The biggest growth in Eastern Europe is foreseen in Bulgaria going into 2025, while the rest of the countries are projected to make side moves in the coming years, according to a report by the Eastern European Construction Forecasting Association (EECFA).

Countries in the Southeast Europe (SEE) region are making significant efforts to adapt EU regulations in order to attract international investors. Several nations have successfully utilized both domestic and foreign capital to improve infrastructure, and certain market segments have outperformed expectations, setting the stage for further development in the coming years. These insights were highlighted during CEE Property Forum 2024, held in Vienna at the end of November.

Investors across Europe will continue to focus on sectors with strong structural tailwinds, such as living and logistics, according to a Knight Frank report. 

The real estate market in Southeast Europe has been influenced by various crises in recent years, leading to lower investment levels. However, in 2025, a growth in investment activities is expected as a result of lower interest rates. Investors are particularly interested in the Balkans region, especially in Serbia, with the highest demand anticipated for investments in the hotel and residential sectors, while demand for office space is somewhat lower. These are some of the conclusions drawn by participants at the 8th edition of Balkans Property Forum 2024, organized in Belgrade by Property Forum.

Industrial developer CTP has announced the leasing of 19,000 sqm of warehouse and office space in Serbia-based CTPark Novi Sad East to Shanghai Huizhong Automotive Manufacturing (SHAC), a Chinese supplier of car parts and systems. 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans to expand in the Balkans region, with five Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts expected to open by 2027.

European investors are planning significant increases in their living sector allocations, with €64 billion of new capital for deployment into the build to rent, affordable housing, student property and seniors housing sectors over the next five years, according to a Knight Frank survey.

Czech property consultancy 108 Real Estate has announced the opening of a new office in Zagreb covering Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia as part of its expansion in the Balkans.

Croatia’s revenue in the tourism sector rose by 8% year-on-year to August 2024, which might have an impact on the hotel construction activity. 

SEE Property Forum 2024, Romania’s leading international real estate event, brought together top economic minds to debate the effects of the economic convergence process in the region and also the current and future economic outlook of CEE.