The construction industry seems to have been relatively less affected than some other industries (like tourism) as most large projects continue during the lockdown measures across the region. The Eastern European Construction Forecasting Association has published a COVID-19 update on the construction sectors of Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovenia.

Is the lockdown completely rewriting CEE's risk map? How does COVID-19 affect real estate financing? How can I close an ongoing transaction without travelling? These and similar questions were discussed by the experts at Property Forum’s latest online investment panel.

Bucharest and the major university centres in Romania, such as Cluj-Napoca, Timişoara, Iaşi, Braşov or Craiova, are well-positioned to attract new business in the services sector, despite the Covid-19 pandemic that slowed down the transactional activity and led companies to work from home, according to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

In Q1 2020, approximately 50,000 sqm of modern retail space was delivered to the market in Poland. The construction of four schemes was completed: Galeria Chełm (17,500 sqm), Stop Shop Siedlce (14,100 sqm), Galeria Kupiecka in Otwock (10,000 sqm) and Vendo Park Jawor (6,700 sqm). However, due to the onset of the coronavirus epidemic, the new shopping centres have limited possibilities to serve consumers, in the same as all large retails facilities in Poland.

Interest in investments in the private student housing sector in Poland is constantly growing. Investors see this market as highly absorptive, which currently satisfies less than 10% of the demand for student accommodation. Significant advantages include forecasts concerning the constantly growing number of foreign students in Poland and attractive rates of return on investment, according to a new report prepared by ThinkCo in cooperation with Golub GetHouse.

Property Forum’s series of virtual events, organised in partnership with the RICS, continues with an online panel discussion focused on residential asset classes such as student housing and build-to-rent. Our diverse group of panellists will answer all the burning questions that may arise in this unprecedented situation.

The coronavirus pandemic will transform the office property market, significantly driving demand for flex workspace solutions. In the next 12-18 months, flex formats will increase to approximately 30% of total modern office spaces in Central and Eastern Europe from 3-5% before the crisis. The winners will be landlords and operators who focus on flex office hubs which offer clients not only flex and flex & core formats but an integrated work/life service concept, according to a new report by flex space operator New Work.

Property Forum’s next virtual event will aim to provide a property investment outlook for 2020 and beyond. Two presentations and a panel with influential investors, bankers and advisors will answer questions related to immediate and long-term effects of the coronavirus lockdown on the property investment market.

In its latest global sentiment survey among its researchers around the world of the impact of Covid-19, Savills says that the outlook has improved slightly, with 19% of countries reporting a severe negative impact on their real estate markets due to the pandemic – an improvement compared to 29% in its previous survey conducted on 31st March - and 74% describing a moderate negative impact (opposed to 67% at end of March).

CPI Property Group has prepared an update regarding the Group’s performance following the outbreak of COVID-19.