Monia Dobrescu, Partner at Muşat & Asociații, talked to Property Forum about the key role of ESG in investment decisions, the stronger financing requirements for property developments and the strong points of retail in driving investments in 2025.
This interview was first published in Property Forum’s annual listing of "The 50 most influential people in Romania’s real estate market”.
What are your key expectations for the evolution of your client portfolio in the real estate and financing sectors throughout 2025?
Demand for office space is expected to remain subdued, shaped by moderate economic growth and ongoing political uncertainties. However, the limited pipeline of new office developments should gradually reduce vacancy rates for premium properties. In this environment, we already see an increased number of clients seeking energy-efficient solutions and prime locations.
In the industrial sector, while leasing activity may experience a slight slowdown, the fundamental drivers for growth—such as Romania's advantageous wage-to-productivity ratio remain intact. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of retail presents new opportunities for partnerships with investors and developers, especially in smaller cities where there is still unmet demand. The residential market is projected to remain relatively stable, with moderate growth prospects underpinned by factors such as decreasing interest rates and sustained demand in major urban centres. Here we anticipate a similar volume of mandates to 2024.
