The debt markets in Europe remain resilient. An extensive survey by CBRE among 130 companies shows that the lending environment is on a solid footing for when investment activity starts to pick up in the second half of 2024. Nearly two-thirds of respondents expect a recovery compared to last year with refinancing being the main source of demand. Industrial and multifamily are the preferred sectors for lending, with student accommodation and hotels seeing the strongest increase in demand.

Karimpol Polska is expanding its cooperation with CBRE. Starting in June 2024, CBRE’s Polish branch will be acting as the exclusive letting agent of Skyliner II office project.

The office and business centre Karlák Shopping Square (formerly Charles Square Center) owned by KGAL is getting a new face. The complete rebranding, architectural modifications and reconstruction of retail and office spaces, including a modernised logo are all included in the reconstruction plan.

CBRE has appointed Verka Petkova-Shekerova as Country Head for the Bulgarian market within its Southeast Europe (SEE) office. She is replacing Sladjana Popović, who will continue to lead ESG & Sustainability services department for the region.

Q1 2024 retail data has revealed that the difficult period of the coronavirus pandemic and the unfavourable economic situation of last year is over in the Czech retail market. In its analysis of the Shopping Center Index, CBRE has looked back at the 2023 performance of regional shopping centres.

Romania’s retail market could top 4.5 million sqm this year considering that around 185,000 sqm of new retail projects are under various construction and planning stages, according to CBRE data.

Office leasing in Bucharest reached 97,400 sqm in Q1 2024, up 71% compared to the same period of last year, while take-up transactions that cover relocations and new demand were flat year-on-year at 33,000 sqm, according to a CBRE report.

Industrial developer WDP has purchased wholesale retail park Expo Market Doraly from ARA Europe and Romanian investor Gheorghe Iaciu for an undisclosed sum.

Yusen Logistics, a global logistics provider, has leased 19,000 sqm in CTPark Bucharest, owned by CTP, for the next five years, in a deal brokered by CBRE.

Prague is the second most active European market for flexible offices after London. Metropolises such as Warsaw, Amsterdam and Madrid follow at a distance, CBRE reports.