In a video interview recorded at Bratislava Property Forum 2026, Jakub Volner, Business Development Director at Panattoni Slovakia, explains where developers see the best opportunities today, how tenant demand is shifting and what investors are prioritising in the logistics sector.
Where do you currently see the best opportunity for value creation as a logistics owner and developer?
We are facing some economic headwinds, which means we need to rethink how the business works and where the best opportunities lie. One of the clearest opportunities is in major city hubs. In Slovakia, especially in larger cities, there is steady demand but very limited new development. This lack of supply creates strong potential for value creation. City logistics will remain a key segment, and demand is still growing, particularly in expanding urban areas. We also see strong potential in data centres. We are currently preparing several projects across Europe, including in Slovakia. At the same time, companies are increasingly looking for more efficient and self-sufficient buildings. Rising energy costs are pushing occupiers to prioritise operational efficiency and energy independence. This is driving demand for new, modern buildings.
From which industries are new and expanding tenants coming from these days?
We are seeing a shift in tenant demand. The automotive sector, which has traditionally been a major driver of expansion, is currently undergoing significant changes and becoming more streamlined. At the same time, e-commerce continues to grow steadily and remains an important source of demand. We also see increasing activity in city logistics, including small business units, retail warehouse formats and other schemes that support urban operations. These types of developments are particularly important for cities, yet supply is still very limited, which creates strong demand.
What are investors looking for today when it comes to logistics assets in Slovakia?
Investors are primarily focused on prime locations in major cities, especially assets located within or close to urban areas. There is also strong interest in smaller and mid-sized schemes that support regional production and logistics, particularly those connected to main highway networks. And of course, data centres are attracting significant investor attention.
