Investment into the world’s office markets fell sharply in Q3 2022, however, there is plenty of capital still circulating poised to target the best assets, as well as any areas of discount, as debt-backed buyers withdraw and others pause decision-making. The Czech market is copying the global market, but the number of opportunities for buyers to source a ‘bargain’ is limited, says Savills in its latest Capital Markets Quarterly report. 

Panattoni Park Teplice South in the industrial zone in Hostomice has reported full occupancy. The last vacancies in the Panattoni Park Teplice South complex will be filled by international logistics companies Maersk, Raben and the manufacturing company Exyte. The park was developed by Panattoni with Accolade as the investor.

Romanian developer Forty Management is looking to buy land in Poland and Czech Republic for new investments of mixed-use projects under the Central District Lagoon City brand. 

In Q3 2022, the Czech industrial market slowed down in comparison to the previous record-breaking year and a half after tenant demand decreased. The stock of Class A industrial premises for lease reached 10,652,456 sqm and there is currently 1,152,780 sqm under construction. The vacancy rate stayed at a historical low of 1.03%, so there is only 109,699 sqm available on the market for immediate lease. Nevertheless, due to the political-economic situation with the energy crisis and the high inflation rate, companies are planning layoffs and developers are more cautious. It is possible to expect that the tough time for tenants as well as developers will continue until at least next March, says the newest industrial property market report by 108 Agency.

Josef Wiedermann, Managing Director of UBM Development Czechia talked to Property Forum about recent changes, ESG strategies and provided insight into the company’s ambitious plans for becoming the largest developer of timber buildings in Europe.

Over one million square metres of industrial space is currently under construction in the Czech Republic. Most of them are pre-leased. New completions reached a record 521,600 sqm, representing the highest-ever volume of new space delivered to the Czech market. This is a 295% increase compared to Q3 2021 and an incredible 340% increase compared to Q2 2022. However, possible pressure on the correction of market rents can be expected. Given the current rent levels, it is already possible to register a declining interest of some of the Czech and foreign companies in leasing industrial space in the Czech Republic, according to the latest Knight Frank report.

RSJ Investment Group has purchased part of the land formerly owned by Poldi Kladno, where Panattoni will build a modern industrial complex with a total area of 88,500 sqm. Demolition and remediation works will start by the end of this year. The new area is expected to create 2,000 new jobs, RSJ reports.

CPI Property Group has announced the divestment of part of its portfolio to reduce the Group's debt burden. Its debt had primarily increased due to the Group's €8 billion investment in Austria. The estimated value of the properties to be sold is expected to be around €2 billion. The liquidation strategy was announced by CPI PG in its notification to shareholders.

Jan Sadil will be the new CEO of JRD Group. The banker and builder Jan Sadil has worked for many years in top positions in the banking industry, he was for many years the CEO of the mortgage bank Hypoteční banka and a member of the board of directors of one of the largest Czech banks, ČSOB. He will take up the position of CEO of JRD Group in February 2023.

Antracit Property will be building in two locations in the Czech Republic simultaneously. In Ostrava-Poruba it is preparing an industrial building for long-term lease, while in Pilsen it will also build a rental project on a brownfield site near the railway station.