New research released by JLL shows that the investment allocation to living assets is set to grow throughout 2021, following the robust performance of the market throughout 2020, which resulted in €83.4 billion being invested into the sector. 59% of investors set to increase investment allocation to European Living assets in 2021, but nearly 80% highlight lack of suitable product as a main barrier to investment.

Immofinanz recorded an increase in rental income and results of property sales in 2020 despite the COVID-19 crisis. FFO 1 (before tax and incl. the S Immo dividend) rose by 0.6% year-on-year to €126.1 million, supported by cost savings. Profit before tax equalled €-160.4 million (2019: €350.1 million). After the deduction of €-5.5 million (2019: €-2.5 million) in income taxes, net loss amounted to €-165.9 million (2019: €352.1 million).

The industrial and logistics sector continues with strong momentum while large scale office transactions have slowed in European investment volumes, as many countries saw overall activity halve in comparison to Q1 2020, according to the latest capital markets report by Colliers.

Czech-founded PPF Real Estate Holding has entered the United States market through its U.S. division, finalizing an acquisition of Mansell Overlook, a large office campus in the broader Atlanta metropolitan area. The acquisition is a steppingstone for future investments by PPF in the U.S. property market.

Macquarie Asset Management has acquired the final asset in a €190 million logistics real estate portfolio in Poland on behalf of Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK), Germany’s largest pension fund.

Close to half of employees in Romania would like to return full-time to offices, while more than one third would opt for the hybrid model that combines remote and in-office activities, according to a new survey by Genesis Property. 

European Logistics Investment (ELI) has begun construction of its newest warehouse scheme located in Tychy – one of the main logistics areas in the Silesia region in Poland. The project has been awarded the BREEAM certificate at the Excellent level. Park Tychy, developed together with its partner Panattoni, will feature two building complex with 100,000 sqm of logistics space. The first building has already been 100% pre let.

HB Reavis has sold a plot of land in the centre of Prague, which was created by the demolition of the former Transgas complex, to local developer PSN for a record sum of CZK 870 million.

Avison Young has significantly increased its CEE presence in recent months and the company is planning further expansion. Gerry Hughes, Principal and President of Avison Young Europe talked to Property Forum about the firm’s strategy for CEE and shared his expectations regarding the future of the advisory business.

Between January and March 2021, nearly 93,000 sqm of retail stock was delivered in Poland, a result comparable to the same period last year. The structure of new supply included only two large-scale formats: stand-alone retail warehouses (55% of new space) and retail parks (31%). Convenience centres claimed the remaining 14%. The largest scheme delivered was an Agata Meble store (11,000 sqm) in Jelenia Góra. JLL summarised the conditions on Poland’s retail market at the end of the first quarter of 2021.