The 4-day workweek is becoming an increasingly hot topic. Although in Poland it still appears to be a thing of the future, recent years have shown how quickly labour market trends are changing. AI is also broadly expected to have a significant effect on the workplace. BNP Paribas Real Estate experts are wondering, how will all of this impact the commercial real estate market.

Over 16,400 sqm GLA currently supplies the Białystok market with the Wysocki Retail Park, which was created on the basis of the former Outlet Białystok project. The owner, Newgate Investment, planned and implemented the processes of reconstruction and recommercialization of the former outlet with an original GLA of 13,336 sqm. As a result of the changes introduced, the area of the facility increased by over 3,000 sqm and the NOI level increased by approximately 70%. Redevelopment projects initiated by Newgate Investment began in 2021. The final stage is currently underway. Newgate Investment manages a real estate portfolio consisting of 30 commercial facilities with a total lettable area exceeding 126,000 sqm. The rental level of the property is close to 100%.

According to the latest report published by Newmark Polska, the Warsaw office market is entering a period of an increased focus on the repurposing and refurbishment of office buildings. As office availability in central Warsaw declined in the first quarter of 2024, occupiers’ interest shifted towards non-central locations. Development activity remained stable but relatively weak, with a significant concentration of new office projects in central zones, which accounted for nearly 90% of the total office stock under construction.

GLP has begun construction of a new 67,000 sqm warehouse at Wrocław V Logistics Centre in Magnice, Poland. The building is expected to achieve a BREEAM "Outstanding" level certification.

EPP is taking over the management of nine M1 shopping centres and three Power Parks from Metro Properties Polska. Some of Metro Properties Polska's employees, including local property management teams will join EPP. The company plans to develop the properties through leasing activities and space rearrangements and upgrades.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting the development of residential housing in Poland by extending a loan of PLN 58.9 million (€13.7 million) to the Polish subsidiary of Nrep Nordic Strategies Fund IV. The EBRD’s loan, provided in Polish zloty, will finance Nrep’s first flexible living property in Poland under its brand Noli Studios. The signing follows an earlier commitment to Nrep of PLN 63.2 million, which supported the development of two residential-for-rent assets in Nrep’s portfolio in Poland, bringing 220 residential units to the Polish housing market.

Already 64% of Warsaw’s office buildings offer at least one retail or service unit, reveals Cushman & Wakefield. With new retail supply remaining low across Warsaw, retailers and service providers are increasingly looking for alternative locations. In addition, recent years have seen a significant shift in user preferences regarding the use of office space and types of services available in office buildings.

Mitiska REIM has announced the opening of a new food-anchored retail park in the Polish city of Świebodzin. Developed in partnership with Karuzela Holding, this is the tenth project undertaken by Mitiska REIM and Karuzela over the past five years, with five more developments planned to open over the next two years.

Tourism and the commercial real estate industry would both benefit from the existence of theme parks in CEE. Demand is real and exists, however, there are several challenges to address for both investors and developers. Property Forum asked Róbert Székely, Senior Hospitality and Leisure Advisor at Newmark VLK Hungary, to give an overview of the potential of such parks in our region.

CTP has expanded its Polish land bank by nearly half a million sqm. The company has purchased investment land in four strategic locations that provide the opportunity to build approximately 200,000 sqm of leasable space in the short term, with this land in Łódź, Toruń and the Warsaw agglomeration ready to start the development process. This land acquisition is part of CTP's strategy announced last year to invest €300 million in Poland to grow its warehouse portfolio - a key growth market for CTP.