Property Forum’s upcoming free-to-attend virtual event aims to answer some of the many questions around the future of workplaces. As the pandemic has forced many employees into remote working, many offices around the world sit empty and nobody’s sure when they’ll be filled with life again. One thing seems certain: the way we design, build, use and operate offices will change forever. The question is: how?

AFI Europe has signed an agreement for the purchase of Avenir Business Park in Prague 5 owned by Tristan Capital Partners. The office complex, offering more than 25,600 sqm of premium office space, is close to 100% occupancy. Among its tenants are companies such as CSOB, ING, Porsche, McDonald’s, Dermacol and Coloplast.

Real estate developer Ionuț Negoiță acquired a land plot of 10 hectares in eastern Bucharest from industrial company Tubinox. The real estate investor says that this part of the city holds significant potential for the real estate industry.  

Facility services provider ISS has exited the Romanian market as part of a regional transaction that includes three more Eastern Europe countries. ISS said that the divestments are in line with the company’s strategy to simplify and focus its business on key account customers. 

In Świdnik, near Lublin, a cross-docking terminal of around 5,165 sqm was constructed and has now completed its BREEAM certification with a rating of ‘Very Good’. The centre is partially powered with electricity from renewable energy sources and with the application of sustainable solutions CO2 emissions have been reduced by around 30 pct and water usage has been cut by 67 pct. Almost PLN 50 mln has been invested in the project.

CEE-based flex office operator New Work continues to expand in Hungary and has opened its 7th business centre in Budapest. The company has signed for 2,000 sqm of office space in the Science Park office building in South Buda.

In February 2021, the N3 building of GTC’s Green Heart office complex in Belgrade has obtained a LEED Gold certificate, thus finalising the certification process for the whole complex. Completed in 2020, Green Heart comprises five Class A buildings providing 46,300 sqm of office space.

The market for mortgage loans was dynamic in 2020 and this trend is continuing in early 2021, while the segment of consumer loans is narrowing, says Sergiu Oprescu, President of the Association of Romanian Banks (ARB). 

Last year, international law firm Kinstellar played a vital part in closing two of the largest transactions on the office market in Romania: Floreasca Park, sold to Resolution Property (member of the Fosun Group) and Zeus Capital for more than €100 million and two Class A office buildings owned by Skanska sold to S Immo for €97 million. This was in addition to a series of deals in logistics and other asset classes. Property Forum talked to Victor Constantinescu, Managing Partner of the Bucharest office and Co-Head of the firm-wide Real Estate Practice, about how the first year of the pandemic was and what’s next.

Pavăl Holding, the group controlled by the founders of DIY chain Dedeman, will have a new HQ in Bucharest. The holding is revamping Vila Hlebnikian that will serve as its main office. Construction works on the 2,800 sqm building will be completed by 2023, according to Profit.ro.