Colliers International in CEE intends to update some of the more rapidly changing data and market sentiment on a weekly basis and then to provide Q1 market sector updates as they become available or as they develop. Below is this week’s summary.

The Bucharest economy stands as one of the most insulated service centres in Europe to the negative fallout related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is largely due to Bucharest’s heavy reliance on IT&C activities as well as scientific and professional services, on par with European capitals like Dublin, Paris and London.  That said, Romania’s high integration in global value chains means that it will face significant headwinds given negative developments in the global economy.

Colliers International has launched a microsite to provide insight and recommendations for business during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

According to Colliers International’ COVID-19 Insights, it will take until at least Q2 2020 for the investment market to come to terms with what is a very sharp economic global shock and a potentially deeper economic shock for Europe.

Poland is a major target for international capital with investment volumes in 2019 accounting for 55% of the CEE6 total. The Czech Republic followed with a 24% share and Hungary with 13%. Elsewhere in the region, volumes fell short of 2018 & 2017 volumes. Despite record low yields in most markets and sectors, some further yield compression is anticipated over the next 12 months as strong levels of capital seek product and returns. Colliers International published its investment market summary for 2019.

Colliers International Poland has published the results of the Office Agency in the Landlord Representation division. In 2019, Colliers advisors rented a total of over 118,000 sqm of office space. This result is nearly 40% higher than in 2018 (88,106 sqm) and 260% higher compared to 2017 (32,824 sqm).

Local investors continue to dominate the Czech property market as new family offices, private wealth and retail funds continue to establish and expand. Colliers International published its Q4 2019 investment, industrial and office market overview of the Czech Republic.

In 2019, the stock of modern industrial and logistic facilities in Romania reached 4.6 million square meters, up by approximately 10% compared to the previous year. Nearly 9% of the total stock was delivered just in 2019 and the market has potential to almost double to 8 million square meters in the next years, closing the gap between Romania and other CEE markets, according to Colliers International.

Local capital group Lotus Center, the largest owner of shopping centres in Oradea, acquired the multifunctional complex Oradea Plaza from Portico Investments, in a transaction advised by Colliers International.

Colliers International Czech Republic announced the appointment of Tereza Nemcova as Director of the Human Resources department, in line with the company’s plan to expand its headcount, as well as its footprint throughout the Czech Republic.