The Romanian real estate market continued to show a positive evolution, and in the third quarter of 2019, the positive trend applied to all three leasing sectors, according to CBRE Research data. In the first nine months of the year, approximately 290,000 sqm were leased on the office segment, the main source of the demand being the IT&C companies and the financial industry, while on the retail market a number of 11 new brands chose to enter in Romania, among which Victoria's Secret and Burger King, advised by CBRE.

According to the new CEE research from Colliers International, which looks at entertainment sector in 13 CEE countries, the leisure offer in shopping centres is dominated by multiplex cinemas and fitness clubs, but there are also other concepts that are being added to the mix. Czech consumers spend the most on recreation and culture, the average is €38.23/month. Key findings of the report include the following.

The restaurants and cafes sector (Food & Beverage) in Romania has been constantly growing during the last few years as a result of a robust increase in wages and purchasing power on one hand and also due to the larger number of foreigners that visit Romania for business or leisure. This evolution is also reflected in an increasingly fierce competition of concepts, operators seeking to attract their customers through design and memorable dining experience.

A Europe-wide proliferation of new eating and drinking concepts is driving demand for real estate, according to new research published by Colliers International.

Commercial property investment activity exceeded €8 billion across Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania in the first three quarters of 2019, 54% above the five year average, according to Savills latest research report. Investment turnover in CEE has been rising steadily since 2013, by 24% per annum on average, reflecting increasing investor confidence in the region, underpinned by above EU average economic expansion, falling unemployment and growing consumerism.

Changes in the Polish office sector happen not only from a quantitative aspect but in qualitative terms as well. There is a growing interest in multi-functional projects on the market. The share of flex space, which is an interesting option for large tenants, is also increasing. JLL summarised the situation on the Polish office market at the end of Q3 2019.

On 3 December 2019, Balkans Property Forum 2019, a conference and networking event for real estate professionals from all over Southeastern Europe will be held in Belgrade. Over 150 guests will come together in the Serbian capital to discuss key issues and explore the latest trends influencing the future of the real estate industry.

The UK is Romania’s fourth biggest service export destination, after Germany, Italy and France, with around 8% of total, though it also generates nearly 12% of the IT service exports, underscoring the deep ties to the office market in Bucharest and other parts of the country. In case of a hard Brexit, just a modest 10% decrease in trade flows with the UK would shave around 0.1% of Romania’s GDP and bring potential pressures on good office buildings, as among companies tied to the UK economy are blue-chip tenants, according to data from Colliers International Romania.

According to data by JLL, the value of office investment transactions concluded from the beginning of 2019 came in at nearly €2.8 billion, equating to 2018's total performance. What is particularly noteworthy is that office regional markets achieved record-breaking results of over €1 billion.

Many expect to double commitment to coworking in the next five years, according to a survey by Cushman & Wakefield and CoreNet Global. Cushman & Wakefield has released a report that reveals corporate perceptions of the value of flexible workspace and coworking strategies.