ARTICLES LABELLED WITH TAG Vlad Săftoiu

Romania stands out in the European fiscal landscape with property taxation levels significantly lower than the EU average, according to an analysis by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox based on Eurostat data. This position has enhanced the attractiveness of the local real estate market and established a favorable tax framework for owners and investors.

Romanians spent approximately €40 billion in large retail chains last year, marking a 7.1% increase compared to 2023, according to research by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. The result, while a slowdown from the 11.1% increase in 2023, still outpaced inflation. 

Around 75% of investors plan to increase their exposure to rental housing (PRS), purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and collective living solutions over the next five years, shows a survey by Cushman & Wakefield.

Romania's banking sector has a relatively low exposure to the commercial real estate (CRE) market, indicating stability and significant growth potential, according to an analysis by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. 

Investors view the logistics sector with optimism and, to a lesser extent, retail over the next 12 months, according to a Cushman & Wakefield Echinox study conducted among the most important investors and developers in Romania.

Romania’s total stock of industrial and logistics spaces could reach the 8 million sqm threshold at the end of 2025, if the recent annual development pace of around 500,000 sqm is maintained, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. 

Romanians have spent €36 billion in large retail chains during 2023, an amount 11% higher compared with 2022, according to a Cushman & Wakefield report. Of the total amount, FMCG had a share of more than 60%.

New office deliveries in regional cities totaled 83,000 sqm in 2023 and the total leasable area has climbed close to 1.1 million sqm, according to a Cushman & Wakefield report. Offices in regional cities of the likes of Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara and Brașov represent around 30% of the corresponding total in Bucharest.

Banks in Romania are actively looking to accelerate new residential lending in Romania as the central bank is expected to lower interest rates in H2 2024. Lenders have initiated a series of offers with more favourable interest rates, below the 7% monetary policy rate set by the National Bank of Romania (NBR), according to Vlad Săftoiu, Head of Research at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

The Romanian property market remains attractive for investments, with 65% of investors surveyed by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox saying they are looking to expand their presence in the local market.