During a geopolitically turbulent period, the core capital is usually focusing on the domestic market. However, CEE investors do not hesitate to seek opportunities in neighbouring markets, bearing in mind the importance of diversification and the need for strategic partnerships to manage risks and maximise returns. These strategies and challenges have been discussed at Bratislava Property Forum 2025 in the panel focused on commercial real estate, chaired by Rudolf Nemec MRICS, Partner & Head of Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield Slovakia.

Family offices are eager to expand their real estate investments, viewing the sector as a strong opportunity for both growth and wealth preservation, finds Knight Frank's Wealth Report. 

The Ukrainian housing sector continues to face significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict. However, the Government of Ukraine is actively implementing various initiatives to support citizens affected by the war. As of early April, over 100,000 homes have been restored, as announced by Oleksiy Kuleba, Vice Prime Minister for Recovery and Minister of Community and Territorial Development, during a meeting of the Ukrainian Donor Platform in Kyiv. The Ukrainian Real Estate Club has summarised the situation for Property Forum.

The residential market remains a solid pillar of the real estate development business in Slovakia. However, as the discussion at Bratislava Property Forum 2025 revealed, it is rather sensitive to inflation, changes in interest rates, and government policies impacting affordability and the potential of alternative residential models.

President Donald Trump announced new import tariffs on all goods entering the US effective as of April 2, hitting equities, long term yields and CEE-based currencies. In response to these global tariffs, growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 are being revised in the CEE, according to a report by Erste Group. 

Development financing in Slovakia has been challenging recently because of banks‘ high equity requirements and stringent pre-lease/pre-sale conditions, revealed panellists during a discussion at Bratislava Property Forum 2025 about property financing. On the good side, interest rates are expected to remain stable, with Slovakia's financing costs closer to Western Europe than Southern markets.

Romanian real estate holding Meta Estate Trust has recorded a 15% year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching RON 10.8 million (€2.2 million) in 2024, while its total revenues rose 22% to RON 34.5 million (around €7 million).

CPI Europe reported a net profit of €133.5 million during 2024, a significant turnaround from the previous year's loss of €229.5 million.The shift is attributed to stable valuations, with revaluations turning positive at €12.6 million, compared to a loss of €376.8 million in the prior year. 

The office market in Central and Eastern Europe shows signs of solid growth and recovery, supported by the region's strong economic fundamentals and rising investor confidence, say experts from JLL and iO Partners in their latest report.

Office fit-out costs in Prague are still competitive despite rising construction costs and higher demand for modern work environments. According to the latest report from Cushman & Wakefield EMEA Fit Out Cost Guide Prague's offer of high-quality office spaces is at more favourable prices compared to other European cities.