The Q4 2021 results of the RICS Global Commercial Property Monitor indicate a continued improvement in market sentiment across Europe compared to the previous quarters, with progress particularly evident on the investment side of the market. That said, conditions remain polarised at the sector level, with the latest feedback still signalling a challenging set of circumstances for retail while industrials continue to post robust expectations for the twelve months ahead.

Real estate consultancy Colliers has appointed Oana Stamatin as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Chief Officer in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). 

COVID-19 has significantly changed what clients are looking for across different real estate sectors, including facility management. Libor Holík, CEO of B+N Czech Republic and Slovakia talked to Property Forum about current challenges and opportunities in the facility management business.

Cushman & Wakefield presented the findings of its survey conducted among executives representing over 30 leading international hotel operators in its latest report. The survey was completed in December 2021 by hotel operators with a presence or interest in entering the CEE region.

Savills has signed an association agreement with Modesta Real Estate, located in Vienna, to support its continued expansion across Europe and the Middle East. Modesta Real Estate will collaborate with Savills to service existing clients whilst liaising with Savills offices and other partners in CEE to build relationships across the wider region. Modesta Real Estate also has an office in Bratislava and will be collaborating closely with Savills’ Czech office to ensure further service delivery in Slovakia.

CPI Property Group is continuing its efforts towards the takeover of Immofinanz. It has increased its holding in Immofinanz to 35.5% and subsequently also increased its offer price.

The Executive Board, Supervisory Board and Works Council of Immofinanz issued statements in which they indicate that the offer price of €21.20 per share is viewed as not attractive and recommend that investors not accept the offer by CPIPG for Immofinanz’s shares and convertible bonds.

Christie & Co’s annual business outlook for 2022 notes the hotel sector’s different developments in Germany, Austria, the Nordics and the CEE region. The key challenges were caused by the correlation and dependence of destinations with their source markets and the varying Covid-19 numbers. 

Newmark Group announced an agreement with Budapest-based VLK Consulting, which will become Newmark VLK Hungary. The announcement follows a recent agreement with a leading Polish commercial real estate firm operating as Newmark Polska.

In Q3 2021, the Czech Republic registered the strongest house price growth within the EU, both in a year-on-year (22%) and a quarter-on-quarter (7.3%) comparison, well above the EU average of 9.2% and 3.1%, respectively, according to Eurostat’s House price index.