As logistics real estate continues to adjust to post-pandemic realities and shifting capital markets, developers are reassessing where growth, resilience and long-term value will come from. In this interview, Martin Polák, Managing Director CEE at Garbe Industrial Real Estate, shares his expectations for leasing demand, financing conditions and ESG priorities across CEE as the market looks ahead to 2026.

During a geopolitically turbulent period, the core capital is usually focusing on the domestic market. However, CEE investors do not hesitate to seek opportunities in neighbouring markets, bearing in mind the importance of diversification and the need for strategic partnerships to manage risks and maximise returns. These strategies and challenges have been discussed at Bratislava Property Forum 2025 in the panel focused on commercial real estate, chaired by Rudolf Nemec MRICS, Partner & Head of Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield Slovakia.

The demand for industrial spaces in CEE is moderating after a record year, with vacancy rates having slightly increased but still at a healthy level. The shift in demand patterns has included larger deals and tenant diversification. Despite challenges, logistics is an attractive asset class with yields comparable to offices and retail, revealed the discussion at CEE Property Forum 2024 in Vienna, chaired by Martin Polák, Managing Director CEE at GARBE Industrial Real Estate.

German developer Garbe Industrial Real Estate has set up a new company in Romania. Under the leadership of CEE Managing Director Martin Polák and Country Head Andrei Jerca, GARBE Industrial Real Estate Romania will expand its activities in this market and implement its own property developments. 

Germany's Garbe group, specialised in industrial investment, is looking to start operations in Romania and develop its first local projects. 

What are the challenges of attracting foreign capital in the Czech real estate market? Is the Czech market overpriced? What about yields, are they accurately projected? And last but not least, is the more expensive land always better? Top Czech dealmakers have discussed these topics during the second panel discussion at Prague Property Forum 2024.