Office developers have for years been struggling with the speed of new technologies. While the innovation cycle in high tech lasts for around 18 months, the development process for office buildings still takes around five years. To ensure tenants and users have easy access to new solutions, Skanska has created an all-in-one operating system for office buildings and workplaces, which can be upgraded over time just like a smartphone.

Prologis Europe ended the second quarter with record occupancy at 97.2 percent, notably through improved demand in its Southern markets. During the quarter, the company signed 343,000 square metres of new leases and 631,000 square metres of lease renewals to its operating and development portfolio.

The availability of workers is right now perhaps the most significant factor for companies when assessing business plans and prospects in the CEE region. Colliers International presented the extent of the problem and the most likely solutions in a new report.

Multi Corporation has announced the appointment of Luca Maganuco as the new Managing Director for Multi Central and Eastern Europe, effective 1 July 2018. He will be responsible for Multi’s activities in Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine.

On 20 September 2018, CEE Property Forum, a conference and networking event for real estate professionals from all over the CEE region will be held for the sixth time in Vienna. The event is organised by Property Forum, in close cooperation with RICS.

Heiko Himme has been appointed Head of Real Estate Central Europe at WeWork. Currently Head of Office Agency Germany and Team Leader Office Agency Berlin for Cushman & Wakefield, Heiko will join WeWork by the end of the year. Kathrin Hellwig who has been with Cushman & Wakefield since 2013 will take over his responsibilities as Team Leader of Office Agency – Berlin with immediate effect.

Governments worldwide have been gradually forging greater transparency in real estate markets, addressing growing demands from investors and the public to deliver significant change. JLL’s Global Real Estate Transparency Index reports slow but steady progress driven by increased regulations and new technology.

One of the most active industrial and logistics developers of the region has announced major expansion plans for Hungary this year. CTP hopes to increase the value of its Hungarian portfolio to €320 million by the end of 2018 from the current €250 million. Rudolf Nemes, CTP’s Country Manager for Hungary talked about changing tenant needs and challenges on the labour market.

Cushman & Wakefield has expanded its Project & Development Services (PDS) team, to include a new Design & Build (D&B) platform. The new European service line is headed by Glyn Evans for the CEE region, based in Prague. Andrew Frizell, Partner and Head of Project Management CEE is leading the new service line in Poland supported by Glyn Evans.

19 % of all existing shopping centres in the Czech Republic have been refurbished to date. Further revitalizations are yet to be completed, according to Cushman & Wakefield.