Confidence is returning across CEE real estate markets, with investor sentiment shifting from cautious optimism to execution, according to Colliers. The region continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by moderating inflation, solid household consumption, and strong employment levels.
While global conditions remain complex, the CEE region is set to outperform Western Europe, with growth expected to double in 2025 and triple by 2026. Solid fundamentals from monetary easing and EU fund inflows to low unemployment continue to support stability and investor confidence. Bulgaria's forthcoming Eurozone entry and recent rating upgrades have boosted sentiment, while Hungary and Romania benefit from strong logistics and manufacturing bases.
Commercial real estate investment volumes across CEE exceeded €7 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, a 38% year-on-year increase. The majority of capital flows were directed to Czechia and Poland, together accounting for more than 70% of total activity. Czechia posted a 131% surge in investment, driven by the office, industrial, hotel, and mixed-use sectors, while Poland remained the region's largest and most liquid market. Hungary's investment volume tripled year-on-year and Slovakia exceeded €600 million in transactions.
The office sector is regaining traction, with prime and refurbished assets in central locations achieving rental growth amid limited new supply. Logistics remains resilient, supported by strong tenant covenants and long leases, while retail is adapting through repositioning strategies. Alternative assets including self-storage, data centres, senior housing, and student accommodation are gaining attention, offering inflation-linked income and structural growth potential.
Domestic based investors, particularly in Poland and Czechia, have become key players, collectively accounting for 57% of total investment volume. "CEE is no longer viewed through a purely risk-based lens," noted Grzegorz Sielewicz, Head of Economic & Market Insights at CEE. "Investors are returning with sharper focus, selective strategies, and growing confidence in the region's fundamentals." Colliers expects a gradual but steady recovery over the next 12 months as pricing expectations align and financing remains accessible.
