Major real estate investors in Romania anticipate rental growth in 2026, particularly in the office segment, while occupier demand shows signs of consolidation rather than expansion, according to a new study by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

Romania's largest office tenants pay more than €260 million annually for modern office spaces, representing less than 1% of their combined 2024 turnover, according to analysis by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

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.