Property investments in CEE have accounted for 6% of the total volume recorded across Europe, during 2024, to around €7.7 billion, according to estimates by Cushman & Wakefield.

Which is better to meet ESG goals? Greenfield investments or conversion of existing buildings? Wise people say: it depends. Although a lot of top experts took part in a panel at the first CEE ESG Forum organised by Property Forum and Green Forum in Vienna last November, no clear answer emerged from the discussion.

As commercial real estate evolves to meet sustainability goals, rooftop solar systems are becoming a key solution for property owners and tenants alike. With the increasing demand for energy efficiency and the push toward decarbonization, rooftop solar solutions offer significant environmental, economic, and strategic benefits for the real estate sector. The new report "Harnessing Your Rooftop: A Guide to Photovoltaic Projects in Commercial Buildings in CEE", released by CBRE and CMS, provides an analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with rooftop solar installations across the CEE region.

Amid technological advances, growing client demands, legal regulations and the need to urgently respond to economic developments, the commercial real estate market is increasingly being influenced by AI-based solutions. According to the latest report from BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland, sophisticated technological solutions are becoming - and will continue to be - key at all stages, from project planning and construction to tenant screening, property and energy management, and even investment.

The demand for industrial spaces in CEE is moderating after a record year, with vacancy rates having slightly increased but still at a healthy level. The shift in demand patterns has included larger deals and tenant diversification. Despite challenges, logistics is an attractive asset class with yields comparable to offices and retail, revealed the discussion at CEE Property Forum 2024 in Vienna, chaired by Martin Polák, Managing Director CEE at GARBE Industrial Real Estate.

The biggest growth in Eastern Europe is foreseen in Bulgaria going into 2025, while the rest of the countries are projected to make side moves in the coming years, according to a report by the Eastern European Construction Forecasting Association (EECFA).

CBRE has summarised this year's developments in the Czech commercial real estate market and provides an up-to-date outlook for 2025. The report highlights anticipated investment activity and the evolution of key segments for the upcoming year.

Like other real estate segments, retail has always been adapting to changes in customer behaviour. This evolution thus is a subject of constant investment and innovation, based on the quality and uniqueness of locations. CEE Property Forum 2024 in Vienna has explored financing challenges together with the importance of data-based decisions in the discussion panel focused on retail.

Countries in the Southeast Europe (SEE) region are making significant efforts to adapt EU regulations in order to attract international investors. Several nations have successfully utilized both domestic and foreign capital to improve infrastructure, and certain market segments have outperformed expectations, setting the stage for further development in the coming years. These insights were highlighted during CEE Property Forum 2024, held in Vienna at the end of November.

Investors across Europe will continue to focus on sectors with strong structural tailwinds, such as living and logistics, according to a Knight Frank report.