As traditional real estate sectors mature, investors are increasingly looking to residential rental housing, co-living, student accommodation and data centres for growth. While demand drivers remain strong, these sectors are still evolving, with questions around regulation, financing, market liquidity and operational models shaping investment decisions. At Future of Real Estate 2026, industry leaders discussed where the biggest opportunities lie and what needs to happen for these asset classes to scale further in Poland and across CEE.

Harden Construction has completed the third hall spanning 39,000 sqm at the Panattoni Park Gdańsk West II production and warehouse complex. 

Companies and entrepreneurs looking to lease coworking spaces in Romania can now evaluate the best market options using multiple criteria including economic efficiency, workplace quality and technical specifications, according to a new guide developed by Beyond Space in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

Yitzhak Hagag, Co-founder & Chairman of Hagag Development Europe, spoke to Property Forum about the firm's strategic focus on diversifying into hospitality and energy while maintaining strong growth in its core office and residential segments. He noted that rental income rose by 32% as the company prepares for major luxury retail and hotel project deliveries.

Hillwood Polska has finalised a portfolio financing transaction with Bank Pekao S.A., covering four warehouse projects: Hillwood Rawicz, Hillwood & Lcube Wrocław East, Hillwood Łazy (phases I and II) and Hillwood Łódź Chocianowice. The total credit amount is €160 million. The portfolio covered by the transaction offers a combined 310,000 sqm of leasable space.

The Czech rental housing market is undergoing fundamental change, with apartment downsizing becoming a key trend. While this is often viewed negatively as a sign of housing affordability crisis, institutional rental housing tells a different story.

Cordia Romania has marked a milestone with the cornerstone ceremony of Centropolitan, its residential project in central Bucharest near Bucharest Mall and Alba Iulia Square. The event, attended by Tibor Földi, Chairman of Cordia Group, and Mauricio Mesa Gomez, Chairman of Cordia Romania and Spain, signals the official launch of construction for the 274-apartment development.

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox has been appointed to sell Joyson Safety Systems' industrial property in Ribiţa, Hunedoara County, as the automotive safety components manufacturer consolidates operations at its Arad hub.

Poland continues to attract investors from across Europe, but the profile of that capital is changing. As regional players become more active and some Western institutions take a more cautious approach, new opportunities are emerging across a range of sectors. Speakers of the first panel at Future of Real Estate 2026, a conference organised in Warsaw, agreed that the country’s strong economic fundamentals remain intact, but unlocking the next wave of growth will require greater market liquidity, larger investment platforms and a deeper pool of domestic and regional capital.

Hyprop Investments, South Africa's largest listed specialised shopping centre REIT, has agreed to acquire Galleria Burgas, a shopping centre located on Bulgaria's east coast, for €122.2 million before adjustments.