complete with external landscaping, parking spaces, and upgraded infrastructure.
Staying Within Regulations
The original house had a total living area of 367 square meters spread across three floors, with an additional 47-square-meter garage. Since the estate is located on prime agricultural land, strict regulations apply. The new villa must adhere to the size, shape, and intended use of the previous house while being built in the exact same location.
Although there were initial rumors that Dončić’s purchase was a long-term investment, it has become clear that he primarily values the privacy and seclusion the property offers. Alongside the house, Dončić also acquired nearly 9,000 square meters of surrounding land, which, if rezoned in the future, could allow for additional residential development. However, for now, the focus remains on creating a private retreat for the NBA star.
The Former Owners and a Unique Backstory
Before Dončić acquired the property, it was owned by a company called the Chinese Investment Corporation, founded in 2013 by two businessmen from Guangdong, China—Li Zhi and Li Gang. This company had accumulated multiple real estate holdings in Slovenia, including a commercial building near Podutiška Street in Ljubljana. However, many of its properties had outstanding tax liens and debts, which likely played a role in the sale of the Zadobrova estate to Dončić.
Interestingly, in 2013, Li Gang was reportedly in discussions with Slovenian production company Arsmedia about a feature film centered on a love story between a Chinese woman and a Slovenian man. While the film never materialized, the businessman had expressed interest in broader economic ventures in Slovenia, including an attempted acquisition of Ljubljana’s airport.
Expanding His Real Estate Portfolio
Dončić has been steadily expanding his real estate investments in Slovenia. In 2019, he purchased a luxury villa near the prestigious Smlednik golf course for €1.84 million, along with an additional plot of land nearby. His 2022 purchase in Zadobrova marked another major acquisition, followed most recently by a high-end apartment in the exclusive Schellenburg residential complex in Ljubljana.
A Homecoming for Slovenia’s Biggest Basketball Star
Despite his massive success in the NBA, Dončić remains deeply connected to Slovenia, frequently returning home during the off-season. His investment in a luxurious villa in Ljubljana underscores his commitment to maintaining strong ties to his homeland, providing him with a private oasis where he can relax and recharge between seasons.
With construction moving forward at full speed, fans and locals alike are eager to see the final result of Luka Dončić’s newest home in Slovenia.
