Justyna Filipczak, Head of CEE at Cromwell Property Group, talked to Property Forum about the current investment trends, the attractiveness of retail and office properties and the company`s ESG agenda.

Romanian developer HILS Development has announced the launch of a new mixed-use scheme in Bucharest that will include residential, office and retail components that will cover 180,000 sqm.

Higher disposable income across CEE markets are outpacing those in more mature Western European economies, with existing retail spaces trying to keep up with growing demand, according to a NEPI Rockcastle report.

In the third quarter of 2023, the total value of the Echo Investment Group`s assets increased to PLN 6.2 billion, while its further development is supported by a high level of cash amounting to PLN 627 million.

Bucharest-based Calea Victoriei is the 50th most expensive main retail street out of 57 locations based in Europe, according to a Cushman & Wakefield report. On this ranking, Bucharest is behind Ljubljana, with a monthly rent of €55 per sqm.

Many industry discussions have long chalked up the retail market as an industry in deep recession, with very bleak prospects. According to the participants of the retail panel at the Future of Real Estate 2023 conference in Warsaw in November, the retail industry in Poland is not only not dying, but is regaining vigour and investor interest. The event was co-organized by Property Forum and RICS.

Scallier has opened a new retail park in Moșnița, near Timișoara, making it the sixth in the company’s portfolio based in Romania.

Globalworth has been granted significant funding in the form of a €145 million bank loan for three flagship properties in Warsaw.

Bank Pekao, in collaboration with Berlin Hyp AG granted a €125 million investment loan to Promenada Shopping Mall. Pekao is also acting as the Loan and Security Agent for the transaction.

Real estate group NEPI Rockcastle has recorded a net operating income of €365 million in the first nine months of 2023, up by 23% compared to the same period of last year. The result was boosted by improved tenant sales and the contribution of the acquisitions completed during 2022.