The property investment market in the EU reached around €22.8 billion in Q1 2024, down by approximately 26% compared to the same period of last year, although some markets have rebounded significantly in this period, according to an Arnold Investments report.

In the third quarter of 2023, the European Union investment market exhibited restrained performance, registering a transaction volume of €23 billion which, in turn, represents a noteworthy year-on-year decline of 57%. The cumulative transaction volume for the initial three quarters of 2023 amounted to approximately €80.4 billion, with domestic investors accounting for 53% of these transactions. Markus Arnold, the CEO and sole proprietor of Arnold Investments, observes "a sustained trend where equity-strong private investors continue to be highly active". The leading asset class on the European investment market remained offices with a transaction volume of €24.3 billion, comprising 30% of the total, followed by residential properties (€16.5 billion; 21%) and retail properties (€14 billion; 17%).

“In times of change, Expo Real once again confirms how important personal exchange is for the real estate industry”, says Markus Arnold, CEO and sole owner of Arnold Investments. This is also the reason why the company is on site with an international team from ten countries and an unchanged large exhibition stand.

Real estate investments are a great protection against inflation, especially compared to alternative asset classes. Michael Wagenhofer, Head of Capital Markets at Arnold Investments talked to Property Forum about investment trends.

A recent increase in supply is providing buyers with a broader selection of opportunities across CEE. Martin Ofner, Head of Market Analysis at Arnold Investments, shared with Property Forum his investment outlook for the CEE region.

Equity strong private investors have become active due to the most attractive yields seen in years, although the overall investment volumes have continued to fall in Q2 2023, while hotels remain a strong asset, according to a report of Arnold Investments. 

The investment volume in the first quarter of 2023 fully reflects the clear investor reluctance at the end of last year. According to a recent Arnold Investments market analysis, a real estate transaction volume of around €27 billion was recorded in the European Union. Compared to the same quarter in 2022, this is a decline of 60%.

Real estate investments have proven their qualities, especially in times of crisis and uncertainties. Therefore, they will remain an attractive investment possibility, says Jan Rydl, Country Manager Czech Republic at Arnold Investments. He talked to Property Forum about investment market trends.

Europe’s largest retail estate fair, MIPIM, which took place in Cannes last week, has shown that the industry was on the move. Interestingly enough, the market mood is by no means as negative as is frequently suggested. On the contrary, Arnold Investments reports lively interest from international investors. The focus is particularly on properties of up to €50 million. “Many deals are about to be finalized”, summarizes Markus Arnold, CEO and sole owner of Arnold Investments.

Ervin Palfy, Country Manager Slovakia at Arnold Investments talked to Property Forum about CEE investment market trends and the growing popularity of cross-border deals.