Romania’s land market experienced a surge in activity during H1 2025 as investor interest returned and new buyers entered the market, according to a Colliers Romania analysis.
The estimated value of land transactions for commercial real estate projects was close to €200 million, a similar level to the same period last year, with optimistic prospects for H2 2025 and the next year.
While the office land market remains sluggish, the retail and residential sectors continue to be the most active. In retail, both established developers and new investors are seeking land for future projects, particularly in small and medium-sized cities, where a high number of acquisitions have been recorded. Companies are focusing on proximity consumption and the expansion of their store networks and commercial galleries.
In the residential segment, there is significant interest in major cities, where land for housing projects or villa complexes is being sought, especially by experienced developers looking to expand their portfolios. This trend indicates a preference for low-density projects in metropolitan areas, despite a slower economic context and tax changes.
According to Colliers experts, the industrial land market is also growing, particularly in areas with significant infrastructure and proximity to major cities. This evolution reflects a strategic repositioning of supply chains and the potential to attract industrial investments.
Sînziana Oprea, Director of Land Agency at Colliers Romania, said: "Activity in the land market continues to be supported by large operators and retail developers—either through individual projects or the development of commercial parks of various sizes—and is complemented by growing interest from local capital for special projects. We are also seeing new buyers, a sign that the market is confirming its medium and long-term potential, diversifying, and maturing."
She added that the dynamism of the land market should be maintained, as developers are aware that projects conceived now will only enter the market in 2027 or 2028, when the economy will most likely be on an upward trajectory.
Furthermore, land prices are heterogeneous, potentially decreasing for plots without urban documentation or with difficult accessibility, while premium, urbanised land with competitive demand can see specific price increases.
