Subcarpathia continues to gain importance and is likely to become a leading east-west transshipment hub supporting the rebuilding of Ukraine. Its potential has also been recognized by industrial developers who are building warehouses and securing land for future projects in the region, say Michał Kozar, Senior Associate, and Janusz Dudek, Senior Advisor, Industrial and Warehouse Department, Newmark Polska.

Rüdiger Dany, CEO of NEPI Rockcastle, spoke with Property Forum about the strong recovery of retail markets in CEE after the pandemic, the development pipeline of retail and residential projects in Romania, and the group’s investments in ESG that are already translating into lower carbon emissions.

Sofia's office market faces shifting demand and moderating construction, according to a report by the real estate company MBL for the second quarter of 2023. Changing work patterns and preferences for hybrid models have raised concerns about the future demand for office space. The capital's vacancy rates decreased slightly, while rental rates remained stable. Investors are approaching the market with caution due to inflation and remote work practices. Despite the moderate activity, there is a potential for modern, well-located office spaces to attract higher occupancy and investment interest.

CBRE Czech Republic has appointed Jakub Stanislav as Head of Investment Properties. Jakub Stanislav will oversee a team of four senior consultants and will be responsible for developing long-term strategies as well as building and developing client relationships. As part of his mandate, he will coordinate the purchase and sale of a wide range of commercial properties, from offices to logistics complexes and shopping centres to hotels.

Tatra Asset Management, the largest mutual fund manager in Slovakia, and real estate company Alto Real Estate are joining together in their ventures focused on leasing office space, reports reality.trend.sk.

According to the new report published by Newmark Polska, key themes defining the Warsaw office market in the first half of 2023 included waiting for new office completions and adjusting occupied space to widely popular hybrid working models. Despite new supply constraints and relatively muted development activity, the city’s vacancy rate edged down marginally in the second quarter of this year. Leasing activity reached a similar level to that of the first three months of 2023.

Office leasing in Bucharest totaled 128,915 sqm in the second quarter of 2023, up 48% compared to the same period of last year, driven by large deals closed by retail, financial and technology firms, according to a report by Fortim Trusted Advisors, a member of BNP Paribas Real Estate Alliance. 

Victor Constantinescu, Managing Partner of Kinstellar Bucharest, talked to Property Forum about this year’s environment for property investments in CEE and Romania’s emerging profile as a hub in the region which will generate more development across the economy, including the property and clean energy sectors.

The investment transaction activity in Romania recorded total volumes of close to €170 million in the first half of 2023, which is down by around 50% compared to the same period, but the transactions could reach around €700 million by the end of 2023, according to Colliers data. 

The former Ballet Institute has been transformed into the five-star W Budapest hotel offering 151 rooms and suits in the very heart of the Hungarian capital. The new facility is part of the global portfolio of the Marriott Bonvoy brand.