Asian capital drives Central Europe property boom

Business Forum
Central Europe's commercial real estate sector is experiencing a transformation, with Hungary leading the recovery through an 86% year-on-year increase in investment driven by Asian capital from China and South Korea. The CATL factory in Debrecen and BYD in Szeged, along with the planned Volvo plant in Košice, Slovakia, are reshaping the region's industrial landscape and creating demand for logistics space.

The Czech Republic strengthened its position as a logistics and tourism hub in 2025. After a slow start, the warehouse and logistics market saw dramatic growth, with the third quarter bringing almost 500,000 sqm of newly leased space. Construction continues at record pace, with 1.7 million sqm in various completion stages, potentially bringing the market close to 20 million sqm. Tourism development sparked hotel sector activity, with PPF acquiring the Hilton, Four Seasons and Diplomat hotels in Prague, pushing total hotel transactions above €500 million for the first time since 2019.

Slovakia's investment market recovered significantly, with commercial real estate transactions exceeding €800 million. Regional investors from CEE accounted for 60% of transactions, with Czech investors representing two-fifths of that total. "In 2025, no office building exceeding 10,000 sqm was completed, and the Slovak capital now has the highest stock of office space per thousand inhabitants among the Visegrad Four countries," said Josef Stanko, Director of Market Research at Colliers.

Bulgaria experienced a landmark year with full Schengen integration, removing border controls and boosting investor confidence. The country's economy exceeded forecasts with accelerated GDP growth, falling unemployment and rising wages. Poland maintained solid commercial real estate performance, with notable transactions including the sale of half of Mennica Legacy Tower for €180 million and TAG Immobilien's Resi4Rent portfolio sale for €565 million.

Looking ahead to 2026, Stanko predicts mixed prospects across the region. "2026 will bring new impulses to the commercial real estate market in CEE – from growing investment and modernization of office and retail space to strengthening demand for residential and logistics projects," he said. Bulgaria faces adopting the euro, Hungary expects 2.5% GDP growth from new manufacturing plants, while Romania faces challenges with expected GDP growth of just over 1%.

RECOMMENDED
CEE property markets set for growth in 2026 amid supply gaps and modernization
Real estate

CEE property markets set for growth in 2026 amid supply gaps and modernization

Colliers has published a new report focusing on CEE, examining economic and real estate trends across Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The study shows that 2025 brought moderate economic recovery, easing inflation and rising focus on sustainability, while real estate markets were shaped by modernization, limited new office supply, strong logistics demand and retail park expansion.

GTC posts stable cash flow despite revaluation losses
Real estate

GTC posts stable cash flow despite revaluation losses

GTC reported rental revenues of €152 million in the first nine months of 2025, up 9% from €139 million in the same period of 2024. The increase followed the acquisition of a residential portfolio in Germany, which contributed €18 million, partially offset by a €4 million decrease after the sale of the GTC X and Matrix C properties.

CEE real estate investment surges 38% on nine months
Real estate

CEE real estate investment surges 38% on nine months

Confidence is returning across CEE real estate markets, with investor sentiment shifting from cautious optimism to execution, according to Colliers. The region continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by moderating inflation, solid household consumption, and strong employment levels.

CEE real estate investment surges 38% by Q3 2025
Real estate

CEE real estate investment surges 38% by Q3 2025

CEE recorded a 38% increase in real estate investments in the first three quarters of 2025, reaching over €7 billion across six major markets, according to Colliers' latest report.

CTP reports 15% rental income growth on nine months
Real estate

CTP reports 15% rental income growth on nine months

Industrial developer CTP reported net rental income growth of 15.4% year-on-year to €549 million in the first nine months of 2025. The company achieved like-for-like rental growth of 4.5%, driven by indexation and lease renewals.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
ESG

Bog'Art achieves sustainability targets in advance

Romanian construction company Bog'Art has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, marking the second year the company voluntarily reports on its environmental, social and governance performance. The report demonstrates the company's commitment to transparency and sustainable development in Romania's construction industry.

Finance

New Fidelis bonds listed on BVB

Romania's Ministry of Finance attracted almost RON 1.5 billion (€293 million) through its 11th Fidelis government bond offering of 2025, which began trading on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

READ MORE
Business Forum  |  22 December, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Business Forum  |  19 December, 2025 at 5:22 PM