Colliers International has launched a new business line in Romania, Retail Services, and aims to become a „one-stop shop” for retail developers. The Retail Services Division is coordinated by Simina (Istrate) Niculiţă, who has more than 12 years of experience in the real estate market, being in charge of both renting and selling shopping centers.

The Bucharest office market recorded leasing transactions more than 100,000 sqm during Q1.2017, almost doubling the volume of transactions recorded in the same period of the previous year. Net office take-up during Q1 2017 stood at 57,200 sqm. Colliers International published its summary of the Bucharest office market in Q1 2017

According to a summary of Q1 2017 results, NEPI made progress with planning and permitting for several developments and extensions, including those in Galati, Novi Sad and Ramnicu Valcea. Further to the receipt of certain approvals, Victoriei Office in Bucharest is expected to receive permitting for the internal fit-out during the next quarter, enabling tenants to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2017. Zoning and permitting for the Promenada Mall extension continue to experience delays. 

German retailer Lidl bought two XXL Mega Discount stores, located in Sibiu and Galati, from Penny Market. Each property offers 2,500 sqm of retail space. Lidl will also take over the land surrounding the stores. The transaction price is estimated to be between €6 million and €8 million, according to zf.ro.

Q1 2017 saw Class A & B take-up reach approximately 97,300 sqm on the Bucharest office market and the average transaction size increased from approximately 1,800 sqm in Q1 2016, to approximately 2,400 sqm in Q1 2017.  There were 9,550 sqm delivered in two projects in the CBD (Central Business District), Knight Frank reports.

NASDAQ and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange-listed Elbit Imaging has put two of its Bucharest hotels on the market. The company is hoping to finalise the sale of the five-star Radisson Blu and the four-star Park Inn by the end of the year. 

Hili Properties, the real estate division of Hili Ventures, has finalised the acquisition of ART Business Centre in Bucharest from FBC Exclusive Company for €30 million.

NEPI is planning to invest €40 million on the development of a new shopping centre in the Romanian city of Satu Mare. 

P3 has started the construction of a new warehouse at P3 Bucharest Park. The 13,900 sqm logistics facility will include 400 sqm of offices. P3 is already in advanced discussions with a potential customer interested in leasing the whole building.

2016’s record-breaking €12.2 billion investment in the real estate sector in the CEE region is likely to be surpassed in 2017 – this is according to CEE Real Estate Investment Compass 2017 published by Colliers International and CMS. The sources of investment flows into the CEE region are also expected to remain diverse in 2017, with Asian and CEE investors becoming increasingly active in the real estate market.