2022 was a good, strong year in Poland's office market. After a downturn, it was time for a long-awaited boom in demand. Companies have adapted to new working conditions. Due to the loosening of restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, they have launched a campaign to encourage people to return to their offices. On the other hand, we will see lower development activity in both Warsaw and regional office markets in the coming quarters, which should last until 2024. AXI IMMO summarised 2022 on the Polish office market.

Focus Estate Fund has announced the extension of Turawa Park in Opole. The retail park concept will offer a shopping experience with an emphasis on convenience, accessibility, and a unique mix of merchandise.

Panattoni is developing its portfolio in the vicinity of Warsaw. The developer has completed the development of almost 40,000 sqm as part of its City Logistics Warsaw IV project in Annopol. Half of the space is to be taken up in July this year by TRUMPF Huettinger. The production plant is to serve markets that include the US, Japan, Korea and China.

Radisson Hotel Group has opened its 18th hotel in Poland with its first Radisson Blu Resort in Ostróda. Radisson Blu Resort & Conference Center, Ostróda Mazury is located directly on Lake Drwęca in the Masurian Lake District.

Five metro lines and a tram network that will connect all 18 districts of Warsaw by 2050. These are the main elements of a new study for the expansion of rail transport in Warsaw, which was presented by the mayor of the city, Rafał Trzaskowski last week.

In 2022, the Polish office market recorded a strong performance in terms of demand for office space which came predominantly from the financial, IT and business services sectors. Meanwhile, development activity slowed down amid rising construction costs and the deteriorating economic backdrop. This will result in a ‘supply gap’ in the largest regional city office markets and Warsaw alike, says Cushman & Wakefield in its latest report.

CA Immo has concluded 45 lease agreements with a total of nearly 29,000 sqm of office space in Warsaw in the past year, 20% of which in the fourth quarter of 2022. Based on the Group's international net zero initiative, the company has also introduced a green lease initiative in 2022, governing mutual commitment of landlord and tenant to optimize sustainable building operations. Since May 2022, 23 green lease agreements have already been concluded.

In 2022, the Warsaw office market recorded one of the highest levels of demand in history at over 860,000 sqm, with its structure including a preponderance of new leases and relocations, as well as expansions over renegotiations. According to the consulting firm Savills, despite the fact that nominal rents are stable and rising mainly due to indexation, service charges, which represent an increasing proportion of the total rental costs.

The Polish branch of Cushman & Wakefield advisory agency is reorganizing and expanding its service in the field of defining, achieving and reporting ESG objectives. Its ESG Hub of experts from various business lines will be led by Katarzyna Lipka, Head of Strategic Consulting and Research, in partnership with Ilona Otoka, Senior ESG Consultant. The ESG Hub will deliver and expand its services for Cushman & Wakefield’s clients in cooperation with the firm’s global network of ESG and sustainability specialists.

Alicja Kuczera, CEO of the Polish Green Building Council (PLGBC) talked to Property Forum about the impact of the energy crisis on the local property market, the development of a circular economy and environmental awareness in Poland.