Romania's industrial and logistics market reached over 8 million sqm in Q1 2026, with approximately 115,000 sqm of new space delivered. At the same time, around 500,000 sqm are currently under construction, according to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox's report.
Projects completed in Q1 were located almost exclusively in Bucharest (70,000 sqm) and Brașov (35,000 sqm). By year-end, the total stock is expected to exceed 8.5 million sqm nationwide.
Over 400,000 sqm of new projects are under development around Bucharest, meaning the capital's stock will surpass 4 million sqm by end-2026. One of the largest projects that started construction in Q1 is the first industrial park developed by German group Garbe in partnership with Fortress in northern Bucharest, exceeding 60,000 sqm.
Leasing activity totalled 240,000 sqm in Q1 2026, marking a moderate 7% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. However, if this volume is maintained, 2026 take-up could reach around 1 million sqm, in line with the last six years' average. Approximately 58% of total volume was generated by new demand and expansions (140,000 sqm), showing companies' continued interest in developing their logistics operations.
Bucharest accounted for nearly 55% of total transacted volume nationwide, while Timișoara ranked second with 22%. The vacancy rate stands at approximately 5.4%, a healthy level for the market. Prime rents remained stable in Bucharest and key regional hubs including Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Brașov and Ploiești, ranging between €4.50 and €4.75 per sqm per month. These levels could see upward adjustments in coming quarters amid inflationary pressures and rising land prices.
Rodica Târcavu, Partner Industrial Agency at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, said: "Romania's industrial market is experiencing effects of an uncertain economic environment and a more cautious approach from tenants, explaining the slight slowdown in leasing activity. However, fundamentals remain strong as we continue to notice active demand from both international and local companies operating across diverse sectors. On the medium term, we expect the market to remain on a growth trajectory, supported by the resolution of international conflicts and greater economic and political predictability."
