Prague is emerging as a key driver of Europe's retail recovery in 2025, according to Savills Research European Retail Market. The Czech Republic ranks among Europe's top-performing economies, with real retail sales expected to grow by 4.1% this year, outpacing Germany (2.7%), France (2.3%) and the United Kingdom (0.8%).

At CEE Property Forum 2025, the panel on urban living examined how cities across Central and Eastern Europe are being reshaped by demographic change, new living formats and rising investor interest. Chaired by Kinga Barchon, Partner and Real Estate Leader at PwC Polska, the discussion navigated the fast-evolving landscape of urban development and the multifaceted opportunities and challenges shaping the years ahead.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Commission are supporting Ukraine's housing recovery with a €100 million loan facility to develop a scalable affordable housing platform. The financing will help deliver safe and sustainable housing for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups, addressing one of the country's most pressing social needs.

DHL's E-Commerce Trends 2025 report reveals what matters most to online buyers in CEE during the Christmas shopping season: fast and flexible delivery, trusted logistics partners, and seamless returns, alongside growing expectations for social commerce, AI tools, and sustainability.

At CEE Property Forum 2025, local and cross-border investors came together in a panel moderated by Dániel Ódor MRICS, Partner at Taylor Wessing Hungary. The discussion offered not only a glimpse into current market sentiment but also probed the tides of regulatory evolution, sectoral dynamics, and strategic foresight driving CEE real estate forward.

In a video interview recorded at CEE Property Forum in Vienna, Andrei Văcaru, Head of Capital Markets CEE at iO Partners, shares his perspective on the year ahead, discussing market optimism, investor activity across the region and the company’s ongoing expansion. While the environment is changing quickly, the firm sees solid fundamentals, growing regional capital and strong momentum for a focused regional player.

iO Partners has appointed Andrei Văcaru as Managing Director for Romania, effective January 2026. After a transition period with Văcaru until year-end, Vlad Stanislav will take time off before pursuing new opportunities.

Generali Investments, in partnership with Peakside Capital, has closed the Generali Adriatic Value Fund I (Generali AVF I) following the sale of the Arkadia shopping centre in Domžale. The fund has completed its investment cycle, including the distribution of proceeds to investors and the commencement of its formal closure.

At CEE Property Forum 2025, a panel of senior real estate leaders examined how investors can build resilience in a rapidly changing market. Moderated by Clare Sheils, Managing Director of CBRE in the Czech Republic, the discussion explored how ESG, technology, shifting customer expectations and evolving legal frameworks are redefining what it takes to maintain strong, future-proof portfolios in the region.

London's New Bond Street has been crowned the world's most expensive retail destination for the first time, while Budapest's Fashion Street posted the biggest gain in CEE, according to Cushman & Wakefield's Main Streets Across The World report.