Romania stands out in the CEE as an increasingly attractive destination for investors in the industrial and office real estate sectors, a Colliers analysis reveals.
A key factor in this context is the generous governmental incentives, which can cover up to 70% of the eligible costs of projects. This high level of financial support offers a significant competitive advantage for developers and investors, at a time when strategic location, cost optimisation, and sustainability are increasingly important elements in investment decisions.
However, last year, Romania lagged behind the main economies in the region in terms of announced investments in the manufacturing industry, indicating that financial incentives are not the sole driver of investment decisions.
Thus, according to fDi Markets, investments of €1.7 billion were announced in Romania's manufacturing sector in 2024, which could generate over 8,900 jobs.
Nevertheless, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland each had a considerably higher value – €2.5 and €2.9 billion, respectively.
Victor Coșconel, Partner | Head of Leasing | Office & Industrial Agencies at Colliers, explained: "Romania stands out in the region due to the intensity of governmental support, especially for investments in production. State aid can provide a decisive boost for companies looking to expand or relocate their activities, which is an increasingly important aspect given the geopolitical changes at a global level. At the same time, Romania is becoming increasingly attractive for the outsourced services sector, offering modern, well-located spaces supported by favourable public policies."
The situation differs in the services sector. Although many office projects do not receive direct financial aid, cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Timișoara offer indirect benefits, such as tax incentives or the attraction of major tenants who prefer locations with public support.
