Romania remains one of the countries with the lowest mortgage penetration rates in the European Union, according to a Colliers’ analysis.  

Tim Wilkinson MRICS, Head of European Acquisitions at Indotek Group, talked to Property Forum about the company’s investment plans and shared his expectations for 2025.

Property investments in CEE have accounted for 6% of the total volume recorded across Europe, during 2024, to around €7.7 billion, according to estimates by Cushman & Wakefield.

Which is better to meet ESG goals? Greenfield investments or conversion of existing buildings? Wise people say: it depends. Although a lot of top experts took part in a panel at the first CEE ESG Forum organised by Property Forum and Green Forum in Vienna last November, no clear answer emerged from the discussion.

B+N Referencia Zrt., present in eight CEE-based markets, has signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Koberl Group, the leading facility management and building services provider in Germany. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025. 

Countries in the Southeast Europe (SEE) region are making significant efforts to adapt EU regulations in order to attract international investors. Several nations have successfully utilized both domestic and foreign capital to improve infrastructure, and certain market segments have outperformed expectations, setting the stage for further development in the coming years. These insights were highlighted during CEE Property Forum 2024, held in Vienna at the end of November.

Investors across Europe will continue to focus on sectors with strong structural tailwinds, such as living and logistics, according to a Knight Frank report. 

Immofinanz Group has announced the completion of the minority shareholders of S Immo, at a price of €22.05 per share, as of December 3. 

The total volume of investments from six CEE countries reached €5 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, and next year the regional real estate investment market could exceed €10 billion, according to a Colliers report.

Despite the improving performance, inflation and financing costs remain significant challenges in the hospitality sector in CEE. However, reduced interest rates, stabilised construction costs, and strong recovery in midscale and budget segments may stimulate investment, panellists stressed at CEE Property Forum 2024 in Vienna.