Industrial, and specifically logistics, is the most sought-after real estate sector for European investors, overtaking office for the first time, according to CBRE’s annual EMEA Investor Intentions Survey. In 2017 Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and London were the five most sought-after destinations in Europe for investors who are actively pursuing alternative opportunities due to aggressive asset pricing and limited availability of core stock. In Hungary steadily improving developer sentiment and potential platform deals could pave the way for rising turnover in the sector.

The number of institutional-grade products has increased progressively and we are now at a point where Romania can be competitive compared to other CEE countries with regards to building quality as well as tenant profile. Robert Miklo, Director of Investment Services at Colliers International Romania shared his thoughts.

The World Bank Office in Romania and the District 5 City Hall of the Municipality of Bucharest signed a reimbursable advisory service (RAS) agreement – a form of technical assistance - to support the implementation of urban development solutions that will boost growth and improve the quality of life in District 5.

Israeli-owned company Hagag Development Europe plans to invest €70 million in new projects in the Romanian capital. The developer has recently acquired two buildings on Calea Victoriei for €20 million and a 3 ha land plot near the Pipera forest. Hagag will invest a further €50 million in the procurement and development of the projects.

GTC closed 2017 with a €105 million development profit. The company acquired Belgrade Business Center (17,700 sqm) in September 2017 and the Cascade office building (4,200 sqm) in Bucharest in August 2017 for a total sum of €46 million. GTC presented its 2017 financial results.

REICO investiční společnost České spořitelny, a.s. has acquired, on behalf of the ČS nemovitostní fond, their first prime industrial asset in Slovakia from developer and investor Invest4SEE Investment Holding GmbH. JLL advised REICO IS ČS on their first industrial acquisition in Slovakia with a transaction value of €38.9 million.

CTP is significantly expanding on the Hungarian market, announcing two new land acquisitions in strategic locations. The first plot of the total of 30 hectares investment is located in Biatorbágy next to the M1 highway, the second land plot is near Dunaharaszti. These acquisitions are a result of CTP’s ambitious expansion plan in the country, which is the primary task of new Country Manager Rudolf Nemes.

Hungarian investor and developer Wing has acquired two office buildings in Sofia, Bulgaria for a total of €9.85 million. The DXC Office Building has 8,000 sqm GLA, while the BULMAG Office Building offers 770 sqm of leasable space.

In Romania, the peak of the real estate cycle is often delayed compared to other countries in the region and market dynamics don’t allow for a true warm up. Ana Dumitrache, Head of Investment Properties at CBRE Romania shared her expectations for the market.

Globalworth Poland (GPRE) announced the acquisition of Warta Tower, a modern office tower in the City Centre West district of Warsaw for a consideration of €55 million.