Real estate development is a long-term venture where the end results (including profitability) are often unpredictable, especially in the current challenging global environment. Property Forum talked to Norbert Schőmer MRICS, Country Director at Atenor Hungary and the recently appointed Chairman of RICS in Hungary, covering the topics of ESG, changes in the office market, affordable housing and education, among others. He also provided an update on Atenor’s ongoing projects in Hungary and shared his priorities as RICS Chairman.

UBM Development Czechia announced a significant milestone in sustainable construction in the Czech Republic, allowing the construction of wooden buildings up to 22.5 meters using the engineering method.

AFI Europe has appointed Luciana Giurea as the new Head of the Residential Division, tasked with overseeing all residential real estate projects – for rent or sale – in Romania. She will also drive the development of the division within the company.

Falling interest rates and higher incomes of Romanians coupled with increasing attractiveness of residential renting will drive the home affordability index, according to research by the Eastern European Construction Forecasting Association (EECFA).

Romanian property company Impact Developer & Contractor said its net profit amounted to 39.9 million lei (around €7 million) in 2023, down by more than 59% versus 2022 over lower revenue from residential sales.

Murapol - one of the largest developers has started a cooperation with EPP - the largest shopping centre manager in the country. They plan to establish joint ventures. They have notified the UOKiK (Office of Competition and Consumer Protection) of their intention to concentrate.

The ZWIRN project in Bratislava is expanding at its last stage. YIT has launched the sale of the first part of apartments and suites of the final stage under the name ZWIRN 2.

Romanian developer One United Properties recorded a net profit of €89.6 million in 2023, up 8% year-on-year, while its turnover rose by 30% to €306.6 million over higher residential sales and rent income.

Corwin has submitted an intention to revitalize and transform the southern, larger part of the brownfield after the former industrial plant Palma on Račianská Street in Bratislava for the environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Residential transactions in Bucharest fell by 17% in 2023 versus the previous year, while in neighbouring Ilfov County the volume of deals rose by 6% over smaller prices of homes, according to a iO Partners report.