The Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector is recording an increase in rents across Europe, consolidating a trend that has been observed in recent years. On average, rents increased by 9.7% (970 BPS) in the academic year September 2021–September 2022, with some significant spikes in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), according to research by Bonard. The growth of rents is shaped by the interplay between increased demand and rising inflation and interest rates.

According to Cushman & Wakefield, with office fit-out costs in Warsaw averaging €1,010 per sqm, the Polish capital came third in the CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) region behind Belgrade (€1,121 per sqm) and Prague (€1,037 per sqm). London takes the top spot in EMEA with an average fit-out cost of €2,798 per sqm.

Property Forum talked to Andrew Sim, Managing Director for Europe and Horațiu Florescu, Chairman & CEO Knight Frank Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece & Serbia, about the segments driving property investments in CEE and the impact of rising inflation and interest rates on transactions.

Due to the significant development of the e-commerce sector inquiries have risen rapidly for smaller units in city logistics centers in 15 CEE countries, Colliers International reports. 

GTC has published its latest ESG report, summarizing the Group’s activity for the previous year. The 2021 report presents industry-unique data on GTC’s engagement in sustainable development, responsible construction and asset management, collaboration with local communities and responding to stakeholders’ expectations. The report highlights that 88% of GTC's portfolio is environmentally certified and the success of GTC Group’s “green” eurobonds in 2021.

Latvia-based Mogotel Hotel Group is the largest hotel operator in the Baltics and it continues to expand outside the region, having recently entered the Hungarian market. Development Director Ivans Dokicians unveiled the company’s ambitions and plans in Hungary and the whole of Europe in an interview for Property Forum.

Günther Artner (49) has taken over the management of the Commercial Real Estate business of Erste Group and Erste Bank Oesterreich as of 1 July 2022. Artner thus succeeds Patrick Zehetmayr, who is leaving Erste Group.

The total stock of SBU (Small Business Units) / LML (Last Mile Logistics) space in the CEE-15 countries accounts for over 3 million sqm, but the development of this market is not evenly spread in this region. The largest amount of space is located in Poland (circa about 2 million sqm), reveals a new report by Colliers.

Previous optimism over the prospect of the construction market in the Southeast European region is gone, the Eastern European Construction Forecasting Association (EECFA) reports. The current forecast is foreshadowing almost no growth until 2023 and contraction in 2024. The main reason behind is the worsening climate for construction due to the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The listing value of commercial real estate properties such as shopping malls, office buildings and logistics centres could grow in the short and medium-term in Romania. The increase will be recorded in a volatile context generated by rising building material and utility prices, increasing inflation, as well as the border conflict and the effects of the pandemic, according to Colliers.