Two thirds of the retail stock in Central and Eastern Europe is now more than 15 years old, according to a new report by Colliers, signalling that the market is entering a distinct new phase after three decades of rapid development.
The report, titled ExCEEding Borders Retail 2026, finds that a large share of the region's shopping centres, retail parks and department stores now fall within the 16 to 30-year age bracket. Rather than becoming obsolete on a wide scale, however, the ageing stock is pushing owners towards reinvestment and repositioning.
According to the report, the emphasis is shifting towards renovation, tenant-mix optimisation and selective redevelopment, as asset owners seek to extend the commercial life of existing properties rather than pursue new-build schemes.
The findings suggest that the CEE retail property market is at the start of a significant reinvestment and transformation cycle, driven largely by the maturity profile of its existing stock.
