After a year from the beginning of the pandemic, investors are continuing their strategies adjusted to the new market conditions. Most of them are focusing mainly on safe, predictable investments. This year Avison Young has observed the third-best opening ever with almost €1.3 billion transacted in 31 deals during the first quarter of 2021.

The Q1 2021 results of the RICS Global Commercial Property Monitor indicate a slightly less negative market sentiment across Europe compared to the previous quarter. Rental growth expectations remain negative within the office and retail sectors across all European nations covered, while the outlook for industrial markets has never been more positive.

Impact Developer & Contactor has named Constantin (Tinu) Sebeșanu as CEO of the company, with a 4-year mandate. He is replacing Sorin Apostol, who was appointed Executive Director and member of the Board of Directors at the General Shareholders Meeting.

Growthpoint Properties Limited, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Oak Hill Advisors responded to the unilateral announcement by CPI Property Group and Aroundtown of a firm intention to make a cash offer for the share capital of Globalworth.

Real estate developer Hagag Development Europe says it has fully implemented the Realpad software, thus digitizing sales operations for all residential units available in its ongoing projects H Pipera Lake, H Eliade 9 Residence and H Victoriei 139. 

Prologis has started a new speculative development at Prologis Park Budapest-Sziget II which is set to be delivered by the end of the year. A new 11,600 sqm warehouse building is now under development at the park, where 48,000 sqm of potential development space remains available.

The volume of new real estate investments in Romania amounted to €98 million in the first quarter of 2021, driven by the office and industrial segments. The investments were down 19% compared to the same period of 2020, according to a report by CBRE. 

Apx Hotels Group has expanded its portfolio with a new 4-star hotel in the historic centre of Sibiu, following the acquisition of former Libra hotel in a deal worth €1.85 million. Crosspoint Real Estate assisted the buyer.

GTC has decided to boost its Hungarian portfolio again by investing €160 million in the acquisition of two office properties in Budapest, the Ericsson HQ and the Siemens Evosoft HQ, both developed by local company Wing.

According to the latest Savills research, at figures ranging between €4.60-5.30 per sqm per month, out of 54 markets analysed, Prague and the Polish cities of Katowice, Wrocław, TriCity and Poznań are among the ten cheapest locations for renting a modern warehouse globally. In Europe, Poznań (€4.68/sqm/month) is the most cost-effective location with only certain cities in India and Vietnam having lower overall warehousing property costs.