What to invest in during times of uncertainty, war, rampant inflation and soaring interest rates? Avison Young presented its CEE commercial real estate investment market overview after the first half of 2022.

High inflation and rising interest rates pose a threat to the upturn in the economy which many expected following the pandemic. Dieter Knittel, Managing Director, Head of CEE at Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG (pbb) talked to Property Forum about financing trends and shared his expectations for the upcoming period.

In the first half of the year, investors were as eager to locate capital in Central and Eastern Europe as in Western real estate markets. However, global economic changes and the uncertainty they bring mean that investment decisions are now more and more often withheld. According to Walter Herz advisers, the annual results may not be as good as the six-month results.

Around 120,000 sqm of retail projects are slated for delivery in the second half of 2022, although some projects could be delayed until the first part of 2023, especially if the developers meet certain difficulties with the construction or leasing process, according to real estate consultancy Colliers. 

CA Immo has reported strong second-quarter results, continuing the positive business development of the previous quarters. In a challenging market environment, CA Immo increased its recurring earnings (FFO I) in the 1st half-year by 7.9% compared to the previous year, to €73.9 million. Rental income in the first six months was stable at €121.1 million (+1.0% y-o-y), reflecting recent portfolio additions and organic growth despite property sales. Consolidated net income improved by 28.5% to €220.1 million. Following the strong first half-year, CA Immo expects recurring earnings (FFO I) of more than €125 million in the 2022 business year.

In H1 2022, Immofinanz's rental income reached a high level of €144.2 million, the results of asset management improved by 3.0% to €110.0 million, and sustainable FFO 1 from the standing investment business rose by 6.1% to €78.7 million. Net profit equalled €162.7 million, whereby the first half of the previous year was influenced, above all, by a substantial revaluation of the investment in S Immo. With an equity ratio of 57.3% and conservative debt with a net LTV of 32.5%, Immofinanz has a strong capital base.

Purpose-built student accommodations are in short supply across the region, but some investors and developers find them very attractive. However, due to the recent dramatic economic changes, companies need to adapt to tougher business conditions and adjust their development pipelines accordingly, says Bálint Botos, Managing Partner of Forestay Group.

In H1 2022, GTC’s net profit amounted to €41 million in H1 2022 (compared to €21 million in H1 2021). This mainly resulted from a strong operating performance combined with profit from revaluation/impairment of assets and lower finance cost, partially offset by an increase in foreign exchange differences loss.

Existing income-producing assets with a reasonable capital value per sqm and strong tenants will be a winner for many investors in the upcoming period. Avison Young has published its CEE property investment market report for H1 2022.

Due to the growing interest of companies in locating their business in the Central and Eastern European region, Colliers has launched a new business line within its Strategic Advisory department – Business Consulting, which will cover the entire CEE market. Jan Kamoji-Czapiński, an expert with long-term experience in strategic consulting for foreign companies, who has been supporting Colliers' clients in the EMEA region for the last year, will be responsible for its development.