Germany and Central Eastern Europe (CEE) reported investment turnover growth across commercial real estate in H1 2020, despite the effects of COVID-19 in Q2, according to the latest Savills European Investment Spotlight.

After the first loosening measures of Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, more countries of the region plan to start gradually scaling back the regulations imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The German federal government plans to set up an economic stabilization fund (Wirtschaftsstabilisierungsfonds, WSF) to prevent companies from going bankrupting during the coronavirus crisis, according to the new draft bill of the finance minister.

The global impact of the coronavirus outbreak is currently the main concern of everyone in the logistics sector. In response, real estate consulting firm Colliers International decided to conduct a flash poll asking industry participants (primarily transport/logistics companies, retailers, manufacturing companies, property developers, investors) in Germany about their perspective.

VGP NV and Allianz Real Estate, acting on behalf of several Allianz Group companies, announced a successful sixth closing with its 50:50 joint venture, VGP European Logistics. The transaction comprises 13 logistic buildings, including 7 buildings in 3 new VGP parks and another 6 newly completed logistic buildings which were developed in parks previously transferred to the Joint Venture.

Aroundtown has acquired an 11.8 percent stake in Globalworth. Aroundtown is a real estate company with a focus on properties with added value potential in central locations in top tier cities, primarily in Germany and the Netherlands.

Brickblock, a technical service provider based in Berlin, has tokenised a residential real estate vehicle carrying a property in Wiesbaden, Germany. It is the first transaction in the EU for which shares are represented on the blockchain. The sale of the €2 million property was exclusive to eligible investors.

HB Reavis marked its ambitious plans for growth in Germany by announcing two major acquisitions in Berlin and Dresden totalling 3.5 hectares. Plans will see the introduction of HB Reavis’ co-working initiative as well as designs aimed at and catering to a range of businesses, from start-ups and scale-ups to larger corporations, all while fostering well-being and productivity.

CEE real estate developer Futureal Group announced the sale of its rental buildings portfolio in Kaiserslautern, Germany to a professional real estate investment firm listed in Switzerland. Proceeds from the deal will be reinvested in the Group’s portfolio of over 50 ongoing projects throughout Europe.