Institutional investors are returning to key European markets, and transaction volumes are expected to rise steadily after a period of reassessment in 2024-2025, according to a Colliers report.

At CEE Property Forum 2025, the panel on urban living examined how cities across Central and Eastern Europe are being reshaped by demographic change, new living formats and rising investor interest. Chaired by Kinga Barchon, Partner and Real Estate Leader at PwC Polska, the discussion navigated the fast-evolving landscape of urban development and the multifaceted opportunities and challenges shaping the years ahead.

First, a new digital real estate listing platform developed in Romania, launched locally this autumn with a modern approach to property exploration and selection. The platform integrates technology, smart filters and a lifestyle-oriented presentation system that helps buyers and renters understand the full context of a property, from travel times to key city landmarks and technical characteristics.

DHL's E-Commerce Trends 2025 report reveals what matters most to online buyers in CEE during the Christmas shopping season: fast and flexible delivery, trusted logistics partners, and seamless returns, alongside growing expectations for social commerce, AI tools, and sustainability.

At CEE Property Forum 2025, local and cross-border investors came together in a panel moderated by Dániel Ódor MRICS, Partner at Taylor Wessing Hungary. The discussion offered not only a glimpse into current market sentiment but also probed the tides of regulatory evolution, sectoral dynamics, and strategic foresight driving CEE real estate forward.

The beginning of 2026 will bring lower mortgage interest rates in Romania, both for fixed rates (over 98% of current loans) and variable rates, according to a market report by online broker Ipotecare.ro and financial consultant SVN Romania Credit & Financial Solutions.

Ciprian Ciucu, the Sector 6 mayor, has been elected as the new mayor of Bucharest with 36.16% of the votes secured in Sunday's elections. Based on his recent statements, one of his priorities will be the completion of the Urban General Plan (PUG), which should unlock new real estate developments based on the needs of the city.

After nearly four years of large-scale invasion, Ukraine faces growing challenges in its recovery, the URE Club writes in an article for Property Forum.. According to the updated Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA-4) released in February 2025, the total needs for reconstruction and rehabilitation for the next ten years amount to $524 billion.

Iulius has secured a €305 million syndicated loan facility to strengthen its development strategy. This represents the first unitary refinancing in Romania for a portfolio of multiple buildings with different functions within a mixed-use project - Palas Iași.

Southeast Europe is entering a new cycle: investment strategies are shifting, digitalisation is accelerating, tourism is reshaping demand, and developers are navigating a more complex macro environment. Against this backdrop, Balkans Property Forum 2025 returns to Belgrade on 9 December for the ninth time to bring together the people shaping the region’s real estate future.