Bucharest is the fifth most attractive market out of 20 cities in CEE-12 in terms of the interest of the main operators to invest in new hotel facilities in the next period, while the results of hotel operators in the Romanian capital reaching pre-pandemic rates, according to a survey by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. 

Andrei Văcaru, Head of Capital Markets CEE at iO Partners, spoke to Property Forum about the volume of local real estate investments in 2023 and Romania’s ability to attract more institutional investors in various sectors.

Costin Nistor, Managing Director of Fortim Trusted Advisors, spoke to Property Forum about the real estate agency’s plans for 2023, the outlook for the regional real estate market and the growing role of the ESG agenda for the office and soon the residential sector.

Companies have leased close to 550,000 sqm of industrial and logistics spaces across Romania in the first half of 2023, with more than one third of the volume represented by pre-lease agreements, according to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

E.ON Business Services Cluj, part of the German group E.ON, will relocate to a  new office space in Record Park, the mixed-use project developed by Speedwell, and owned by AYA Properties Fund. The fit out works for the new office have been completed and the company is expected to start operations in the new space soon.

Romanian real estate company Rock Development Holding will invest €70 million in the development of its first five-star luxury hotel in Poiana Brașov. The new luxury project will comprise a hotel with 120 rooms and an aparthotel with 75 residential units.

iO Partners, JLL preferred partner in Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, has appointed Andrei Văcaru as Regional Head of Capital Markets for CEE. He has been working for the agency in Romania for the past 16 years.

Daniela Lazea, Partner at Biriș Goran, spoke to Property Forum about Romania's advantageous position as an investment destination in the real estate sector and the growing demand seen by the law firm from clients active in the renewable energy sector. Biriș Goran’s portfolio remains consistent on residential, office and logistics projects.

Romanian developer One United Properties expanded efforts last year in landmark restoration, with two new acquisitions - One Downtown, (including the former Hotel Muntenia), and One Plaza Athénée as part of its sustainable urban regeneration strategy.

Cătălin Rotaru, CEO of Romanian company THETA Furniture & More, spoke to Property Forum about the company’s expansion strategy in the healthcare, HoReCa and education segments, as well as the competitive advantages of operating a custom-made furniture factory in Romania.