The total transaction volume on the CEE hotel investment market increased to €700 million in the first half of 2017 from the €630 million transacted in H1 2016. This represents a yearly growth of 11 percent which is significantly larger than the 0.3 percent growth registered in the western part of Europe. High yields, booming tourism and strong economic growth are the main reasons behind growing interest in the hotel markets of Central and Eastern European capitals on the behalf of international investors.

Slovakia’s commercial real estate market is expected to reach an all-time high in its investment activity this year, according to a market research conducted by Colliers International.

Echo Investment has concluded a contract with Bank Zachodni WBK S.A. as an agent as well as Bank BGŻ BNP Paribas S.A. concerning a loan of over €67.5 million and a VAT loan of PLN 12 mln. The funds will be used for the construction of Galeria Libero in Katowice.

Demand on the Budapest office market in Q3 2017 increased by 67% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 164,985 sqm. Combined with a marginal growth in supply the vacancy rate further decreased to 7.6%. The Budapest Research Forum published its latest figures.

BKA development has won a tender to acquire the former Depo retail complex in Belgrade, beograd.rs reports. The Serbian company placed the highest bid of €4.15 million for the complex located in the Vracar area of the capital.

Secure Property Development and Investment PLC, an SEE-focused property and investment company, announced the proposed acquisition of up to a 50% interest in a portfolio of fully let logistics properties in Romania. The so-called Olympians Portfolio comprises assets in Bucharest, Timisoara and Brasov. The gross asset value of the 100,000 sqm portfolio is approximately €50 million and there is a senior loan liability of approximately €30 million secured against the portfolio.

Neinver, a Spanish company specialised in investment, development and management of property assets, has announced the opening date for Prague The Style Outlets, located in the capital of the Czech Republic. A joint project between The Prague Outlet and Neinver, Prague The Style Outlets will open its doors in 26 April 2018.

DHL Express recently moved into its new, tailor made warehouse of 6,000 sqm leased in Budapest Airport's new logistic facility built by Market Építő. Budapest Airport appointed CBRE Hungary for the construction management services.

Prologis has started construction of two logistics facilities at its new Prologis Park Nitra in Slovakia. The expected completion of both buildings is scheduled for the second quarter of 2018.

The Czech industrial & logistics real estate market has changed beyond all recognition over the past five years, with the total stock of logistics and warehouse space rising 66% over the period, driven by strong growth in e-commerce and retail, according to Colliers International’s latest Czech Industrial & Logistics Market Barometer.