Despite rising operating costs, high inflation, and uncertainties related to events such as the conflict in Ukraine, Central and Eastern European markets continue to be attractive compared to Western Europe. Daniel Bienias, Managing Director in CEE at CBRE, talked to Property Forum about investment trends and the future of the advisory business in the region and beyond.

CBRE announced that sustainability expert Steffen Walvius has joined the company. Steffen will lead the Energy & Carbon service offerings across Continental Europe, expanding the suite of ESG & Sustainability services the company delivers to clients.

CBRE has announced the appointment of Ivana Rajković Špes as Country Head for the Croatian market within its Southeast Europe Office (SEE).

Shopping centres in Slovakia grew this year both in footfall and turnover, and rents also rose. This is according to the latest quarterly report by CBRE. According to the report, there are currently more than 2.36 million sqm of shopping centres and retail parks in Slovakia.

The retail industry attracted 21% of the total investment volume recorded in the first half of 2023, which was 7% higher than the same period last year, according to data from CBRE. At the same time, the segment accounted for around €39 million of new investments. 

District regenerations and mixed-use developments require a complex approach even from the most experienced developers. Property Forum asked David M Johnston, Senior Director and Head of Advisory and Transaction Services at CBRE Hungary about the risks of such projects and he also shared some best practices from across the CEE region.

CBRE SEE’s Capital Markets team has acted as a sell-side advisor to Zetland Capital in the disposal of the 11,800 sqm Situla Business Center office complex in Ljubljana, the advisory firm announced on LinkedIn. The buyer’s name and the purchase price have not been disclosed.

CBRE Czech Republic has appointed Jakub Stanislav as Head of Investment Properties. Jakub Stanislav will oversee a team of four senior consultants and will be responsible for developing long-term strategies as well as building and developing client relationships. As part of his mandate, he will coordinate the purchase and sale of a wide range of commercial properties, from offices to logistics complexes and shopping centres to hotels.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate CEE has signed a lease agreement comprising 18,000 sqm with GPV, an electronics manufacturing services partner. GPV will occupy the entire building in the Garbe Green Park Piešťany. The building is currently under construction and will be finished this month. Adjustments related to the customer’s operation will be completed by the end of the year. This park that is located 80 kilometres from Bratislava will be fully let and developed.

The demand for office development or refurbishment projects remains high as more companies are looking for quality workspaces, according to CBRE data.