European investors are shifting capital from traditional commercial real estate to operational sectors, with purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) emerging as the most sought-after segment for the first time, according to Savills' investor sentiment survey.

Falling interest rates, soaring housing prices, and growing demand for flexibility are creating fertile ground for the rapid growth of Poland’s institutional rental sector. In this interview, Elżbieta Chmiel, Member of the Management Board at PFR Nieruchomości, highlights who the main tenants of PRS are, how well-designed projects can meet both residents’ and investors’ needs, and why prefabrication and public–private partnerships are key to delivering modern, affordable housing across the country.

Savills has been appointed as technical partner for Reico Nemovitostní fund's rental housing projects in Prague. The fund acquired two developments last year: Nový Opatov G1 and Stodůlky – Britská čtvrť A, B1, B2. Savills provides technical due diligence and construction monitoring for both projects.

Trei Real Estate has completed the first construction stage of its UP2U rental housing development in Poznan, Poland. The project delivered 330 apartments, with the first tenants moving in October 2025. By 2026, the development will comprise 460 furnished rental apartments totaling 19,300 sqm of residential space, requiring an investment of €51 million.

Zeitgeist Asset Management has completed the sale of six apartment buildings in Prague to the investment company BHM Group. The international advising company Charles Irvine has brokered the transaction.

Penta Real Estate and Bureš & partners have established a joint venture called Flet, with an aspiration to change the standard for rental housing in the Czech Republic.

The European property market has begun to adapt to new conditions. The latest data, based on a survey in 28 countries across Europe, has clearly confirmed this, according to the 14th edition of the Deloitte Property Index.

Fond Českého Bydlení SICAV, the Czech housing fund, specialising in investments in residential rental housing, has completed three new acquisitions of apartment buildings in Brno in Ostrava. 

AFI Europe has reached full occupancy for its portfolio of rental apartments in Prague. The company is currently building more than 500 more apartments in the Czech metropolis.

Penta Real Estate and the XPlace platform owned by the Archdiocese of Prague, have decided to continue their cooperation in developing rental housing. XPlace has agreed to acquire two apartment buildings with 62 residential units in the Nová Waltrovka in Prague 5.